Principal Bridge Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Leeds; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil and structural engineering consultancy is seeking a Principal Engineer in West Yorkshire to lead bridge and structural projects. This role offers the chance to mentor teams and work on high-profile infrastructure projects. The company values technical excellence and offers opportunities for career development within a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience managing projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong technical expertise in bridge design and structural engineering.
• Sound understanding of relevant UK standards including Eurocodes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage project teams delivering feasibility studies and detailed design.
• Produce and oversee high-quality technical deliverables.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver integrated solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Technical expertise

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Education

Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (or equivalent)

Chartered Engineer (CEng, MICE/MIStructE or similar)

Job description

Job Description

Job Opportunity

Principal Engineer – Bridges & Structures

Location: West Yorkshire

I’m currently recruiting on behalf of a privately owned civil, structural and environmental consultancy – a leading civil and structural engineering consultancy – for an experienced Principal Engineer to join their Bridges & Structures team based in West Yorkshire.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation known for delivering technically complex and high-profile infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally. If you're looking for a role where your leadership, technical expertise and innovative thinking can drive sustainable and impactful engineering solutions, this could be the perfect fit.

The Role

As Principal Engineer, you’ll be instrumental in leading the design and delivery of a wide range of bridge and structural engineering projects. This includes highways, rail, energy, and aviation infrastructure. You’ll also mentor junior engineers, collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, and work closely with clients to deliver efficient, sustainable and value-driven outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Take technical lead on structural engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Lead, mentor and manage project teams delivering feasibility studies, detailed design, and construction support.
• Produce and oversee high-quality technical deliverables, including design calculations, specifications, reports, and drawings.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver integrated solutions.
• Support business development and client engagement activities.
• Drive innovation and digital delivery, contributing to sustainability and decarbonisation goals.
• Work collaboratively with the technical teams across the UK and Ireland.

What We’re Looking For

• A degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (or equivalent).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng, MICE/MIStructE or similar) or on the pathway to chartership.
• Strong technical expertise in bridge design and structural engineering.
• Demonstrable experience managing projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Sound understanding of relevant UK standards including Eurocodes, DMRB, Network Rail standards etc.
• Experience in post-tensioned structures, asset management or structural renewals is highly desirable.

My client is widely respected for its technical excellence, collaborative culture, and commitment to delivering meaningful infrastructure that improves communities. With offices in West Yorkshire, London, and Dublin, they offer diverse and challenging projects, strong support for career development, and a positive, inclusive workplace.

This is an excellent opportunity to take your career to the next level with a company that values expertise, innovation, and a people-first approach.

Interested?

If you’re a Principal Engineer or an experienced Senior Engineer ready for your next step, I’d love to hear from you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Pete at Elb [e-mail]

& Accessibility

Applications are welcome from all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments to support your application, don’t hesitate to get in touch – I’ll ensure the process is as smooth and accessible as possible.