VolkerWessels UK
Principal Design Engineer
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Principal Design Engineer
Part of the VolkerWessels UK Group, VolkerStevin is an industry-leading civil engineering business, providing complex and innovative engineering solutions across a wide range of sectors including maritime, flood risk management, defence, energy, water and regeneration. Collaborating with, and drawing on the specialist skills of the group's business units we deliver a truly integrated, multidisciplinary service.
Lead the engineering solutions behind some of the UK's most challenging and rewarding infrastructure projects. VolkerStevin is seeking an experienced and driven Principal Design Engineer to provide technical leadership across the tendering and construction lifecycle of major civil engineering projects. Working closely with project teams, clients and consultants, you will play a key role in delivering safe, practical and innovative temporary and permanent works solutions while supporting the Engineering Department's strategic objectives.
This is an excellent opportunity for a talented engineer looking to influence complex projects, mentor developing engineers and contribute to the continued growth and success of a leading infrastructure business.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering Leadership
- Support the Head of Engineering and Engineering Manager in delivering departmental goals and strategy.
- Identify opportunities for innovation, continuous improvement and best practice.
- Contribute to the development of engineering standards and processes.
Design & Technical Delivery
- Lead the design, checking and approval of temporary and permanent works solutions.
- Produce and review design calculations, technical reports, design risk assessments, sketches and drawings.
- Review external consultant designs and ensure compliance with project requirements and industry standards.
- Provide expert technical advice to project and operational teams.
- Undertake site inspections and technical reviews.
Temporary Works Management
- Support the Engineering Manager in Designated Individual responsibilities.
- Assist in developing and training Temporary Works Coordinators (TWCs) and Temporary Works Supervisors (TWSs).
- Ensure temporary works designs are safe, practical and delivered in accordance with established procedures.
Quality, Risk & Commercial Support
- Support project teams in resolving technical and quality issues.
- Undertake audits and reviews to improve quality standards and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Assist in managing non-conformances and project risks.
- Prepare design fee estimates, programme information and technical input on commercial matters.
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Consultant & Stakeholder Management
- Act as the key liaison between project teams and external consultants.
- Define scopes of work, obtain quotations and monitor consultant performance.
- Review and coordinate the issue of consultant deliverables.
Leadership & Development
- Coach, mentor and support engineers across all levels of the business.
- Assist with competency development within the Engineering Department.
- Act as an ICE Supervising Civil Engineer for Graduate and Apprentice Engineers.
- Promote a supportive, inclusive and high-performing team culture.
Project Engagement
- Act as Engineering Department Representative (EDR) and primary engineering contact for allocated projects.
- Maintain awareness of project programmes, risks and technical requirements.
- Attend internal and external meetings and regularly visit project sites to support successful delivery.
If you're looking to take a leading role in the delivery of complex engineering solutions while developing the next generation of engineering talent, we'd love to hear from you.
About you
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree qualified in Civil, Structural or related Engineering discipline.
- Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status with the ICE, IStructE or another relevant professional institution.
- Extensive experience in the design of temporary works and/or permanent works within a civil engineering environment.
- Experience managing engineering interfaces with project teams and external consultants.
- Proven ability to lead complex engineering activities from concept through to construction.
Technical Knowledge
- Strong understanding of civil, structural and/or geotechnical engineering principles.
- Knowledge of a broad range of civil engineering construction techniques.
- Experience applying relevant design codes, standards and industry best practice.
- Understanding of health and safety legislation, particularly CDM Regulations.
- Highly proficient in design software, CAD software, Microsoft Office, MS Teams and Common Data Environments (CDEs).
- Ability to develop innovative engineering solutions for complex and unique challenges.
Personal Attributes
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Self-motivated with a proactive approach.
- Highly organised with excellent workload management skills.
- Ability to perform effectively under pressure and meet challenging deadlines.
- Committed to continuous improvement and professional development.
- Able to inspire, mentor and develop others through leading by example.
- Focused on achieving long-term goals while delivering high-quality outcomes for projects and client
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If your past experience doesn't match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.
Why work with us?
VolkerStevin is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.
By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerStevin are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.
We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees. We offer a range of benefits, including:
- Competitive salary
- Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
- Option to buy additional annual leave
- Private medical care
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
- Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
- Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity benefits
- Employee Assistance
- Flexible working opportunities
- Mental health, physical health, and financial support
- 24/7 Virtual GP service
- Fairness, inclusion and respect
We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.
If you need support with your application, please contact us at
Additional information
Note for Recruitment Agencies:
Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release. We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed
VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.
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