Principal Civil & Structural Engineer

ATTB - The Big Jobsite; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm seeks a Principal Civil & Structural Engineer to join their team in Cardiff. This role involves managing the technical delivery of diverse projects, mentoring staff, and ensuring quality standards are met. With a commitment to employee development and international collaboration, the company values innovative contributions from its engineers.

Benefits

Hybrid working setup with flexible hours

Minimum 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Annual discretionary bonus scheme

Private medical insurance

Contributory Pension Scheme, up to 5%

Qualifications

• Proven experience in designing large-scale structures.
• Ability to lead teams and manage technical scopes.
• Experience in bridge design and structural steel.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of projects involving bridges and structural designs.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and technicians.
• Inspect structures and prepare reports.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Project Management

Technical Leadership

Fluency in English

Education

Working towards Chartered ICE or IStructE

Tools

Tedds

Robot Structural Analysis

Midas

Job description

This role is offered by Crouch Waterfall, a subsidiary of Vulcain Engineering Group.

As part of the Vulcain family, Crouch Waterfall brings decades of specialist experience in Civil, Structural, and Geotechnical Engineering to a wide range of UK infrastructure projects. Crouch Waterfall specializes in core areas of Bridges, Rail, Infrastructure, Buildings, and Geotechnical Services, designing and coordinating projects from conception to completion. Established since 1981, the business has enjoyed steady growth driven by a committed and highly skilled workforce of 120 employees.

Due to business growth, we are seeking a Principal Civil & Structural Engineer to join our multi-disciplinary civil & structural team in our Cardiff office. Reporting to the Company Director, this person will lead the technical delivery across a variety of projects, from small value projects up to £20m in construction value, covering commercial structures, public sector structures, rail, domestic, and temporary works design, amongst others.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with our Civil & Structural Lead to lead the technical delivery of projects involving bridges, structural steel, reinforced concrete, and more.
• Inspire and lead a team of Engineers & Technicians—mentoring, coaching, training, developing, and advising junior staff on solutions, and supporting other team members.
• Check designs prepared by others, including detailed calculations by hand and through computer models.
• Carry out inspections, including site surveys & assessments of structures, and prepare reports.
• Manage project programmes, workload, and resources alongside senior leadership.
• Liaise with clients to verify project scope and ensure deliverables are met.
• Participate in the preparation of tenders and proposals.
• Contribute to business growth by engaging with potential clients and maintaining existing relationships.

Our Cardiff team has experienced remarkable growth over the past three years, expanding from just four engineers and technicians to a team of 20 highly qualified members. During this period, the team has successfully designed and delivered a variety of exciting projects, including the Roof Walk experience at the Principality Stadium, the Tidal Defence Gate for Truro, and a 50m Steel Tower for the Sudbrook shaft tunnel on the River Severn. Additionally, our expertise extends to footbridge design, listed structure refurbishment, scaffold design for Hinkley Point C, and innovative use of materials such as GRP.

Experience:

• Proven experience in designing large-scale structures, including bridges, structural steel, and reinforced concrete.
• Ability to manage technical scopes through leadership or mentoring.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with client-facing experience.
• Fluency in English and the right to work in the UK, with UK project experience.
• Working towards or already Chartered (ICE or IStructE).
• Expertise in assessment, inspection, calculations, and analysis of structures and new-build design.
• Proficiency in structural engineering software such as Tedds, Robot Structural Analysis, and Midas; experience in 3D design is advantageous.
• Experience in bridge design and temporary works preferred, but broader structural backgrounds are also considered.
• Sector experience in rail and/or highways is desirable; applicants from building or other infrastructure backgrounds are welcome.

What’s in it for you?

We invest in our people through tailored training, mentoring, and opportunities for progression, whether aiming for Chartership, leadership development, or broader commercial experience. Our supportive, open-door culture values your ideas and contributions. You’ll have the chance to work across sectors, with proven success in transitioning engineers from buildings and commercial projects into infrastructure and heavy industry.

As part of the Vulcain Engineering Group, you’ll benefit from international connections, stability, and a collaborative culture.

Rewards and Benefits:

• Hybrid working setup with flexible hours.
• Casual office attire and a relaxed environment.
• Minimum 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, plus a day off on your Birthday.
• Additional leave purchase scheme.
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme.
• Private medical insurance.
• Contributory Pension Scheme, up to 5%.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Crouch Waterfall values diversity and is committed to eliminating discrimination. All employees have equal opportunities for advancement based on merit, access to training, and ability to perform the job, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, or other unrelated factors.