Senior Engineer

Tradestech Recruitment; Shirley; On-site; GBP 64,575 - 90,405; Full time

Job summary

Tradestech Recruitment seeks a Senior Site Engineer for residential construction projects in Birmingham. You will lead setting out, QA, and site management, ensuring technical delivery aligns with drawings and programme.

You’ll liaise with subcontractors, engineers, and authorities to keep projects on track and up to quality standards. The role requires strong leadership, site experience, and proficiency with surveying equipment and AutoCAD.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience within residential construction.
• Strong background in setting out housing developments.
• Experience managing engineering activities on multiple phases of residential projects.
• Proven experience using robotic total stations and GPS equipment.
• Good understanding of NHBC Standards and UK Building Regulations.

Responsibilities

• Carry out and oversee all setting out for residential developments, including roads, drainage, foundations, substructures, superstructures, external works, and utilities.
• Manage day-to-day engineering activities on site and coordinate with site management and subcontractors.
• Implement and maintain quality control procedures and carry out ITPS and QA inspections.
• Promote a safe on-site culture and ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation and RAMS.
• Identify variations, support cost control initiatives, and liaise with stakeholders to maintain programme.
• Supervise and mentor junior engineers and review work to ensure high standards.

Skills

Leadership

Setting out

Surveying instruments

Communication

Problem solving

Education

HNC/HND or Degree in Civil Engineering

CSCS Card (Black, White, or Professionally Qualified Person)

SMSTS or SSSTS

Full UK Driving Licence

Tools

AutoCAD

Leica/Trimble/Topcon surveying equipment

Job description

Senior Site Engineer (Residential Construction)

Job Title: Senior Site Engineer (Residential)

Location: Birmingham, West Midlands

Pay £350 per shift CIS

Reports To: Project Manager / Contracts Manager

Job Purpose

The Senior Site Engineer is responsible for the planning, coordination, and technical delivery of residential construction projects across Birmingham and the surrounding Midlands. The role ensures that all engineering, surveying, setting out, and quality control activities are completed safely, accurately, and in accordance with project specifications, programme requirements, and company standards.

The successful candidate will lead the engineering function on site, manage junior engineers, liaise with subcontractors and consultants, and ensure projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and to the highest quality.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Setting Out

• Carry out and oversee all setting out for residential developments, including roads, drainage, foundations, substructures, superstructures, external works, and utilities.
• Verify site levels, dimensions, and coordinates against approved drawings.
• Establish and maintain site control points and survey records.
• Ensure all works are completed in accordance with design specifications and tolerances.
• Produce as-built surveys and maintain accurate engineering records.

Site Management

• Manage day-to-day engineering activities on site.
• Coordinate engineering requirements with site management and subcontractors.
• Monitor construction progress against programme.
• Identify and resolve engineering issues before they impact programme or quality.
• Attend and contribute to site meetings, progress meetings, and technical reviews.

Quality Assurance

• Implement and maintain quality control procedures.
• Complete inspection and test plans (ITPs).
• Carry out quality inspections throughout construction.
• Ensure works comply with NHBC, Building Regulations, local authority requirements, and client specifications.
• Record and close out defects efficiently.

Health & Safety

• Promote a positive health and safety culture.
• Ensure all engineering activities comply with current Health & Safety legislation and company policies.
• Carry out site inspections and risk assessments where required.
• Assist in producing RAMS and safe systems of work.
• Report hazards, incidents, and near misses promptly.

Commercial Awareness

• Identify potential variations and notify the Project Manager.
• Assist with material take-offs and quantity verification.
• Minimise waste through efficient planning and accurate setting out.
• Support cost control initiatives across the project.

Leadership

• Supervise and mentor Site Engineers, Graduate Engineers, and Trainee Engineers.
• Allocate engineering duties and review completed work.
• Support the professional development of junior team members.
• Promote high standards of workmanship and professionalism.

Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with architects, structural engineers, consultants, local authorities, utility providers, and clients.
• Coordinate engineering information between design teams and site operations.
• Maintain positive working relationships with all project stakeholders.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• HNC/HND or Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a related discipline.
• CSCS Card (Black, White, or Professionally Qualified Person).
• SMSTS or SSSTS.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Essential Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience within residential construction.
• Strong background in setting out housing developments.
• Experience managing engineering activities on multiple phases of residential projects.
• Proven experience using robotic total stations and GPS equipment.
• Experience with roads, drainage, foundations, and infrastructure works.
• Good understanding of NHBC Standards and UK Building Regulations.

Technical Skills

• Proficient with Leica, Trimble, or Topcon surveying equipment.
• Competent in AutoCAD and interpretation of technical drawings.
• Strong understanding of earthworks, drainage, highways, reinforced concrete, and housing construction.
• Ability to produce accurate as-built information.
• Excellent knowledge of QA procedures.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• High attention to detail.
• Well organised and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Able to work independently and make sound technical decisions.
• Positive, proactive, and solutions-focused approach.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Engineering works completed without rework.
• Programme milestones achieved.
• Quality inspections passed first time.
• Health & Safety compliance maintained.
• Accurate and timely setting out.
• Engineering documentation completed on time.
• Effective management and development of junior engineers.