Principal Civil & Structural Engineer - Lifting Specialist

NRL Ltd; Renfrew; Hybrid; GBP 101,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

NRL Group is seeking a Principal Civil & Structural Engineer (Lifting Specialist) in Renfrew with hybrid working. You will lead civil, structural and lifting activities across diverse projects, ensuring safety, compliance, and engineering excellence.

The role requires chartered status, a strong track record in steel design and lifting operations, and the ability to mentor engineers while driving technical assurance and risk mitigation on complex initiatives.

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (BEng, MEng, BSc, MSc or equivalent).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or recognised equivalent.
• Minimum 10 years’ post‑graduate experience in civil/structural and lifting projects.
• Appointed Person (Lifting Operations) qualification per BS 7121 is required.
• Extensive knowledge of LOLER, PUWER and Health & Safety at Work legislation.
• Strong background in structural steelwork design/analysis and lifting methodologies.
• Experience mentoring teams and acting as Technical Authority for lifting operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and specialist expertise in civil, structural and lifting engineering.
• Prepare, review and approve lifting plans and risk assessments.
• Carry out structural steelwork design and analysis for lifting and permanent works.
• Design lifting components including lugs, trunnions, beams and spreader assemblies.
• Assess structural integrity of lifting points and supporting frameworks.
• Calculate centres of gravity and define safe lifting methodologies.
• Specify hoisting systems and appropriate lifting equipment.
• Support complex lifting operations, ensuring full compliance with relevant legislation.
• Lead technical assurance activities and incident investigations.
• Mentor and develop engineers, supporting competency growth and succession planning.

Skills

Technical leadership

Lifting engineering

Civil/Structural engineering

Stakeholder management

Mentoring/leadership

Education

BEng/MEng/BSc in Civil or Structural Engineering

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent

Tools

LOLER/PUWER compliance

Structural analysis knowledge

Mobile crane operations knowledge

Job description

Principal Civil & Structural Engineer - Lifting Specialist

An excellent opportunity for an experienced Principal Civil and Structural Engineer (Lifting Sepcialist) to take on a leadership position within a multidisciplinary engineering environment. Based in Renfrew with hybrid working, this long‑term contract role is ideal for a Chartered Engineer with proven expertise in civil, structural and lifting engineering. You’ll provide technical authority, supporting projects across diverse industrial sectors while delivering high standards of safety, compliance and engineering excellence.

Attractive rate – Inside IR35

Location and Working Pattern

Renfrew, hybrid working arrangement available

Client Overview

Our client is a well‑established engineering organisation providing specialist design, technical support and assurance across a wide range of sectors. This position offers the chance to contribute to complex projects in a collaborative and safety‑focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and specialist expertise in civil, structural and lifting engineering.
• Prepare, review and approve lifting plans and risk assessments.
• Carry out structural steelwork design and analysis for lifting and permanent works.
• Design lifting components including lugs, trunnions, beams and spreader assemblies.
• Assess structural integrity of lifting points and supporting frameworks.
• Calculate centres of gravity and define safe lifting methodologies.
• Specify hoisting systems and appropriate lifting equipment.
• Support complex lifting operations, ensuring full compliance with relevant legislation.
• Lead technical assurance activities and incident investigations.
• Mentor and develop engineers, supporting competency growth and succession planning.

Must‑have Requirements

• Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (BEng, MEng, BSc, MSc or equivalent).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or recognised equivalent.
• Minimum 10 years’ post‑graduate or relevant experience.
• Appointed Person (Lifting Operations) qualification in accordance with BS 7121.
• Extensive working knowledge of LOLER, PUWER and Health & Safety at Work legislation.
• Strong background in structural steelwork design and analysis.
• Excellent understanding of mobile crane operations and lifting methodologies.
• Proven communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• OPITO approved LOLER Competent Person Assessment.
• Experience mentoring teams and acting as Technical Authority for lifting operations.
• Flexible, proactive and safety‑driven approach.

The NRL Group connect global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future.

We welcome applications from every walk of life and are committed to diversity within the industries we support, as a certified Inclusive Recruiter and Armed Forces friendly employer.