A leading civil engineering contractor is looking for a Principal Design Engineer to join their growing team near Henfield offering a competitive salary of up to £75,000, plus excellent benefits. The company delivers complex projects in water, infrastructure, and coastal protection — managing schemes from concept to completion.
This is an exciting chance to shape innovative designs, advise on geotechnical investigations, Temporary Works Design, develop BIM models, and drive smart new techniques — all within a business that values safety, wellbeing, and professional growth.
Principal Design Engineer Job Overview
* Support the delivery of outline designs at tender stage, temporary works and permanent works designs at contract stage
* Follow company procedures, keep your manager informed, and suggest smarter ways of working.
* Deliver creative and robust temporary and permanent works designs from bid to build.
* Guide and support junior designers while managing input from external specialists.
* Check and sign off designs to ensure they’re accurate, safe, and compliant.
* Build strong relationships with clients and partners to enhance designs and uncover new opportunities.
* Produce clear, high-quality design documents that meet QHSE and CDM standards.
* Drive innovation by championing BIM, digital modelling, and cutting-edge tools.
* Take an active role in shaping the company’s success and future direction.
* Stay sharp and up to date with the latest design technologies and software.
* Make BIM and Common Data Environments central to how every project runs.
Principal Design Engineer Job Requirements
* Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering + Chartered (ICE or equivalent).
* Strong Eurocode, CDM, and Temporary Works Coordinator experience.
* Solid commercial understanding (NEC4 & JCT contracts).
* Skilled in AutoCAD, BIM, CDEs, and geotechnical/ground stability design.
* Technically competent in Structural Design & Geotechnical works
* Knowledge of Building Information Modelling, CDEs and information management systems
* Design experience in temporary works design, including shoring, foundations, and ground stability analyses.
* Experience in interpreting ground information for soil stability analyses and current piling practices.
Principal Design Engineer Salary & Benefits
* Salary – £65,000 -£75,000 Dependent on experience
* Company Car / Allowance
* 25 Days holiday + BH
* Pension up to 10% match
* Private Healthcare
* Performance Bonus