Principal Engineer

Fawkes & Reece; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction and engineering firm in Hertfordshire is looking for a Principal Design Engineer to join their team. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in civil engineering and extensive experience in scaffold and temporary works design. Responsibilities include leading engineering phases, developing designs, and collaborating with teams. The role offers a hybrid working model with an emphasis on safety and design integration, making a significant impact on infrastructure projects across the UK.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field.
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards it.
• Significant experience in structural and temporary works design.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and engineering phases of temporary works.
• Develop and review designs for scaffold systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on safety requirements.

Skills

Scaffold design expertise

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in AutoCAD

Understanding of construction sequencing

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

STAAD Pro

Tekla Tedds

Job description

My client is a leading name in the construction and engineering industry, renowned for delivering high-quality infrastructure projects across the UK. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, they are dedicated to shaping the future of construction. Their HQ in Hertfordshire is at the heart of their operations, driving forward projects that make a significant impact on communities and the environment.

They are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Design Engineer with a strong background in Civil Engineering and temporary works design to join their team in Hertfordshire.

Those who have site based experience and TWC would be advantageous.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the design and delivery of complex civil engineering projects, with a particular emphasis on the safe and efficient integration of scaffolding and access systems. This role requires technical leadership, design expertise, and a proactive approach to collaboration and safety.

The successful candidate will be offered a hybrid working arrangement with two working days from home permitted.

Duties

• Lead the design and engineering phases of both permanent and temporary works, with a key focus on scaffolding, access platforms, edge protection, and associated temporary structures.
• Develop and review engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for scaffold systems and access solutions in compliance with TG20, SG4, and other relevant standards.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including site teams, architects, structural engineers, and specialist subcontractors to ensure scaffold designs meet operational and safety requirements.
• Provide technical guidance, support, and mentorship to junior engineers and scaffold coordinators.
• Conduct regular site visits and inspections to validate scaffold installations, assess compliance, and resolve design or safety issues.
• Participate in temporary works coordination meetings, risk assessments, and constructability reviews.
• Ensure scaffold designs integrate seamlessly into overall project delivery plans and comply with CDM regulations and temporary works procedures.
• Keep up to date with the latest developments in scaffolding technologies, materials, and health & safety best practices.

Person Specification

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or working towards it.
• Significant experience in structural and temporary works design within the civil engineering or construction industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in scaffold design, including familiarity with TG20:21, SG4:22, BS EN 12811, and temporary works best practice.
• Proficiency in relevant design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis tools (e.g., STAAD Pro, Tekla Tedds, or similar).
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing and site constraints related to temporary works and scaffold installations.
• Proven leadership skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing design decisions and ensuring alignment across teams.

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full Time - 37.5 hours - Monday to Friday