Principal Engineer (Structural)

Rolton Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Support for chartership and membership

Job summary

Rolton Group in London / Higham Ferrers is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer (Structural) to lead high-profile structural projects across sectors. You will champion technical excellence, mentor a talented team, and act as a trusted advisor to blue-chip clients, spanning manufacturing, automotive, commercial, and residential sectors.

The role requires a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and MIStructE with 15+ years post-graduate UK consultancy experience, plus strong leadership and commercial

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) and MIStructE with 15+ years post-graduate experience.
• UK-based consultancy design experience with strong leadership and commercial drive.

Responsibilities

• Act as main client contact for design and execution of structural projects, delivering on time and on budget.
• Conduct detailed structural analysis and design per codes and standards.
• Oversee departmental workload, budgets and margins to ensure efficient delivery.
• Mentor and guide engineers and technical staff, fostering collaboration.
• Maintain relationships with clients, providing expert structural advice and solutions.
• Review and approve designs, specs and reports for compliance.
• Stay updated on industry trends and BIM practices and integrate them into projects.
• Collaborate with architects, contractors and stakeholders for seamless delivery.
• Oversee site visits, inspections and responses to contractor queries.

Skills

Leadership

Client liaison

Commercial mindset

Team mentoring

Technical writing

Education

Master’s Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Chartered Engineer (CEng) and MIStructE

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Eurocodes

TEKLA

TEDDS

Job description

Posted 29 July 2026 / Deadline for application 31 August 2026

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Principal Engineer (Structural) to join our established engineering consultancy.

In this role, you will champion technical excellence and provide vital structural support for blue-chip international brands across the advanced manufacturing/automotive, commercial, industrial, retail, education, and residential sectors. You will act as a trusted technical advisor, overseeing complex designs while mentoring our talented engineering team.

At Rolton, you will enjoy a proven heritage of engineering excellence, working on a diverse portfolio of major built-environment projects. We are looking for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (MIStructE) who possesses a minimum of fifteen years of post-graduate experience. You must bring proven UK-based consultancy design experience, alongside a strong leadership background and a commercially driven mindset.

Key responsibilities include

• Act as main client contact for the design and execution of structural engineering projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget
• Conduct detailed structural analysis and design in accordance with relevant codes and standards
• Oversee departmental workload, resource planning, budgets, and financial performance to ensure efficient delivery and margin protection
• Mentor and guide engineers and technical staff, fostering a collaborative team environment
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, providing expert advice and solutions to their structural engineering needs
• Review and approve engineering designs, specifications, and reports to ensure compliance with company and industry standards
• Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices, integrating them into project work as appropriate
• Work closely with architects, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless project delivery
• Oversee site visits, inspections and responses to contractor queries during construction.
• Master’s Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or related discipline
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (MIStructE) with a minimum Fifteen [15] years post-graduate experience, with a focus on industrial, residential, infrastructure sectors
• Proven track record in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex projects
• Demonstrable technical ability in the conceptual and detailed design of structures; the use of core materials of concrete, steel, masonry, timber and management experience for all stages of the project design and coordination, from concept to completion
• Working capability with AutoCAD, experience with Eurocodes and finite element and software design packages (TEKLA, TEDDS)
• Strong understanding of fee proposals, margins, bids, and resource planning
• Excellent communication, report writing, and presentation skills with confidence in engaging senior stakeholders.
• UK based consultancy design experience working with residential developers, industrial clients, or infrastructure projects
• Knowledge of UK planning frameworks, brownfield redevelopment, NHBC standards, and sustainability drivers
• Familiarity with Revit and Navisworks
• Proven track record in business development and work winning
• Experience mentoring colleagues towards chartership and leading technical governance
• Familiarity with Building Information Modelling (BIM).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to challenges
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing project requirements
• Commitment to ethical practices and high standards of professionalism.

We offer

• Opportunity to work with blue-chip international brands across diverse sectors
• Internal mentoring, training, and professional development programme
• Clear career progression within an ambitious, growing consultancy
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Support for chartership and professional membership fees

Please note: no agencies. We respectfully ask recruitment agencies not to contact us regarding this opportunity.

• Location : Higham Ferrers, Peterborough or London
• Reporting to: Director
• Reference : HFSPE2907

At Rolton we cultivate an environment where you will be expected to contribute your ideas, add value and play your part in a consultancy that’s at the leading edge, working with globally recognised blue-chip clients.

Our people are supported through professional development and training at every stage of their careers and given the encouragement to achieve their potential.

Supporting the next generation

We offer work experience placements, as well as internal graduate mentoring and training programs aimed at developing individual needs as the “Engineer” with a view to progression to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or similar.

You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in multi-disciplinary engineering, gain hands on experience in new disciplines to kick-start your career.

Equal opportunities

The company is fully committed to fair and equal treatment of all employees and applicants; we discriminate on talent and talent alone.

Success story

A world of opportunity awaits

Joining Rolton in 2022, Ryan has recently been promoted to Senior Structural Engineer.

Managing his own team of junior engineers and technicians within our Structural Engineering Service Line, Ryan works on projects such as large residential and commercial schemes.

He graduated university in 2015 with a BEng (Hons) degree in Civil Engineering.

Rolton is pleased to have contributed to the newly launched industry report, ‘Built Environment Strategic Workforce Planning for 2030’.

The comprehensive publication stems from the latest INSPIRE event hosted by the Built Environment Futures Assembly (BEFA). This powerful leadership forum was established by the University of the Built Environment (UBE) to break down professional silos, spark collaboration, and drive excellence across engineering, construction, and real estate.

Rolton celebrates official opening of West Northamptonshire’s £9.4m State-of-the-Art Mortuary

We were delighted to attend the official opening of the new £9.4m County Mortuary at Riverside Business Park, a project that marks a transformative milestone for bereavement services and public infrastructure in Northamptonshire.

Rolton heads to UKREiiF 2026: Powering the future of sustainable engineering.

Rolton is proud to announce its attendance at the 2026 UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), held from 19–21 May at the Royal Armouries, Leeds.