Principal Structural EngineerLocation: Manchester
Salary: £65,000 – £80,000 per annum
Type: Permanent
The RoleWe are seeking an experienced Principal Structural Engineer to provide technical leadership across the delivery of complex structural design projects within regulated industries. Based in Manchester, this role carries responsibility for design quality, technical standards, and the development of high-performing structural design teams.
You will act as a senior technical authority, leading structural design delivery, mentoring engineers, and supporting projects from concept through to detailed design and construction.
Key Responsibilities*Lead and oversee the production of structural design deliverables to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
*Approve design deliverables including calculations, drawings, design risk assessments, reports, and specifications
*Identify efficient and appropriate structural design solutions through scope review and site visits, and communicate these to clients and project teams
*Direct, mentor, and develop engineers, CAD technicians, and graduates
*Ensure designs comply with relevant technical, professional, and industry standards, including water company and other regulated-sector requirements
*Manage and record design changes in line with formal processes and procedures
*Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with established quality management systems
*Estimate design hours and support resource planning activities
*Attend and present designs at ALM, KM, and other technical review meetings
*Review, interpret, and communicate updates to standards and procedures
*Act as Professional Head for the structural discipline and undertake the role of Responsible Engineer / CRE on specific projects
*Provide high-level technical input into projects and tenders and drive continuous improvement of structural design standards
Required Qualifications & Experience*Minimum 10 years’ structural design experience at Senior or Principal level
*Significant experience delivering structural designs within one or more regulated industries, including:
*Water
*Rail
*Oil & Gas
*Nuclear
*Highways
*Bridges
*Degree or HND in Structural or Civil Engineering (or equivalent experience)
*Strong IT skills and experience with industry-standard structural analysis and design tools
*Chartered Engineer status
Preferred Qualifications & Experience*Experience working within regulated water and/or rail industries
*Good awareness of construction methods, materials, and buildability
*Strong knowledge of engineering drawing practices
*Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Key Skills & Competencies*Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
*Results-focused with strong technical and commercial judgement
*Deep structural engineering expertise
*Proven ability to develop and mentor engineers at all levels
*Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability
What’s On Offer*Competitive salary of £65,000 – £80,000
*Manchester-based senior technical leadership role
*Opportunity to influence technical standards across major regulated-industry projects
*Supportive environment with scope for continued professional development
If you are a Principal Structural Engineer looking to take ownership of technical excellence and lead structural delivery within a progressive engineering organisation, we’d be keen to hear from you.