This role is offered by Crouch Waterfall, a subsidiary of Vulcain Engineering Group.
As part of the Vulcain family, Crouch Waterfall brings decades of specialist experience in Civil, Structural, and Geotechnical Engineering to a wide range of UK infrastructure projects. Crouch Waterfall specialise in core areas of Bridges, Rail, Infrastructure, Buildings and Geotechnical Services, designing and co-ordinating projects from conception to completion. Established since 1981, the business has enjoyed steady growth driven by a committed and highly skilled workforce of 120 employees.
Due to business growth, we are seeking an Principal Civil & Structural Engineer to join our multi-disciplinary civil & structural team in our Cardiff office. Reporting to the Company Director, this person will lead the technical delivery across wide variety of projects, from small value projects up to £20m in construction value, on project tasks which cover commercial structures, public sector structures, rail, domestic and temporary works design amongst others.
Key Responsibilities:
* Partnering with our Civil & Structural Lead - you will be leading the technical delivery of a variety of projects across large-scale civil & structural design; including bridges, structural steel, reinforced concrete, and more.
* You will inspire and lead a team of Engineers & Technicians - mentoring, coaching & training, developing & advising junior staff on solutions, and supporting other team members.
* You will check designs prepared by others, including detailed calculations by hand and through computer models.
* Carry out inspections – including site surveys & assessments of structures, and preparing reports.
* Prepare and manage project programmes, workload and resources alongside senior leadership.
* Liaise with clients to verify project scope and ensure deliverables are met.
* Play an integral part of the preparation of tenders and fee proposals.
* Contribute to business growth by meeting new clients to promote our services and strengthening existing relationships to maximise opportunities.
Our Cardiff team has experienced remarkable growth over the past three years, expanding from just four engineers and technicians to a team of 20 highly qualified members. During this period, the team has successfully designed and delivered a variety of exciting projects, including the Roof Walk experience at the Principality Stadium, the Tidal Defence Gate design for the town of Truro, and a 50m Steel Tower providing access to the Sudbrook shaft tunnel on the River Severn. Additionally, our expertise extends to footbridge design, such as Devils Footbridge and Seven Sisters Footbridge, as well as the refurbishment of listed structures such as Llanbradach Station Footbridge.
Our team has also contributed to major scaffold designs for Hinkley Point C and undertaken diverse projects involving brickwork bridges and buildings, structural assessments and design of concrete structures and buildings, repair of timber canopies and use of innovative materials such as GRP.
Preferred Experience:
* Proven experience in the design of large-scale structures, including bridges, structural steel, and reinforced concrete.
* Demonstrated ability to manage technical scopes, either through technical/project leadership, or mentoring other engineers.
* Comfortable operating in client-facing environments, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
* Fluency in English language and the permanent right to work in the UK, alongside UK project experience.
* Working towards or already Chartered (ICE or IStructE).
* Strong technical expertise across assessment, inspection, calculations, and analysis of existing structures and new-build design.
* Proficient in structural engineering software such as Tedds, Robot Structural Analysis, and/or Midas; experience working in a 3D design environment is advantageous.
* Ideally experienced in bridge design and temporary works, though wider structural design backgrounds will also be considered.
* Sector experience in rail and/or highways is preferred, but applicants with building or broader infrastructure backgrounds are welcome.
What’s in it for you?
At Crouch Waterfall, we’re committed to investing in our people through tailored training, mentoring, and real opportunities for progression. Whether you're aiming for Chartership, developing leadership skills, or looking for broader commercial exposure - we’ll support your growth every step of the way.
You’ll be part of supportive team with an open-door culture, where your voice is heard and your ideas matter. We offer the chance to work across sectors - with proven success helping engineers move from buildings and commercial projects into infrastructure and heavy industry.
With a strong presence in the rail and construction sectors, and as part of the wider Vulcain Engineering Group, you'll benefit from international connections, long-term stability, and a truly collaborative culture.
Rewards and Benefits
* Hybrid working set-up, with flexible working hours.
* Casual office attire and a relaxed and comfortable working environment
* Minimum 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, plus a day off on your Birthday
* Additional leave purchase scheme
* Annual discretionary bonus scheme
* Private medical Insurance
* Contributory Pension Scheme, up to 5%
* Cycle to work scheme
Crouch Waterfall is committed to valuing our diversity and eliminating discrimination. All our employees have an equal chance of advancement based upon merit, access to opportunities, and the training necessary to that end irrespective of your sex, race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, disability unrelated to the ability to carry out the job, or age.