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- Tasks: Design and review structural steel designs while collaborating with teams.
- Company: Dynamic engineering firm based in Manchester with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a team where your designs make a real-world impact on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: HNC or degree in Civil/Mechanical Engineering; experience in structural engineering preferred.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a chance to lead on innovative projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As a Design Engineer, you will support the Lead Design Engineer (LDE) and Design Manager in delivering detailed structural designs on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. You will prepare and review calculations, oversee colleagues' work, and coordinate with UK-based and international teams. On larger projects, you may deputise for the LDE in specific areas, taking on delegated leadership responsibilities. Travel to client sites, on-site attendance, or even full project deployment may be required.
Key Responsibilities
- Design Calculations & Reviews: Prepare and verify connection, joint, steel-element, and temporary stability calculations; develop and review Calc Marking Plans, Design Briefs, and Connection Method Statements; check peers' designs against QA processes and industry codes.
- Project Coordination & Site Engagement: Work to programmes set by the LDE, tracking progress and reporting on milestones; maintain calculation registers and variation folders; manage Technical Queries and CDM hazard registers/risk assessments; liaise with design, project, manufacturing, procurement, and erection teams; attend client meetings and site visits as required.
- Data Management & Efficiency: Organise and manage large volumes of design data to ensure efficient workflows, full traceability, and optimal use of resources.
- Economic Fabrication Design: Develop structural solutions that minimise material waste and fabrication cost while ensuring practical and manufacturable designs.
- Software & Standards: Utilise design tools (MasterSeries, MathCAD, STAAD, Tekla, Sap2000) and data-analysis/reporting platforms (Power BI); adhere to internal guidance, Quality Management Systems, and relevant codes (e.g., BS 5950, Eurocode, AISC, NSSS).
- Mentoring & Administration: Supervise and coach junior staff; coordinate small, self-contained contracts when assigned; take full responsibility for your work, ensuring thorough self-checks before handover; manage time effectively to meet programmes and adapt to changing project needs.
Performance Objectives
- Deliver all assigned tasks on schedule and within man-hour budgets.
- Achieve zero Non-Conformance Reports on your outputs.
- Maintain up-to-date registers and documentation of all design deliverables.
- Ensure all designs comply with industry best practices, applicable codes, and project-specific requirements, while remaining economical to fabricate.
Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Minimum HNC in Civil or Mechanical Engineering; Bachelor's degree preferred.
- Professional Status: Associate or Chartered membership of the Institution of Structural Engineers (or equivalent) advantageous.
- Experience: HNC: 4-6 years in structural (or related) engineering; Degree or higher: 2-3 years in structural (or related) engineering.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong engineering judgment.
- Proficiency with structural design software/connection design (e.g., MasterSeries, MathCAD, STAAD, Tekla, Sap2000).
- Clear verbal and written communication with all stakeholders.
- Methodical analytical and problem-solving approach.
- Self-motivation and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
- Flexibility and adaptability in taking varied assignments as needed.
- Commitment to meeting deadlines, including occasional extra effort when required.
- Comfortable applying computational thinking - from spreadsheets to scripts - to streamline engineering work.
Note: This role may involve limited delegation of Lead Design Engineer duties on larger projects.
Apply today and our steel specialist Sabrina O'Donnell will be in touch.
Design Engineer - Structural Steel in Manchester employer: The Highfield Company
Contact Detail:
The Highfield Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineer - Structural Steel in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the structural engineering field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best design projects and calculations. This visual evidence of your work can really impress during interviews and set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for design engineers and practice your answers. Be ready to discuss your experience with software like MasterSeries and Tekla, as well as your approach to problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineer - Structural Steel in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Engineer role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your proficiency with structural design software and any project coordination experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about structural engineering and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your commitment to quality and deadlines!
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any relevant projects, be sure to include them in your application. Describe your role, the challenges you faced, and how you contributed to the project's success. This will help us see your practical experience in action.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Highfield Company
✨Know Your Software
Familiarise yourself with the design tools mentioned in the job description, like MasterSeries, MathCAD, and Tekla. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in your previous projects or during your studies.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past. Think about specific situations where you had to apply your analytical skills or adapt to changing project needs, as this role requires flexibility and a methodical approach.
✨Understand the Industry Standards
Brush up on relevant codes such as BS 5950 and Eurocode. Being able to discuss how you ensure compliance with these standards in your designs will show that you’re serious about quality and best practices.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since the role involves liaising with various teams and attending client meetings, demonstrating strong verbal and written communication skills will be crucial during your interview.
