Principal Design Engineer

Our client is a major UK civil engineering contractor delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, with a strong focus on technical excellence and in‑house engineering capability.

They are looking to appoint a Principal Design Engineer in Watford to lead on scaffold and temporary works design across complex project portfolios. This role combines hands‑on technical delivery with leadership responsibility and input into the growth and development of a specialist design function.

• Salary in the region of £71,000–£75,000
• Pension scheme with contributions up to 8% after qualifying period
• Share plan with opportunity to invest in the parent company on favourable terms
• Comprehensive benefits package including life assurance (up to 4x salary), retail discounts, wellbeing support, cycle to work scheme, and paid volunteering days

• Proven experience in a scaffold design consultancy environment (e.g. 48.3, RDG or similar)
• Strong background in temporary works and structural design within civil engineering projects
• Demonstrable knowledge of scaffold design standards including TG20, SG4 and BS EN 12811
• Experience leading teams, managing multiple work streams and contributing to team development
• Degree‑qualified in Civil or Structural Engineering, with Chartered status or working towards it

We welcome applications from every walk of life and are committed to diversity within the industries we support, as a certified Inclusive Recruiter and Armed Forces friendly employer. We encourage safe job searching practices.