Principal Structural Design Engineer Rail

Carrington West; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is looking for a Chartered Principal Structural Engineer to take ownership of a new business stream focused on minor works and reactive maintenance. The role involves combining technical expertise, client management, and team leadership. Ideal candidates should possess strong design skills with experience in a consultancy environment, and hold a valid UK driving licence. This position offers rapid career progression and the autonomy to shape the team and projects from day one.

Qualifications

• Strong technical design and checking skills gained in a consultancy environment.
• Proven ability to lead technical delivery and manage projects.
• Valid UK driving licence and own vehicle required.

Responsibilities

• Lead Hidden Critical Element inspections and condition surveys.
• Prepare and check inspection reports and repair designs.
• Oversee drawings and models produced using specified software.
• Manage project programming, cost control, and delivery.

Skills

Technical design skills

Project management

Leadership

Client management

Proactive and adaptable

Education

Chartered Engineer (mandatory)

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Revit

Job description

Overview

Are You a Chartered Principal Structural Engineer with Excellent Design Skills?

Are You Ready to Take Ownership and Build Your Own Team?

Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 + overtime payments

Location: You could be based anywhere south of Birmingham. You will need to be willing to travel to site up to 4 days a week for the first 6 months, sites are across the Southeast.

Interview process: 1 stage, highly technical interview

You will be joining a consultancy at a pivotal point, taking ownership of a new business stream dedicated to minor works and reactive maintenance.

As Principal Engineer, you will report directly to the Director and combine technical delivery, client management and project oversight with the responsibility of building and leading a new team. You will remain hands-on with inspections and design, but your role will move more quickly into leadership and management of the stream.

This role offers a rapid career path. You will have the autonomy to shape the business stream from day one, with the opportunity to recruit junior support after probation and progress towards Associate and Associate Director.

The Role

• Lead Hidden Critical Element inspections, reactive maintenance inspections, condition surveys and dilapidation surveys.
• Carry out inspections of bridges, stations, canopies, infrastructure buildings, maritime structures and highways assets.
• Prepare and check inspection reports and supporting documentation.
• Prepare and check repair and strengthening designs, structural calculations, Designer’s Risk Assessments and assurance forms.
• Oversee drawings and models produced using AutoCAD, MicroStation and/or Revit.
• Prepare project documentation including specifications, health and safety documentation and registers.
• Manage project programming, cost control and delivery to agreed time, budget and quality.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers as the stream grows.

Essential Requirements

• Chartered Engineer (mandatory).
• Strong technical design and checking skills gained in a consultancy environment.
• Proven ability to lead technical delivery and manage projects.
• Valid UK driving licence and own vehicle.
• Ability to obtain a PTS card.
• Ambitious and motivated by the opportunity to create and lead a new team.
• Adaptable, proactive and resilient.
• A natural leader, able to balance hands-on work with client management.