Senior Design Engineer (Civil & Structural)

First Recruitment Group; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

First Recruitment Group is seeking a Senior Design Engineer (Civil & Structural) for a major UK defence client, based in Plymouth with predominantly remote work and monthly 2–3 day site visits on a 12‑month contract.

You will lead design packages, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and provide technical governance across lifecycle stages, contributing to projects valued over £100m.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND in Civil or Structural Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience delivering design for heavy civil/defence infrastructure.
• Ability to operate within regulated engineering environments.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engineering design packages aligned with project requirements, schedules and budgets.
• Promote health, safety and environmental culture across activities.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design across disciplines to achieve integrated solutions.
• Review drawings to industry standards and participate in design reviews.
• Provide technical guidance to contractors and project stakeholders.
• Lead low-risk multidisciplinary projects and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Civil & Structural Design

Regulated Environment Experience

Stakeholder Management

Autonomous Working

Education

HNC/HND in Civil, Structural, Mechanical Eng

Tools

AutoCAD

Engineering Software

Job description

Senior Design Engineer (Civil & Structural) - Principal level available also.

IR35: Inside

Location: Plymouth(Mainly remote with 1 trip per month for 2-3 days)

Duration: 12 Month Contract

The Opportunity

We are recruiting for aSenior Design Engineer to join a multidisciplinary engineering team delivering complex infrastructure projects for a major UK defence client.

Working within a highly regulated environment, you will support the delivery of critical infrastructure upgrades that underpin nationally important defence operations. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the design, coordination, and technical delivery of large-scale engineering projects, working alongside experienced engineers, project managers, contractors, and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will contribute to infrastructure projects valued in excess of £100 million, supporting the development of facilities and systems that are essential to the ongoing capability of the UK's defence sector.

The Role

Reporting to the Design Implementation Manager, you will assist in the delivery of engineering design scope across a number of infrastructure work packages. You will provide technical expertise, coordinate multidisciplinary design activities, and support the resolution of engineering challenges throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of engineering design packages in line with project requirements, schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
• Promote a strong health, safety, and environmental culture across project activities.
• Assist in ensuring design teams and contractors understand project hazards, risks, and associated control measures.
• Coordinate engineering activities across multiple disciplines to achieve integrated design solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and support to contractors and project stakeholders.
• Review and check engineering, fabrication, and construction drawings to recognised industry standards.
• Participate in design reviews and technical assurance activities.
• Act as a key point of contact for discipline-related engineering queries.
• Support the resolution of production, manufacturing, installation, and technical issues.
• Contribute to lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop innovative engineering solutions for complex infrastructure challenges.
• Undertake Design Lead responsibilities for assigned low-risk, multidisciplinary projects.
• Provide technical advice, governance, and mentoring within your area of expertise.

About You

We are seeking an experienced engineer who can demonstrate strong technical capability within civil and structural engineering design, ideally gained within defence, nuclear, marine, infrastructure, energy, or other highly regulated industries.

• Knowledge of the design of heavy civil engineering and structural projects to relevant codes and standards.
• Understanding of building and infrastructure construction methodologies.
• Awareness of seismic design principles would be advantageous.
• Experience supporting technical design development within major engineering projects.
• Strong understanding of engineering design processes, safety requirements, and quality management principles.
• Knowledge of engineering software and design applications relevant to your discipline.
• Proven ability to develop solutions and resolve complex design challenges.
• Experience providing technical guidance and support to engineering teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience delivering projects within the defence sector.
• Experience working within regulated environments such as defence, nuclear, marine, rail, energy, or aerospace.
• Understanding of engineering governance, assurance, and technical review processes.
• Knowledge of infrastructure projects supporting operational or mission‑critical environments.

Qualifications

You will ideally hold:

• HNC/HND in Civil, Structural, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline (or equivalent qualification).

Alternatively, significant experience providing technical leadership within design and engineering teams will also be considered.

You should also demonstrate:

• Relevant industry experience within complex engineering or infrastructure environments.
• Progression towards Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status or equivalent professional registration.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

What's in it for You?

• Opportunity to work on nationally significant defence infrastructure projects.
• Exposure to large-scale, complex engineering programmes.
• Collaborative and supportive multidisciplinary team environment.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Support towards professional registration and career progression.
• The chance to contribute to the delivery of critical infrastructure supporting UK defence capabilities.