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: Inclusive culture with strong support for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in diverse sectors while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree and 8+ years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ 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.
We offer a range of benefits, including:
- 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.
Additional information
Note for Recruitment Agencies: Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release. We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed.
VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.
Principal Design Engineer - Senior Design Engineer in Sheffield employer: VolkerWessels UK
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.
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We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer - Senior Design Engineer in Sheffield
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer - Senior Design Engineer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Design Engineer - Senior Design Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
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Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to VolkerWessels UK specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
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How to prepare for a job interview at VolkerWessels UK
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with VolkerWessels UK, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like VolkerWessels UK want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.