Location: Guildford, Surrey
Salary: £55,000 - £70,000 DOE + package
Type: Permanent
Sector: Residential / RC Frame
Start: September / October 2026
We are working with an established main contractor who are about to commence a £90m RC frame residential development in Guildford, and they are looking to appoint a Site Engineer / Senior Site Engineer to join the project from the enabling works stage.
This is a great opportunity for an engineer to get involved from the very beginning of a major project, with responsibility developing through enabling works, groundworks and substructure into the RC frame and main construction phases.
We're looking for someone with strong technical ability who is comfortable on site, confident dealing with subcontractors and capable of taking ownership of the engineering delivery rather than purely carrying out setting out.
The Project
The development is a major £90m residential scheme, with the project team now being established ahead of commencing enabling works. The successful engineer will be involved from the early stages of the project and will have the opportunity to see the scheme through the full construction cycle, including:
Enabling works
Groundworks and earthworks
Foundations and substructure
Drainage and utilities
Reinforced concrete frame
Brick façade and external works
Internal construction through to completion The Role
Working closely with the Project Manager, Senior Site Manager and wider project team, you'll take responsibility for the engineering and technical delivery across the site.
Initially, there will be a strong focus on enabling works, groundworks and substructure, before moving into the RC frame and above-ground construction.
This would suit either an experienced Site Engineer looking for their next step or a Senior Site Engineer who is comfortable taking ownership of a significant package of works.
Key Responsibilities
Carry out setting out and dimensional control across the project.
Establish and maintain site control and benchmarks.
Set out and check foundations, drainage, earthworks, structural elements and associated works.
Work closely with the groundworks and RC frame subcontractors.
Review construction drawings and specifications and ensure works are being delivered correctly.
Identify technical issues and work with the design team to resolve them.
Check levels, coordinates, dimensions and tolerances throughout construction.
Coordinate engineering information with subcontractors and the site management team.
Assist with the planning and sequencing of upcoming works.
Maintain accurate engineering records and site documentation.
Manage drawing registers and ensure the site team and subcontractors are working from the latest information.
Carry out quality checks and ensure works comply with the required standards.
Assist with concrete pours, reinforcement inspections and structural checks.
Coordinate with the commercial team where required on measurements and completed works.
Liaise with consultants, subcontractors, site management and the wider project team.
Attend site and technical meetings.
Ensure all engineering works are carried out in accordance with health & safety requirements.
Support the project through enabling, substructure, RC frame and subsequent construction phases. About You
We're looking for an engineer with a solid main contracting background and proven experience on large-scale construction projects. Ideally, you'll have experience across both substructure and RC frame, rather than purely being a setting-out specialist.
We're particularly interested in candidates with:
Site Engineering experience with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 main contractor.
Strong residential experience, ideally on large-scale schemes.
Previous experience working on RC frame projects.
Groundworks, foundations and substructure experience.
Strong setting-out ability.
Experience coordinating subcontractors.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
Good understanding of engineering tolerances, levels and dimensional control.
Strong technical and problem-solving ability.
Excellent communication and organisational skills.
A relevant Civil Engineering / Construction Engineering qualification.
Proficiency with relevant surveying equipment such as Total Stations, EDMs and levels.
Good IT skills and experience working with construction documentation and systems. The Opportunity
The real attraction here is the timing and scale of the project.
You'll be joining the team at the start of a £90m development, meaning you'll be involved in establishing the site and engineering controls during enabling works before progressing through the foundations, substructure and RC frame.
For a Site Engineer looking to develop into a Senior Engineer, or an experienced Senior Engineer wanting to take ownership of a major residential project, this offers genuine scope to build a long-term position around a substantial scheme rather than joining halfway through the build.
Package
£55,000 - £70,000 salary DOE
Permanent position
23 days' holiday + public holidays
5% employer-matched pension contribution
Group life insurance
Income protection
Bereavement cover
Cycle to work scheme
Site-based position
Project commencement: September / October 2026 If you're a Site Engineer or Senior Site Engineer with groundworks, substructure and RC frame experience and would like to join a £90m residential scheme from the outset, I'd be keen to speak with you
Salary description
£55000.00 - £70000.00 per year