Oct 20, 2025
Vacancy type Principal Structural Engineer (Power and Energy)
Vacancy reference WCS-25-17
Salary scale Competitive - dependent on experience
How to apply Kindly submit your CV and cover letter via email to , ensuring that the subject line includes the job title and reference.
Location Surbiton
Closing date 30th November 2025
Position type Full time, permanent 37.5 hours a week.
Travel required N/A
Reports to Director
Key Purpose of the role
As a Principal Structural Engineer, you will lead the delivery of structural engineering design within the Power & Energy team. You will be responsible for the design, technical oversight, design assurance, and leadership of multidisciplinary projects across substations, renewable energy infrastructure, and associated civil and structural assets.
This is a key leadership role, providing both hands on technical expertise and mentorship to our growing structural team. You'll also collaborate with clients, contractors, and internal teams to ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, and sustainable engineering solutions.
Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership
- Lead and oversee structural design for projects within the power, energy, and renewables sectors (including substation buildings, transformer foundations, gantries, equipment plinths, and cable management systems); coordinate with civil design team for highways and drainage packages.
- Act as the technical authority, ensuring compliance with relevant design standards (Eurocodes, BS EN, National Grid or DNO specifications, etc.).
- Manage and approve calculations, drawings, specifications, and design deliverables prepared by the team.
- Conduct design reviews, independent checks, and assurance activities to maintain quality and safety standards.
- Ensure Health & Safety and CDM requirements are considered at all stages of the design process so that designs produced minimise risk during construction.
Project and Team Management
- Lead structural design teams through all project stages - from feasibility and concept design to detailed engineering and construction support.
- Work collaboratively with civil, geotechnical, and electrical engineers to deliver integrated design solutions.
- Manage workloads, project budgets, and delivery schedules to meet client expectations.
- Mentor and develop junior engineers, promoting knowledge sharing and technical excellence.
Client & Business Engagement
- Act as the primary structural engineering contact for clients within the Power & Energy sector. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, and key stakeholders.
- Support business development by contributing to proposals, bids, and technical presentations.
- Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in design.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum of 8 years' relevant experience in a design consultancy.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the ICE or IStructE (or nearly chartered).
- Degree (BEng/MEng) in Civil or Structural Engineering.
- Experience in the design and delivery of structural engineering projects within the Power, Energy, or Renewables sectors.
- Strong knowledge of UK design codes, standards, and industry specifications.
- Proficient in structural analysis and design software (e.g., Tekla TEDDS, Robot, or similar).
- Experience working with National Grid, DNOs, or renewable energy developers is highly desirable.
Personal Attributes
- Technically excellent, with a pragmatic, solution focused approach.
- Confident communicator with the ability to engage clients and guide project teams.
- Committed to delivering safe, sustainable, and value driven designs.
- Motivated leader who fosters collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.
- Having a current clean UK driving licence for travel throughout the UK to visit sites and carry out inspections from time to time is desirable.
Why Join Us
- Be part of a growing consultancy with a strong reputation in infrastructure and energy.
- Lead challenging and meaningful projects in the UK's transition to clean energy.
- Competitive salary and benefits, including professional development support.
- A collaborative environment with flexibility, trust, and clear progression opportunities.