At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative engineering projects and mentor a dynamic design team.
- Company: Join VolkerStevin, a leader in civil engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical care, and flexible leave options.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values fairness and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in diverse sectors like energy, water, and defence.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree and 8+ years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Part of the VolkerWessels UK Group, VolkerStevin is an industry‑leading civil engineering business, providing complex and innovative engineering solutions across a wide range of sectors including maritime, flood risk management, defence, energy, water and regeneration. Collaborating with, and drawing on the specialist skills of the group’s business units we deliver a truly integrated, multidisciplinary service.
VolkerStevin have a fantastic opportunity for a Principal Design Engineer to join our Design team at Preston. We have a large and varied order book of projects, are you ready for your next challenge? The role of the Principal Design Engineer is to provide engineering support at all stages of the tendering and construction process for VolkerStevin Infrastructure Limited, VolkerStevin Specialist Businesses and other VWUK businesses as required. The Principal Design Engineer supports the Head of Engineering and Engineering Manager in delivering the department's strategy.
Role Purpose
This role supports the Engineering Department in delivering strategic objectives, ensuring high technical standards, and providing expert oversight of temporary and permanent works. The position acts as a technical authority, mentor, and departmental representative across multiple projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Engineering Strategy & Development: Identify improvement opportunities and support delivery of departmental strategy. Assist senior leadership in achieving engineering goals.
- Temporary Works Management: Support training delivery for Q25‑VS procedures. Help develop competency of TWCs and TWSs.
- Design Production: Approve and check design deliverables. Review internal and external temporary works designs. Produce complex temporary and permanent works designs, including calculations, drawings, risk assessments, and technical reports.
- Draughting & Drawing Oversight: Produce sketches and drawings when required. Communicate drawing requirements to CAD Technicians and check outputs. Ensure compliance with VS Engineering CAD standards.
- Technical Support: Provide technical advice and produce technical reports. Support risk management and carry out inspections. Share knowledge and support staff development.
- Quality Management: Conduct informal audits during site visits. Support resolution of quality issues and non‑conformances.
- Commercial Support: Provide feedback on consultant performance. Prepare design fee estimates and programme durations. Support commercial teams with technical input.
- Consultant Coordination: Act as liaison between project teams and consultants. Agree scopes, obtain quotations, draft Task Orders. Monitor progress and review consultant deliverables.
- Workload & Programme Management: Maintain department programme and Kanban Board. Attend weekly resource meetings. Monitor progress and raise delivery risks.
- People Development: Assist in competency assessment and coaching of engineering staff. Support a positive, inclusive team culture. Act as ICE Supervising Civil Engineer for graduates and apprentices.
- Project Interaction & Communication: Maintain awareness of major projects. Act as Engineering Department Representative (EDR). Attend meetings and undertake site visits.
About you
Relevant Engineering Degree. Chartered / Incorporated status with the ICE, IStructE or other relevant professional body. Minimum 8 years industry experience. Broad range of temporary and/or permanent works design experience.
If your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.
Why work with us?
VolkerStevin is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure. By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerStevin are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients. We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.
- Competitive salary
- Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
- Option to buy additional annual leave
- Private medical care
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
- Training and development opportunities - comprehensive skills‑based training
- Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity benefits
- Employee Assistance programme
- Mental health, physical health, and financial support
- 24/7 Virtual GP service
Fairness, inclusion and respect
We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.
If you need support with your application, please contact us at careers@volkerwessels.co.uk.
Principal Design Engineer - Senior Design Engineer in Preston employer: Volkerrail Group
VolkerStevin, part of the VolkerWessels UK Group, is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration within the civil engineering sector. Located in Preston, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development through comprehensive training opportunities and a commitment to fairness and inclusion. With competitive benefits, including private medical care and enhanced family policies, we ensure our team members thrive both professionally and personally while contributing to impactful projects across various sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer - Senior Design Engineer in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work at VolkerStevin or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and project experience. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex design challenges in the past. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for civil engineering! During interviews, share what excites you about the industry and how you stay updated with the latest trends. This enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at VolkerStevin.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer - Senior Design Engineer in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Design Engineer role. Highlight your relevant engineering projects and any leadership experience to show us you're the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about civil engineering and how your background makes you a great candidate for our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves complex design work, be sure to mention specific software or methodologies you’re familiar with. We want to see how you can contribute to our engineering strategy and development!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Volkerrail Group
✨Know Your Engineering Fundamentals
Brush up on your engineering principles, especially those related to temporary and permanent works design. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these concepts, as this will show your depth of knowledge and experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Design Engineer, you'll be expected to mentor and lead teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided junior engineers or managed project teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster a positive team culture.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that assess your problem-solving skills and design capabilities. Review common challenges in civil engineering and think through how you would approach them. Being able to articulate your thought process is key.
✨Understand VolkerStevin's Projects
Familiarise yourself with VolkerStevin's recent projects and their impact on the community. This shows your genuine interest in the company and allows you to align your answers with their values and objectives during the interview.
