Lead Structural Engineer

Barker Ross; Watford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable engineering organization is seeking a Lead Structural Engineer in Watford to manage complex structural engineering projects and mentor junior engineers. In a collaborative setting, you will ensure compliance with standards, oversee project deliveries, and interact with clients to produce high-quality proposals. This full-time role offers a competitive salary between £65,000 - £70,000, along with a professional working environment and specialized support.

Benefits

Challenging and varied projects

Access to specialist testing facilities

Collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer status required.
• BEng or MEng in Civil Engineering or equivalent needed.
• Strong knowledge of UK construction methods and standards essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver structural engineering and testing projects effectively.
• Lead design verification processes ensuring compliance with standards.
• Provide technical guidance and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Structural engineering principles

Project management

Technical writing

Commercial awareness

Proficiency in AutoCAD LT

Education

BEng or MEng in Civil Engineering

Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer (CEng)

Tools

AutoCAD LT

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Lead Structural Engineer

Location: Watford, London
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 per annum

A reputable organisation operating at the forefront of structural testing and assurance is seeking a Chartered Structural Engineer to join its Structural Technology team. This role plays a key part in delivering complex structural engineering and testing projects that support the wider built environment.

You will work in a collaborative, laboratory-focused environment alongside engineers, technicians, and specialists, leading design verification activities, ensuring compliance with relevant standards, and supporting the continued growth and reputation of the structural engineering function.

Role

The Lead Structural Engineer will deliver high-quality structural engineering services while managing technical resources, mentoring junior engineers, and supporting business development. The role is both technically hands‑on and client‑facing, with regular interaction with external stakeholders and representation at industry events and trade shows.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver and oversee structural engineering and testing projects to agreed technical, commercial, and programme objectives
• Manage a technical work area, including people, resources, and safe working practices
• Lead design verification processes, ensuring compliance with BS and EN standards
• Develop and review test regimes using principles of structural design, static and dynamic mechanics
• Provide technical guidance and mentor junior engineers, supporting professional development
• Work directly with clients to understand complex requirements, responding to enquiries and preparing high‑quality technical proposals and reports
• Support business development activities, including networking, client meetings, and attending trade shows and industry events
• Coordinate effectively with engineers, technicians, and laboratory staff to ensure cohesive project delivery
• Undertake building inspections and produce inspection reports with an understanding of historic and modern UK construction
• Design and assess structural elements and assemblies, including structures designed to resist fire in accordance with BS EN standards
• Ensure laboratory and project activities are carried out safely, including preparation of risk assessments and method statements

What Success Looks Like

• Timely, high‑quality responses to client enquiries within agreed SLAs
• Consistent flow of technically robust projects into laboratory programmes
• Growth in project income and repeat business
• Strong collaboration across multidisciplinary teams
• A credible and visible presence within the industry

Essential Requirements

• Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer (CEng)
• BEng or MEng in Civil Engineering (or equivalent)
• Strong understanding of structural engineering principles and their application in testing and assurance environments
• Confident use and interpretation of British and European Standards
• Experience in structural analysis, including FEA modelling
• Strong knowledge of UK construction methods, details, and building products
• Proven ability to manage and deliver complex engineering projects
• Excellent technical writing skills with experience producing professional reports and proposals
• Commercial awareness and ability to support business development
• Proficiency in AutoCAD LT, Microsoft Word, and Excel

Desirable Experience

• Experience working in laboratory-based testing environments
• Experience designing structural elements for fire resistance in accordance with BS EN standards
• Experience representing organisations at conferences, trade shows, or industry forums

What's on Offer

• £65,000 - £70,000 salary package
• Challenging and varied structural engineering projects
• Access to specialist testing facilities and multidisciplinary expertise
• A collaborative and professional working environment

Application

To apply, please submit your CV. We will review applications on an ongoing basis and contact shortlisted candidates to discuss the opportunity further.

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Equality

Barker Ross Group values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.