Job Description
JOB TITLE: Principal Bridge Engineer
Location: York
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Job Type: Permanent
Sector: Civil & Structural Engineering
About the Company
Our client is a well-established consultancy delivering design solutions across bridges, civil, rail, and wider infrastructure. Employee-owned, they operate with a people-first culture where success is shared and career development is supported. With a varied workload and a strong pipeline of projects, they offer the chance to take on senior leadership responsibilities while influencing the future direction of the business.
About the Role
As a Principal Bridge Engineer you will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight across a range of bridge and structural projects. You will manage multidisciplinary teams, liaise with clients, and ensure successful delivery on time and to budget. The role combines technical expertise with business development and team leadership, giving you the chance to shape projects while mentoring engineers and building lasting client relationships.
The key requirements for this Principal Bridge Engineer role are:
1. Lead the design, planning and execution of major bridge and infrastructure projects
2. Oversee the development of conceptual and detailed designs, drawings and reports
3. Provide technical oversight and approval for complex engineering solutions
4. Manage project teams and ensure delivery in line with safety and regulatory standards
5. Build and maintain strong client relationships and support business growth
6. Mentor and guide engineers, ensuring technical and managerial development
7. Oversee financial management and profitability of projects
8. Represent the business at client meetings, industry events and through technical publications
Experience required for this Principal Bridge Engineer role are:
9. BEng or MEng in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ICE or IStructE accredited course
10. Chartered Engineer with ICE or related professional body
11. Proven track record acting as a Contractor’s Responsible Engineer (CRE)
12. 8+ years’ experience in bridge and structural engineering, leading high-profile projects
13. Strong business acumen with experience managing project profitability and client relationships
Desirable knowledge, skills and experience for this Principal Bridge Engineer role are:
14. Familiarity with NEC4 suite of contracts
15. Sentinel Track Safety PTS certification
16. Full UK driving licence
17. Experience supporting new business through proposal writing and technical submissions
Personal Attributes
18. Proactive, motivated and able to take ownership of work
19. Strong communication and negotiation skills
20. Collaborative, adaptable and able to prioritise in fast-paced environments
21. A positive and approachable leader with the ability to inspire teams
Package and Benefits of the Principal Bridge Engineer role:
22. Competitive salary package
23. Annual profit-related bonus under employee-owned status
24. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
25. 22 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 5 extra days
26. Company pension scheme and group life insurance
27. Private health care
28. Professional membership fees paid annually
29. Ongoing CPD, training and development opportunities
30. Range of additional employee benefits