At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative marine concrete design projects and shape the future of offshore infrastructure.
- Company: Join Sperra Seaworks Limited, a pioneer in 3D printed concrete solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible remote work, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of marine energy and construction.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge marine projects while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in structural engineering with a focus on marine or coastal structures.
Join to apply for the Lead Structural Engineer - Marine Concrete Design role at Sperra. About Sperra Seaworks Limited: Sperra Seaworks Limited is advancing the next generation of marine and offshore infrastructure using 3D printed concrete and advanced structural design. Our mission is to develop practical, scalable solutions for offshore construction – including anchors, floating platforms, and subsea systems – supporting emerging forms of marine energy and resilient coastal development. With headquarters in Los Angeles and growing operations in Europe, Sperra Seaworks Limited is expanding its engineering team in the UK to support projects across Europe and the Middle East.
Who You Are
- A structural engineer with extensive reinforced concrete design experience, ideally in marine, port, or coastal environments.
- Skilled at developing conceptual through detailed designs, with a strong sense of constructability and practical implementation.
- Experienced applying Eurocode, BS EN, DNV, and related standards to non-standard and complex structures.
- Comfortable generating design solutions for emerging construction methods, including 3D printed concrete.
- Creative and resourceful—able to propose and evaluate structural concepts beyond conventional approaches.
- Organised and effective at managing design workflows, documentation, and project deliverables.
- A clear communicator who works well with contractors, fabricators, and multidisciplinary teams.
What You Will Do
- As Lead Structural Engineer, you will shape the design and delivery of Sperra’s UK marine infrastructure projects.
- You will lead concrete structural design across concept development, detailed design, fabrication planning, and prototype development.
- While analysis remains part of the work, the emphasis is on design leadership, creativity, and project execution.
- Working closely with Sperra’s R&D and fabrication teams, you will help translate prototypes, material testing, and computational models into manufacturable offshore and coastal infrastructure solutions.
- As Sperra Seaworks Limited’s first UK-based hire, you will help establish our engineering and operational presence in the region.
- You will shape local engineering practices, coordinate with UK and EU partners, and support the development of a highly capable UK engineering hub within Sperra’s global portfolio.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead structural design for concrete marine and offshore structures, including novel 3D printed systems.
- Develop conceptual designs, detailed drawings, and specifications for prototypes and project deliverables.
- Balance structural performance, code compliance, durability, and manufacturability in marine environments.
- Evaluate constructability constraints and coordinate design details with fabricators and contractors.
- Support project management activities, including scope definition, scheduling, technical documentation, and client coordination.
- Prepare design reports, calculations, and documentation compliant with Eurocode, BS EN, and DNV standards.
- Contribute to early-stage concept development and applied R&D efforts.
- Support prototype development and testing, interpreting structural behaviour to refine design assumptions.
- Communicate design intent clearly to internal teams, external partners, and clients.
- Perform and review finite element analysis using SAP2000 and ABAQUS.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
- Master’s or PhD with focus on concrete, marine, or offshore structures (preferred).
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working toward chartership (strongly preferred).
- 7+ years of structural engineering experience, including reinforced concrete and marine/coastal structures.
- Strong command of Eurocode, BS EN, DNV, and/or API standards.
- Experience delivering projects from concept through detailed design and deployment.
- Strong communication skills in a remote, multidisciplinary environment.
- Experience with marine energy, offshore structures, or naval architecture is a plus.
- Proficiency in structural analysis and FEM tools (e.g., SAP2000, ABAQUS).
What You Will Get
- Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.
- Employer-contributed pension scheme.
- 25 days annual leave + UK bank holidays.
- Home-office equipment and engineering software/tools provided.
- Flexible remote work with periodic travel to project and fabrication sites.
- Opportunity to shape Sperra’s UK engineering presence and influence technical strategy.
- Work on cutting-edge projects at the intersection of marine infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.
Seniority Level: Mid-Senior level
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Function: Engineering and Information Technology
Industries: Construction
Lead Structural Engineer - Marine Concrete Design employer: Sperra
As a leading marine infrastructure company, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Our employees enjoy competitive pay, flexible working arrangements, and ample opportunities for professional growth, particularly in the exciting field of 3D-printed concrete design. Join us in shaping the future of marine engineering in the UK, where your expertise will directly impact groundbreaking offshore projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Structural Engineer - Marine Concrete Design
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Sperra, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Lead Structural Engineer - Marine Concrete Design at Sperra.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Structural Engineer - Marine Concrete Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sperra
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
