Principal Project Engineer - Civil & Structural - Power

This role can be based out of any of my clients offices below. Hybrid working 2 days per week in the office.
Manchester, Derby, London, Warwick, Motherwell, York
About the Civil & Structural Power Team
Our Civil & Structural Power team is a dedicated, technically focused group that sits within the wider Civil & Structural discipline, working in close collaboration with our Power sector specialists. The team plays a critical role in the delivery of power and energy infrastructure projects, providing the core civil and structural engineering expertise that underpins successful project outcomes.
Unlike broader project or programme teams, the C&S Power team brings a strong technical and analytical capability, leading on civil and structural design, coordination and assurance across complex power-sector schemes. This includes supporting the design and delivery of assets such as substations, converter stations and wider site infrastructure, while working closely with multidisciplinary colleagues to ensure solutions are robust, buildable and aligned to project objectives.
The team is established and growing, with a mix of engineers at different career stages, from graduates through to senior and principal levels. Collaboration and knowledge‑sharing are central to how the team operates, offering a supportive environment where engineers can develop technically, take on meaningful responsibility, and contribute to projects that sit at the heart of the UK’s evolving power and energy landscape.
The Role
As our Civil & Structural Power team continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced Principal Engineer to play an important role in the delivery of complex power and energy infrastructure projects.
This is a senior technical and project management position, offering the opportunity to shape major projects, influence technical direction, and mentor the next generation of engineers, while remaining engaged in design and delivery.
You will take responsibility for steering large, technically interesting schemes - or managing several smaller projects simultaneously - working closely with multidisciplinary teams across the wider business.
You will be trusted to lead from the front, combining technical excellence with robust project and people management.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Steering the delivery of single and multi-disciplinary projects, ensuring outcomes are achieved on time, within budget and to the required quality
* Directing and reviewing civil and structural infrastructure design across a range of project sizes and complexities
* Managing project teams, ensuring the right skills and resources are in place to meet programme demands
* Encouraging and mentoring graduate engineers and technicians, fostering technical development and best practice
* Ensuring compliance with internal quality, safety and management systems
* Contributing to the continued growth and capability of the Civil & Structural Power discipline
About You
You will be an established civil or structural engineer with proven experience delivering infrastructure projects, ideally within the power or energy sector. Although experience in power/ energy projects is highly valued, we are open to candidates from other infrastructure backgrounds who are eager to transition into the power sector.
You will bring assurance in both technical resolve and team management.
You will have:
* An HNC/HND or degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent)
* Chartered status, or in process (CEng MICE or MIStructE)
* Professional membership with a recognised body (ICE, IStructE, APM, CIHT, IHE or similar)
* Demonstrable experience directing project delivery and engineering teams
* Technical capability in infrastructure design and coordination
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* A full UK driving licence
Why Join?
* Impactful work – be involved across the full project lifecycle, from concept and design through to construction and delivery
* Management opportunity – grow your management and mentoring experience with support from discipline headship
* Technical challenge – work on a diverse portfolio of live and upcoming power-sector projects
* Established, supportive team – join a highly experienced, collaborative group where your contribution is valued and visible
This role offers the chance to make a real impact, influence technical outcomes, and see your designs translated into built assets - while continuing to grow your career within a respected and forward-looking engineering consultancy.
About the company
We’ve been innovating in design, engineering and project delivery since 1957 and operate from 14 locations for a truly European reach.
Benefits
Whatever your discipline, you’ll be alongside some of the most talented people in the industry. Our network of offices are appealing, friendly and comfortable spaces, easily accessible by car or public transport. And our salary and benefits packages are some of the best in the industry.
What you get will depend on what you do, with individual performance-related rewards also on offer in addition to:
* Company car or cash allowance
* Up to 6% matched contributory pension plan
* Life assurance scheme
* 25 days annual leave plus ability to buy additional leave
* Discount scheme (including gym membership, mobile phones etc)
* Flexible/hybrid working
* Family friendly policies
* Employee assistance
* Professional development