Principal Structural Engineer - Bristol

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

Job summary

A leading engineering and consulting firm is seeking a Principal Structural Engineer to deliver complex engineering solutions across Bristol and Plymouth. You will lead project design, manage project delivery, and engage with clients while mentoring teams to ensure high-quality outcomes. The ideal candidate will possess Chartered status and proficiency in industry software. The role supports a hybrid working environment, with flexibility based on project needs.

Qualifications

• Proven ability in design and project delivery.
• Strong communication skills and commitment to health and safety.
• Full UK driving licence and eligibility for UK security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural design across all project stages.
• Manage projects ensuring delivery to time and budget.
• Mentor and support engineers to foster a collaborative environment.
• Act as main point of contact for clients and stakeholders.
• Contribute to research and innovation initiatives.

Skills

Structural design

Project management

Client engagement

Leadership

Commercial awareness

Education

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

Tools

Tekla

Robot

Revit

Job description

Overview

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 are 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.

Additional Information

• Organization: 784 TCE