Principal Scaffolding Design Engineer

Carrington West Ltd; Watford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering contractor is seeking a Principal Design Engineer to lead scaffold and temporary works design for major projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in scaffold/access platform design and a passion for safety and innovation. This role offers competitive salary and package, long-term career development, and the chance to work on technically complex, safety-critical projects.

Benefits

Long-term career development

Flexible working options

Competitive salary and package

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in structural and temporary works design, including scaffolding.
• Knowledge of TG20:21, SG4:22, BS EN 12811 and CDM regulations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and coordination of scaffold systems and temporary works.
• Produce and review technical designs according to standards.
• Collaborate with site teams and subcontractors for design solutions.
• Attend site visits and participate in risk assessments.
• Mentor junior engineers and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Scaffold/access platform design

Temporary works procedures

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards it

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

STAAD Pro

Tekla Tedds

Job description

Principal Design Engineer – Scaffold & Temporary Works

A leading civil engineering contractor known for delivering complex infrastructure projects across the UK. They are looking to appoint a Principal Design Engineer to lead scaffold and temporary works design for major construction schemes.

This is a key technical leadership role suited to someone with strong experience in scaffold/access platform design, a sound understanding of temporary works procedures, and a passion for safety and innovation in engineering delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

·Lead the design and coordination of scaffold systems, access platforms, edge protection, and other temporary works.
·Produce and review technical designs in line with TG20, SG4, BS EN 12811, and relevant temporary works standards.
·Collaborate closely with site teams, subcontractors, and other engineering disciplines to ensure buildable and safe design solutions.
·Attend site visits to validate scaffold installations and resolve design queries.
·Participate in risk assessments, temporary works coordination meetings, and constructibility reviews.
·Mentor junior engineers and scaffold coordinators within the team.
·Ensure all designs integrate with CDM regulations and the wider project programme.

What They’re Looking For:

·Degree-qualified in Civil or Structural Engineering (Master’s preferred)
·Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards it
·Extensive experience in structural and temporary works design, including scaffolding
·Knowledge of TG20:21, SG4:22, BS EN 12811 and CDM regulations
·Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis tools such as STAAD Pro or Tekla Tedds
·Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder coordination skills

What’s on Offer:

·Join a high-performing team delivering nationally significant infrastructure
·Long-term career development with support towards chartership
·Work on technically complex, safety-critical projects
·Competitive salary and package, with flexible working options

If you’re an experienced Design Engineer with a strong background in scaffold and temporary works looking for your next challenge please get in touch. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential chat with Claire on 02393 876 031.