Principal Design Engineer

Published

August 10, 2026

Location

Luton, United Kingdom

Category

Civil Engineering

Job Type

Permanent

Reference

BS10/08/26PDE1

Salary

70000 - 75000 per annum

Start date

Contact Name

Benjamin Symonds

Contact Email

Description

Principal Design Engineer
Watford
Up to 75,000 + Package

We are currently recruiting for a Principal Design Engineer with a strong background in temporary works design to join a leading UK construction and civil engineering contractor in Watford.

This is a key technical leadership position, responsible for the design, coordination and delivery of complex temporary and permanent works packages across major infrastructure and civil engineering projects.

The Role

As Principal Design Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across temporary works solutions, working closely with project teams, permanent works designers, specialist subcontractors and site teams to ensure designs are safe, practical, compliant and fully integrated into project delivery.

Key responsibilities will include:

Leading the design and engineering of temporary and permanent works packages.
Developing, reviewing and approving engineering calculations, drawings, specifications and design deliverables.
Providing technical leadership on temporary works including support systems, excavations, formwork, falsework, lifting operations and working platforms.
Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary project teams to ensure designs meet programme, operational and safety requirements.
Providing technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers and designers.
Undertaking site visits and inspections to validate designs and resolve technical issues during construction.
Participating in temporary works coordination meetings, risk assessments, constructability reviews and design reviews.
Ensuring designs comply with CDM regulations, British Standards, industry guidance and company procedures.
Identifying opportunities to improve design efficiency, buildability, safety and project delivery.
Keeping up to date with developments in temporary works engineering, construction methodologies and industry best practice.
About You

The successful candidate will have:

A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or a related discipline. A Master's degree is desirable.
Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or be actively working towards chartership.
Significant experience in structural engineering and temporary works design within civil engineering or construction.
Strong knowledge of temporary works procedures, governance and design requirements.
Experience designing a range of temporary works solutions, including excavations, retaining systems, foundations, working platforms, formwork, falsework and lifting arrangements.
Proficiency with engineering/design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Tekla Tedds, STAAD Pro or equivalent.
A strong understanding of construction methodologies, sequencing and site constraints on major infrastructure projects.
Proven technical leadership experience and the ability to manage multiple projects or workstreams.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
A proactive approach to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to take a senior technical position with a major UK infrastructure contractor, providing engineering leadership across complex civil engineering projects.

You will have the opportunity to influence design solutions from concept through to construction, working alongside experienced project and engineering teams while playing a key role in delivering safe, efficient and buildable temporary works solutions.

Apply Now! or Get in touch with Ben Symonds at Kenton Black, Birmingham for more inforamation!