Principal Bridges

Breath HR; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Option to purchase extra leave

Pension 3–6% matched

Life Assurance 4x salary

Profit related bonus

Income protection

Professional subscription

Health care

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Breath HR, a leading engineering consultancy, seeks a Principal Engineer to provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for major projects in Scotland. You will guide project teams, liaise with clients, and ensure on-time, on-budget delivery while driving innovation and business development.

You will mentor senior engineers, oversee multidisciplinary teams, and manage profitability across projects, with frequent client engagement and proposal writing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ICE or IStructE accredited course.
• Chartered Engineer with ICE or related professional body.
• Proven track record acting as a Contractor’s Responsible Engineer (CRE).

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual designs, produce engineering designs, drawings, and reports per project requirements.
• Provide technical oversight and approval for complex solutions.
• Oversee multidisciplinary teams and ensure project compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Manage project teams, ensuring deliverables are on time and within budget.
• Build strong client relationships and secure new business opportunities.
• Guide and mentor senior engineers, providing technical and managerial support.
• Oversee the financial management and profitability of projects.
• Contribute to business development and secure new projects through client engagement and proposal writing.
• Attend meetings representing the team and the company in industry events and technical publications.

Skills

Leadership

Client development

Business acumen

Project management

Negotiation skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Civil/Structural Engineering

Chartered Engineer with ICE/IStructE

CRE experience

Tools

NEC4 contracts

Job description

As a Principal Engineer, you will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for engineering projects.

You will guide project teams, liaise with clients, and ensure the successful delivery of engineering projects on time and on budget.

This role involves building strong client relationships and driving business development and innovation.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Development of conceptual designs, production of engineering designs, drawings, and reports per project requirements, and ensuring technical compliance.
• Provide technical oversight and approval for complex solutions.
• Oversee multidisciplinary teams and ensure project compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Manage project teams, ensuring deliverables are on time and within budget.
• Build strong client relationships and secure new business opportunities.
• Guide and mentor senior engineers, providing technical and managerial support.
• Oversee the financial management and profitability of projects.
• Contribute to business development and secure new projects through client engagement and proposal writing.
• Attend meetings representing the team and the company in industry events and technical publications.

Person Specification

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ICE or IStructE accredited course.

Chartered Engineer with ICE or related professional body.

Proven track record acting as a Contractor’s Responsible Engineer (CRE).

Skills

Exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and client development skills.

Strong business acumen with a focus on project profitability and delivery.

Ability to manage complex projects and large multidisciplinary teams.

Exceptional client management and negotiation skills.

Collaborate with project managers, contractors, and clients to ensure successful project execution.

Experience

Typically, 8+ years of experience in a relevant discipline with a successful track record of leading and delivering high-profile projects.

Personal Attributes

Aptitude to work on your own initiative, be proactive and take responsibility.

The initiative, a flexible approach, and the ability to multitask and prioritise.

Highly motivated and able to work independently or as part of a team.

Enthusiastic, hardworking and a positive outlook and approachable manner.

Good communication and teamwork abilities.

Willingness to learn and adapt.

Operate in a fast-paced and dynamic multi-tasking environment.

Additional Responsibilities

A full clean driving license would be an advantage.

Sentinel Track Safety – PTS holder.

Familiar with NEC4 suite of contracts.

Due to the nature of this role, site work, overnight or weekend work may be required.

Benefits

• Annual Leave: 30 days (incl. Public Holidays).
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave (Up to 5 days).
• Pension: minimum 3% matched up to 6%.
• Life Assurance *4 Salary.
• Profit Related Bonus Scheme.
• Income Protection (after successful probation).
• Professional Subscription.
• Health Care.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.