Principal Design Engineer (Main Contracting)

Pertemps; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering contractor is seeking a Principal Design Engineer in Greater London. This senior role allows you to lead the design function on key projects, ensuring engineering excellence and mentoring team members. Ideal candidates will have a civil engineering degree, chartership, and extensive design experience. Competitive salary with executive benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Executive-level benefits package

Opportunity to lead flagship projects

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer with significant post-chartership experience.
• Proven track record in civil engineering design.
• Strong knowledge of UK standards, codes, and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for design management and technical delivery.
• Lead, review, and approve complex designs, drawings, and specifications.
• Manage interfaces between design, site, and client teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Knowledge of UK standards

Design software proficiency

Education

Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Chartered Engineer (CEng)

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

STAAD Pro

Job description

The Role

A leading civil engineering main contractor is seeking a Principal Design Engineer to join their team in Greater London. This is a senior technical role, offering the opportunity to lead the design function on major infrastructure projects, provide strategic input, and ensure engineering excellence across multiple schemes.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for design management and technical delivery.
• Lead, review, and approve complex designs, drawings, and specifications.
• Provide strategic guidance on design methodology, risk, and value engineering.
• Manage interfaces between design, site, and client teams.
• Mentor and develop senior and junior engineers within the design function.
• Ensure all design deliverables meet programme, budget, and quality standards.
• Champion innovation, sustainability, and best practice in engineering solutions.
• Represent the business at client and stakeholder meetings.

About You

• Degree in Civil, Structural, or related Engineering discipline (Master’s desirable).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with significant post-chartership experience.
• Proven track record in civil engineering design, ideally with contractor-led projects.
• Strong knowledge of UK standards, codes, and regulations.
• Advanced proficiency in relevant design software (AutoCAD, Revit, STAAD Pro, etc.).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive technical excellence.

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to lead design on flagship infrastructure projects.
• Senior role within a collaborative and forward-thinking contractor.
• Competitive salary + executive-level benefits package.

Apply Now

If you’re an experienced Senior or Principal Design Engineer looking for your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you.