Principal Structural Engineer

Tetra Tech Europe; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Tetra Tech Europe is seeking a Principal Structural Engineer to lead multidisciplinary building projects in Milton Keynes. This role blends technical expertise with mentorship, delivering innovative engineering solutions across residential, public, and commercial developments.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering and possess strong experience in structural inspections and design. The position offers the opportunity to influence project outcomes and contribute to sustainable practices.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in structural inspections and investigative engineering.
• Background in reinforced concrete, steel, timber and masonry structures.
• Comfortable analysing structural behaviour in both new‑build and existing contexts.

Responsibilities

• Lead new‑build structural design and conduct surveys.
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver coordinated solutions.
• Support the development of graduates and engineers toward chartership.

Skills

Structural design expertise

Project leadership

BIM and CAD proficiency

Mentorship skills

Education

Master’s degree in Civil and/or Structural Engineering

Tools

Tekla Structural Designer

Job description

Principal Structural Engineer – Building Engineering, Milton Keynes

Shape the Future of Residential and Public Infrastructure. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly capable and collaborative structural engineer to take a leading technical role within our Building Engineering team. As a Principal Structural Engineer, you will be at the forefront of delivering multidisciplinary building projects across residential, public sector and commercial developments. Your role will combine strong technical expertise with a passion for mentoring, influencing project outcomes and contributing innovative, sustainable engineering solutions.

Purpose and Scope of the Role

You will lead new‑build structural design and the investigation, assessment and reporting of existing buildings. Your responsibilities include designing and integrating timber, steel and concrete structures, conducting surveys, analysing defects, evaluating load paths in existing structures and preparing clear, technically robust structural reports. You will collaborate closely with architecture, fire engineering, mechanical, electrical and other specialist disciplines to ensure fully coordinated, compliant and client‑aligned solutions. Technical leadership will involve reviewing BIM and CAD output, participating in design meetings, undertaking site visits across the UK and maintaining a proactive, solutions‑driven approach.

Expertise in Low to Medium Rise Residential Buildings

• Strong experience in the design and delivery of low to medium rise residential developments, including apartments, townhouses and mixed‑use schemes.
• Background in reinforced concrete, steel, timber and masonry structures with a sound understanding of foundation solutions across diverse ground conditions.
• Proven experience in structural inspections and investigative engineering: condition assessments, intrusive and non‑intrusive surveys, defect diagnosis, load capacity evaluations and preparation of high‑quality structural reports.
• Comfortable analysing structural behaviour in both new‑build and existing contexts, ensuring solutions are safe, efficient, buildable and aligned with UK codes and standards.

Technical Leadership in Timber, Steel and Concrete Design

• High level of technical competence across timber, steel and concrete design, producing and reviewing detailed design calculations and carrying out complex structural analysis.
• Experience with Tekla Structural Designer is highly desirable.
• Assessment of existing structures, interpreting survey findings, analysing as‑built materials, evaluating structural adequacy and advising clients on strengthening, refurbishment or adaptation strategies.
• Strong understanding of timber engineering, modern construction methods and an appreciation of embodied carbon, low‑carbon materials and Whole Life Carbon Assessments.

Effective Participation in Meetings and Stakeholder Engagement

• Contribute meaningfully to internal technical forums, design reviews and project coordination meetings, offering clear and well‑reasoned engineering insight.
• Communicate complex engineering principles in a clear, accessible manner to clients, contractors and multidisciplinary colleagues.

Mentorship and Collaborative Teamworking

• Support the development of graduates, engineers and technicians, helping them progress toward chartership.
• Share knowledge openly and encourage constructive technical discussion.
• Work closely with colleagues across architecture, planning, building services and environmental teams, constructively challenging proposals and contributing to best‑practice development.

Multidisciplinary Project Delivery

• Support projects through their full lifecycle, from feasibility and structural investigation to detailed new‑build design and construction.
• Coordinate external works, drainage and other discipline interfaces as part of a wide‑ranging project environment.

Qualifications, Training, and Professional Experience

Hold a master’s degree in Civil and/or Structural Engineering accredited by ICE and/or IStructE. Chartered status, or clear progress toward it, is desirable. Bring substantial experience in new‑build structural engineering and structural investigation and reporting, supported by a strong technical track record and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Equality Act 2010 Statement

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day‑to‑day role.