Principal Structural Engineer - Bristol

Tetra Tech Europe; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Structural Engineer in Bristol. In this role, you will lead structural design across various sectors, manage projects independently, and act as the primary contact for clients. You will mentor junior engineers while fostering a collaborative team environment. The ideal candidate is a Chartered Engineer with experience in design, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in industry software. This position offers a hybrid working model, combining office, site, and remote work.

Qualifications

• Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer with experience in structural projects.
• Proven ability in design, project delivery, and client engagement.
• Full UK driving licence and eligibility for UK security clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural design across all project stages.
• Manage projects independently, ensuring delivery to time and budget.
• Mentor and support engineers, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Act as the main point of contact for clients and project stakeholders.

Skills

Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer (CEng, MICE or MIStructE)

Proficient in industry software (Tekla, Robot)

Strong commercial awareness

Excellent communication skills

Commitment to health and safety

Tools

Tekla

Robot

Revit

Job description

Take a leading role in delivering complex structural engineering solutions that shape critical infrastructure and the built environment. Join a high-performing team working across diverse, technically challenging projects that make a tangible impact.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As a Principal Structural Engineer, you will support and strengthen the structural engineering capability across Bristol and Plymouth. You will lead the design and delivery of structural solutions across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, defence, nuclear, commercial, and science & technology. You will take ownership of projects from concept through to completion, managing technical delivery, overseeing design outputs, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The role also involves managing small teams, coordinating with multidisciplinary stakeholders, and acting as the primary point of contact for clients.

Your Impact in this Position

You will drive the successful delivery of projects by combining technical expertise with strong leadership and client engagement. Your ability to manage multiple projects, guide teams, and maintain high-quality design standards will directly influence project outcomes. By building effective relationships across disciplines and proactively leading on technical delivery, you will contribute to innovative engineering solutions and continuous improvement within the team.

Core Capabilities

Technical Design & Delivery

• Lead structural design across all project stages, from concept to completion
• Produce and review calculations, drawings, specifications and reports

Project & Commercial Management

• Manage projects independently, ensuring delivery to time and budget
• Oversee change control and contribute to commercial performance

Leadership & Team Development

• Mentor and support engineers, fostering a collaborative team environment
• Lead small teams to deliver high-quality outcomes

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

• Act as the main point of contact for clients and project stakeholders
• Build strong working relationships across multidisciplinary teams

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to research, innovation and best practice initiatives
• Apply modern design tools and engineering techniques

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer (CEng, MICE or MIStructE) with strong experience across a range of structural projects. Proven ability in design, project delivery and client engagement. Proficient in industry software such as Tekla or Robot, with working knowledge of Revit. Strong commercial awareness, communication skills and commitment to health and safety. Full UK driving licence and eligibility for UK security clearance required.

Working Environment

This role is based in Bristol or Plymouth, with a hybrid working model typically involving a mix of office, site and remote working. Flexibility is supported, with expected office presence aligned to project and team needs. Travel may be required depending on project locations.

About Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity. We support public and private sector clients on local, national, and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who Leading with Science® to solve our clients’ most complex problems.

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.