Freelance Structural Engineer

Flexible work | Greater and Central London

Britain’s Leading Engineers is expanding. We’re looking for a graduate structural engineer or above to join our multidisciplinary team working across structural engineering, architecture, construction and high-end property development in London.

This freelance, self-employed role offers a varied workload across period homes, larger residential projects and commercial buildings. You can arrange site visits around your availability, in coordination with clients and project teams. We expect around three to five visits a week, with travel expenses paid separately.

Your work will be reviewed by a senior engineer, with support available when needed.

What you’ll work on

• Surveying period properties and tracing the structural load path from roof to foundations.
• Identifying construction types, including timber, brickwork and blockwork.
• Inspecting and recording cracks, defects, roof conditions, trees, gutters and other issues that may affect a building.
• Specifying opening-up works and recording exposed steel sizes, connection types, joist direction and other details once areas are opened.
• Preparing AutoCAD drawings showing existing and proposed layouts, with structural elements added to plans where required.
• Designing structural elements in steel and timber, sizing foundations and preparing calculation packages for Building Control.
• Writing clear structural reports and technical documents based on site findings.
• Communicating with clients, architects and contractors, and briefing or overseeing construction teams.

What we’re looking for

• A degree in structural or civil engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Familiarity with UK construction and period properties.
• Good working knowledge of AutoCAD, Word and Excel.
• Strong written and spoken English, with clear report‑writing and communication skills.
• The ability to organise site visits, work independently and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.

The hourly rate will be discussed and agreed based on experience and qualifications. Travel expenses are paid separately.

Future opportunities

There may be an opportunity to progress into a permanent position. Further projects could include residential and commercial conversions and HMOs, shop renovations and fit‑outs, loft conversions, large house extensions, basements, and general building alterations and refurbishments across Greater and Central London.

• Employee mentoring programme
• Free or subsidised travel

Education:

• Bachelor’s (preferred)

Experience:

• Civil engineering: 1 year (preferred)

Language:

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (required)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in London N1 4AJ