Hays
Principal Civil Structural Engineer

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Join a leading consultancy delivering transformative engineering solutions across the nuclear, renewable energy, and high-energy industrial sectors - including data centres and hydrogen production facilities.
This is a senior opportunity to shape nationally significant projects, from supporting the UK's nuclear fleet and advancing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies, to enabling the transition to Net Zero through sustainable energy systems.
What You'll Do
As a Principal Civil & Structural Engineer, you'll take technical ownership of complex engineering packages and lead multidisciplinary teams across the full project lifecycle - from bid development to construction. You'll play a key role in defining strategy, ensuring quality, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.
Key responsibilities include:
- Acting as Responsible Engineer and Technical Authority on major energy projects.
- Leading design strategy, standards, and best practices across civil and structural disciplines.
- Overseeing safety case inputs and technical documentation.
- Providing governance, assurance, and technical leadership for safety-critical systems.
- Engaging with clients, regulators, and industry bodies at a senior level.
- Driving innovation, digital tools, and continuous improvement.
- Supporting business development and client relationship management.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking experienced professionals with a passion for leadership, innovation, and collaboration. Ideal candidates will have:
- A degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline (MEng, MSc, BEng, BSc).
- Chartered Engineer status with a relevant professional body.
- Proven experience in technical leadership or Responsible Engineer roles.
- Extensive background in civil and structural design within regulated environments (nuclear preferred).
- Deep understanding of nuclear safety, regulation, and quality assurance.
- Strong knowledge of design standards (ACI, ASCE, AISC) and BIM tools.
- Proficiency in finite element modelling and validation.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A commitment to mentoring and continuous professional development.


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What's on offer?
- Competitive salary up to £75,000 + benefits
- Flexible working arrangements (hybrid, part-time, 9 day fortnights)
- Pension matched up to 10%
- 24 days annual leave, option to buy or sell up to 10
- Free single medical cover and digital GP service.
- Enhanced parental leave and family-friendly policies.
- Professional development support and membership reimbursement.
- Access to employee assistance and wellbeing programmes.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
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