Principal Structural Engineer – Underground Structures in Birmingham
Principal Structural Engineer – Underground Structures

Principal Structural Engineer – Underground Structures in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Go Premium
WSP

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative structural design for underground projects like tunnels and shafts.
  • Company: Join WSP, a global leader in engineering with a culture of inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, and opportunities for personal development.
  • Why this job: Shape landmark projects and make a real impact on communities worldwide.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering and experience in underground structures.
  • Other info: Embrace a supportive environment that values your growth and well-being.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

  • Degree qualified in Civil or Structural Engineering (postgraduate qualification desirable).
  • Extensive experience in structural design for underground shafts and tunnels, including temporary and permanent works.
  • Strong understanding of structural behaviour under complex loading conditions and ground‑structure interaction.
  • Familiarity with tunnelling methods (e.g., TBM, NATM, SCL) and shaft sinking techniques.
  • Proficiency in structural analysis software (e.g., STAAD.Pro, MIDAS, Robot, or similar) and integration with geotechnical modelling tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and lead multi‑disciplinary teams.
  • Excellent communication skills and willingness to travel within the UK and internationally.

If you don’t meet all that we are looking for please still consider applying. Not everyone will meet all the requirements, but you might have skills we didn’t know we need.

The Role

  • Lead structural design for underground structures such as tunnels, shafts, and related works from concept through detailed design and construction phases.
  • Apply advanced structural engineering principles to develop safe, efficient, and innovative solutions for underground projects.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant design standards and guidance (e.g., Eurocodes, BS codes, ITA guidelines, and applicable local regulations).
  • Undertake and review structural analyses including load assessments, ground‑structure interaction modelling, and design of temporary and permanent support systems.
  • Collaborate with geotechnical teams to integrate ground behaviour considerations into structural solutions.
  • Manage technical delivery of multi‑disciplinary projects, coordinating inputs from civil, geotechnical, and environmental teams.
  • Provide expert advice on construction methods, structural risk management, and material selection for underground works.
  • Conduct site inspections, supervise construction activities, and provide technical input during tunnelling and shaft sinking operations.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to internal training programmes and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.
  • Support business development through proposal preparation, client engagement, and participation in industry conferences.
  • Promote health, safety, and equality in all aspects of work, adhering to company policies and values.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? With us, you can. Apply today.

Work‑life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

Principal Structural Engineer – Underground Structures in Birmingham employer: WSP

At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and inclusivity. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee wellbeing through initiatives like our Thrive programme. Join us in shaping landmark projects while enjoying a balanced work-life environment in our modern UK offices, where your unique contributions are valued and celebrated.
WSP

Contact Detail:

WSP Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Structural Engineer – Underground Structures in Birmingham

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work at WSP or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and project management skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with underground structures and how you’ve tackled complex challenges in past projects.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for structural engineering! During interviews, share your enthusiasm for innovative solutions and how you stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies.

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 WSP.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Structural Engineer – Underground Structures in Birmingham

Civil Engineering
Structural Engineering
Underground Structures Design
Structural Analysis Software (e.g., STAAD.Pro, MIDAS, Robot)
Tunnelling Methods (e.g., TBM, NATM, SCL)
Shaft Sinking Techniques
Project Management
Complex Loading Conditions Analysis
Ground-Structure Interaction Modelling
Compliance with Design Standards (e.g., Eurocodes, BS codes, ITA guidelines)
Technical Delivery Management
Communication Skills
Mentoring and Training
Client Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your degree and any relevant experience in structural design for underground structures. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!

Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for this specific role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for. It’ll make your application stand out and show us you’re genuinely interested!

Be Yourself: We value authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for engineering and any unique perspectives you bring to the table. Remember, we’re looking for diverse backgrounds and ideas!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. 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 WSP

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your structural engineering principles, especially those related to underground structures. Be ready to discuss your experience with tunnelling methods and structural analysis software like STAAD.Pro or MIDAS. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.

Showcase Your Project Management Skills

Prepare examples of complex projects you've managed, highlighting how you led multi-disciplinary teams. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.

Communicate Clearly

Since excellent communication skills are a must, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to explain technical concepts to non-engineers, so being able to simplify your language is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends to refine your delivery.

Embrace the Culture

Familiarise yourself with WSP's values around inclusivity and work-life balance. Be prepared to discuss how you align with these values and how you can contribute to a positive workplace culture. Showing that you understand and appreciate their ethos can set you apart from other candidates.

Principal Structural Engineer – Underground Structures in Birmingham
WSP
Location: Birmingham
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>