Principal Design Engineer Job at Dover CT DR Full Time

Civil Engineering Recruitment is acting as the recruitment partner for this role. This position is with a leading UK civil engineering contractor, not an internal role within Civil Engineering Recruitment.

Company Description

Civil Engineering Recruitment was founded and is led by a Chartered Civil Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, bringing over 20 years of hands‑on industry experience to specialist recruitment. We focus on sourcing high‑calibre professionals across the UK construction and infrastructure sectors, combining technical understanding with a people‑focused, results‑driven approach.

With deep insight into engineering, commercial, and operational delivery, we align candidates with both project requirements and organisational goals.

We are currently supporting our client with recruitment for the following role:

Principal Design Engineer

Job Description

An excellent opportunity for a Principal Design Engineer with a strong background in temporary works to take a leading role in design delivery across major UK infrastructure projects. In addition to this, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the engineering function for this major UK Tier 1 contractor. The successful candidate will also act as a trusted advisor to the Head of Engineering, a mentor to the wider team and the go-to technical expert across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide final approval of complex temporary and permanent works design deliverables prior to issue – the highest level of technical sign-off in the department
• Design and detail complex temporary and permanent works across a broad range of structural forms, producing calculations, drawings, design risk assessments and technical reports
• Review and check design deliverables produced internally and by external consultants, ensuring they meet requirements before issue to project teams
• Research and develop new analysis methods for unique or challenging engineering problems
• Provide authoritative technical advice across the business at all levels, from project teams to senior stakeholders
• Support the Head of Engineering and Engineering Manager in delivering the department’s strategy and driving continuous improvement
• Assist in measuring department staff competency and identifying development needs across the engineering team
• Act as ICE Supervising Civil Engineer for Graduate and Apprentice Engineers across the business
• Coach and develop engineers at all levels, sharing knowledge and raising technical standards across the department
• Maintain high-level awareness of all major projects, acting as Engineering Department Representative (EDR) for allocated schemes
• Produce design fee estimates and programme duration information for tenders and projects
• Coordinate external consultants, agreeing scope, obtaining quotations, monitoring progress and reviewing deliverables
• Undertake site visits to audit temporary works, resolve technical issues and ensure design intent is carried through to construction

Key Requirements

• Degree in Civil Engineering (or related discipline)
• Chartered / Incorporated status with the ICE, IStructE or other relevant professional body.
• Minimum 8 years industry experience
• Broad range of temporary and / or permanent works design experience
• Demonstrable track record of technical leadership and delivery of complex engineering solutions at senior level

Our client is committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Our client is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.