Principal Underground Structures Engineer – Hybrid

WSP USA; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking an experienced Principal Structural Engineer to lead the design and delivery of underground structures, including tunnels, shafts, and related works. You will join a diverse team delivering landmark projects across the UK, Ireland, and internationally, with an integration period to help you familiarise colleagues and projects.

You will lead design from concept to construction, applying advanced structural engineering principles for safe and innovative underground solutions, while

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (postgraduate qualification desirable).
• Extensive experience in structural design for underground shafts and tunnels.
• Strong understanding of structural behaviour under complex loading and ground-structure interaction.
• Familiarity with tunnelling methods and shaft sinking techniques.
• Proficiency in structural analysis software (STAAD.Pro, MIDAS, Robot) and integration with geotechnical tools.
• Ability to manage complex projects and lead multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills and willingness to travel within the UK and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural design for underground structures from concept to construction.
• Develop safe, efficient, and innovative underground solutions.
• Ensure compliance with Eurocodes, BS codes, ITA guidelines and local regs.
• Perform load assessments, ground-structure interaction modelling, and temporary/permanent support design.
• Collaborate with geotechnical teams to integrate ground behaviour into designs.
• Coordinate inputs from civil, geotechnical and environmental teams on multi-disciplinary projects.
• Provide advice on construction methods, risk management and material selection.
• Conduct site inspections and supervise tunnelling and shaft sinking activities.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to internal training.
• Support business development through proposals and client engagement.
• Promote health, safety and inclusion in all aspects of work.

Skills

Structural design

Underground tunnelling

STAAD.Pro

MIDAS

Multi-disciplinary leadership

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

Civil or Structural Engineering degree

Postgraduate qualification desirable

Tools

STAAD.Pro

MIDAS

Robot

Job description

WSP is seeking an experienced Principal Structural Engineer to lead the design and delivery of underground structures, including tunnels, shafts, and related works. You will join a diverse team delivering landmark projects across the UK, Ireland, and internationally, with an integration period to help you familiarise colleagues and projects.

You will lead design from concept to construction, applying advanced structural engineering principles for safe and innovative underground solutions, while