Design Engineer

DCS Recruitment; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

DCS Recruitment is seeking a Design Engineer to join a leading Tier 1 contractor in Watford for temporary works design. You will develop practical engineering solutions, perform design checks and prepare technical documentation, working closely with Senior Engineers and project stakeholders.

The role focuses on temporary works within major construction projects, offering opportunities to progress within a large contractor environment and gain exposure to complex infrastructure tasks.

Qualifications

• A degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience in Temporary Works Design within construction, infrastructure or engineering environments.
• Ability to deliver design work and calculations with a good level of independence.
• Experience under guidance of Senior Engineer or Design Manager.
• Good understanding of construction methods, sequencing and buildability.
• Experience undertaking engineering calculations and design checks.
• Knowledge of relevant design standards and codes of practice.
• Good communication skills and ability to work with construction and project teams.
• Ability to manage multiple design tasks and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver temporary works design solutions to support construction activities.
• Produce engineering calculations, design checks and technical documentation.
• Apply design standards, codes and engineering principles.
• Review and validate design outputs, including hand calculations.
• Collaborate with Senior Engineers, construction teams and stakeholders.
• Identify engineering challenges and develop practical, buildable solutions.
• Consider safety, buildability and cost when proposing designs.
• Prepare and maintain design records and technical documentation.
• Support review and checking of designs produced by others.
• Contribute to design risk assessments and management of design risks.

Skills

Temporary Works Design

Independent design delivery

Engineering calculations

Construction methods & buildability

Standards & codes knowledge

Communication

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Structural Engineering degree or related

Tools

Engineering design software

BIM

Job description

Design Engineer – Temporary Works

Location: Watford, Hertfordshire
Sector: Construction & Infrastructure
Employment Type: Permanent

The Role

A leading Tier 1 construction and infrastructure business is looking for a Design Engineer to join its engineering team in Watford.

The role will involve developing and delivering practical engineering solutions to support construction projects, with a particular focus on temporary works design.

You will work under the guidance of a Senior Engineer but will be expected to take ownership of your designs and deliver work independently, including design checks, calculations and technical documentation.

This is a strong opportunity for a Design Engineer looking to develop their career within a major contractor environment and gain exposure to complex construction and infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver temporary works design solutions to support construction activities.
• Produce engineering calculations, design checks and technical documentation.
• Apply relevant design standards, codes and engineering principles.
• Review and validate design outputs, including through appropriate hand calculations.
• Work closely with Senior Engineers, construction teams and project stakeholders.
• Identify engineering challenges and develop practical, buildable solutions.
• Consider alternative design solutions with regard to safety, buildability and cost.
• Prepare and maintain design records and technical documentation.
• Support the review and checking of designs produced by others.
• Contribute to design risk assessments and the management of design risks.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant standards, legislation and company procedures.
• Support continuous improvement and the development of engineering solutions across projects.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• A degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience in Temporary Works Design within a construction, infrastructure or engineering environment.
• The ability to deliver design work and calculations with a good level of independence.
• Experience working under the guidance of a Senior Engineer or Design Manager.
• A good understanding of construction methods, sequencing and buildability.
• Experience undertaking engineering calculations and design checks.
• Knowledge of relevant design standards and codes of practice.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with construction and project teams.
• The ability to manage multiple pieces of design work and meet project deadlines.

Transferable Experience

Candidates without direct temporary works experience may still be considered where they have a strong Permanent Works Design background combined with relevant construction experience.

Around one year of construction experience alongside permanent works design may provide a suitable foundation to move into temporary works, although candidates with direct temporary works experience will be preferred.

Desirable

• Experience working for a major contractor or established design consultancy.
• Experience within major construction or infrastructure projects.
• Working towards ICE or IStructE professional qualifications.
• Temporary Works Coordinator or Temporary Works Supervisor awareness/training.
• Knowledge of BIM and digital engineering processes.
• Experience with industry-standard engineering design software.
• Understanding of CDM and designer responsibilities.

Important

This role is focused on temporary works and construction engineering. Candidates whose experience is primarily highways design, without relevant temporary works or transferable construction design experience, are unlikely to be suitable.

DCS Recruitment and all associated companies are committed to creating a working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality