Design Engineer (2 Year FTC)

VSL International Ltd.; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

VSL International Ltd. is seeking a Design Engineer to support foundation design for major infrastructure and private sector projects. You will produce robust designs, support tendering and production teams, and contribute to safe on-site implementation with senior engineers and stakeholders.

The role offers exposure to geotechnical and foundation engineering activities while developing technical and professional expertise in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering.
• Chartered status preferred but not essential.
• 5–8 years of relevant foundation design experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver foundation design works for temporary and permanent structures.
• Assist with excavation and lateral support system designs.
• Prepare calculations, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Use geotechnical and structural software to develop safe engineering solutions.
• Support tendering, production teams, and site delivery.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Independent worker

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural/Geotechnical engineering

Tools

Plaxis 2D/3D

Oasys AdSec

Geostudio

Oasys Frew/Wallap

SAFE

AutoCAD

MS Office

BIM knowledge

Job description

As part of Bouygues Construction's Public Works division, VSL International participates in the construction of major technical structures and guarantees their structural safety and durability: transport infrastructure (bridges, tunnels), industrial and energy production structures, and commercial buildings.

VSL's Business Is Based On Four Areas Of Expertise

• Structural systems and technologies
• Civil engineering
• Foundations and soil engineering
• Preservation, structural repairs, renovation and optimization of structures.

VSL has 4,000 employees at 25 locations worldwide (Asia and Oceania, Middle East, Europe, Latin America, Canada).

Project

Sizewell C is at the heart of the UK’s clean energy revolution. This ground-breaking nuclear power plant project in Suffolk will play a vital role in delivering a sustainable future. Backed by EDF and the UK Government, Sizewell C is a once-in-a-generation project with significant opportunities to innovate, grow, and deliver excellence.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Design Engineer to support the delivery of foundation design solutions for both temporary and permanent works across major infrastructure and private sector projects. The role will assist in producing technically robust and commercially viable designs, supporting tendering and production teams, and contributing to the safe and effective implementation of engineering solutions on site.

The Design Engineer will work closely with senior engineers and project stakeholders, gaining exposure to a wide range of geotechnical and foundation engineering activities while developing their technical and professional expertise.

Main Responsibilities

Design & Technical Delivery

• Undertake foundation design works for temporary and permanent structures under the guidance of the Design Manager or Senior Design Engineers.
• Assist with the design of excavation and lateral support systems, ground improvement works, and piling solutions.
• Prepare calculations, drawings, and technical documentation in accordance with project specifications and relevant standards.
• Utilise geotechnical and structural software to develop safe and efficient engineering solutions.
• Support the preparation and review of design deliverables.

Project Support & Implementation

• Assist Production and Tendering teams with technical input into Method Documents and Method Statements.
• Provide engineering support to site teams during project delivery.
• Contribute to value engineering and buildability reviews during tender and construction phases.
• Support troubleshooting and technical problem-solving activities on projects.

Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with clients, contractors, consultants, and internal teams as required.
• Participate in technical meetings and project reviews.
• Support compliance with project requirements, company procedures, and industry standards.

Commercial & Resource Support

• Assist with design estimates, budgeting activities, and programme planning.
• Support the efficient delivery of engineering resources across projects.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and knowledge sharing within the engineering team.

Candidate Profile

Education & Experience

• Degree in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering.
• 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in the design and construction of foundation works.
• Experience in geotechnical, reinforced concrete, and steel member design.
• Chartered status or working towards chartership preferred but not essential.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in specialist geotechnical and structural software such as Plaxis 2D and 3D, Oasys AdSec, Geostudio, Oasys Frew or Wallap, SAFE, or similar.
• Competent in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of programming languages and previous exposure to BIM desirable.

Personal Attributes

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Highly motivated with a willingness to learn and develop.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of technical deliverables.

VSL/Bouygues Construction is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

A copy of our Equal Opportunities Policy is available upon request.