About the Role
We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Structures Engineer to play a leading role in the delivery of a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects within a respected South West civil engineering consultancy.
This senior position offers an opportunity to provide technical leadership, strategic input, designs and mentoring across a wide range of structural and multidisciplinary civil engineering schemes. Our work includes:
1. Assessment, refurbishment, and replacement of highway and railway bridge structures, including multi‑span assets supporting key multi‑user trails
2. Structural design and technical assurance for major assets, including Newquay Airport
3. Delivery of critical infrastructure for private development
4. Development of complex schemes such as a proposed moving bridge in the Port of Truro
5. Specialist inspections, including PTSI of post‑tensioned bridges
6. Structural maintenance works including deck waterproofing, joint and bearing replacement, and strengthening schemes
7. Maintenance and renewal of bridges on the Public Rights of Way network
8. Inspection, design, and construction of coastal and marine structures within working harbours
You will act as a technical lead, supporting the safe, sustainable, and commercially successful delivery of infrastructure that serves communities across Cornwall and the wider region.
Key Responsibilities
As a Principal Structures Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and oversight across multiple projects, while managing your own workload and contributing to the wider strategic objectives of the business.
You will work closely with project managers, discipline leads, external partners, and clients, helping to shape solutions and drive high standards of design, safety, and delivery.
What You’ll Be Doing
9. Lead and oversee the structural design of highways and infrastructure projects from feasibility through to detailed design and construction support
10. Act as a technical lead, providing design assurance and independent checking in accordance with relevant standards and codes of practice
11. Undertake advanced structural analysis and design using LUSAS and related software
12. Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring technical quality, consistency, and efficiency
13. Mentor, support, and develop engineers and technicians, fostering technical excellence and professional growth
14. Prepare and approve technical reports, specifications, and design documentation
15. Contribute to bid preparation, fee proposals, and delivery strategies for new work
16. Manage project budgets, resource allocation, forecasts, and cost‑to‑complete reporting
17. Provide expert advice and act as a key technical interface with clients, contractors, local authorities, and other stakeholders
18. Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations and promote best practice in health, safety, and environmental performance
19. Drive innovation, value engineering, and the adoption of low‑carbon and sustainable design solutions
20. Support continuous improvement of design processes, standards, and procedures across the team
To find out more about the role please take a look at the
About You
You will be a confident, self‑motivated engineer with strong technical credibility and the ability to lead both people and projects. You will be comfortable taking ownership of complex engineering challenges, influencing decisions, and representing the business externally.
Essential Requirements
21. Masters Degree, Degree or HND in Civil or Structural Engineering (or equivalent experience)
22. Chartered Engineer ( status, or Incorporated Engineer ( with demonstrable senior‑level experience, with a commitment to professional development, support will be available to achieve Chartered status.
23. A member of the Institution of Civil Engineers or Institution of Structural Engineers
24. Significant experience in structural design, ideally focused on highway, bridge, and infrastructure structures
25. In‑depth knowledge of relevant standards and legislation, including DMRB, Eurocodes, and CDM Regulations
26. High level of proficiency in structural analysis and design software such as LUSAS and Tedds
27. Strong leadership, mentoring, and technical review skills
28. Proven ability to manage workload, programme, and budgets across multiple projects
29. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience dealing directly with clients and stakeholders
30. A strong commitment to delivering safe, sustainable, and high‑quality engineering solutions
Our Offer
31. Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
32. Working Hours: hours per week
33. Contract Type: Permanent
34. Base: Hybrid working – home based with attendance at Cornwall and/or Exeter offices
35. Closing Date: Applications are to be received in an ongoing campaign. Interviews will be arranged periodically through the campaign.
Working with us you will have an employee benefits package that includes:
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all our service users, clients and customers. .