Principal Structural Engineer – Underground Structures

Job Description

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

We are seeking an experienced Principal Structural Engineer with a proven track record in the design and delivery of underground structures, including tunnels, shafts, and associated works. You will join a diverse team of engineers, scientists, and modellers, contributing to landmark projects across the UK, Ireland, and internationally. Our team values collaboration and diversity of experience, and we offer an integration period to help you familiarise yourself with colleagues and projects.

• Lead structural design for underground structures such as tunnels, shafts, and related works from concept through detailed design and construction phases.
• Apply advanced structural engineering principles to develop safe, efficient, and innovative solutions for underground projects.
• Ensure compliance with relevant design standards and guidance (e.g., Eurocodes, BS codes, ITA guidelines, and applicable local regulations).
• Undertake and review structural analyses including load assessments, ground‑structure interaction modelling, and design of temporary and permanent support systems.
• Collaborate with geotechnical teams to integrate ground behaviour considerations into structural solutions.
• Manage technical delivery of multi‑disciplinary projects, coordinating inputs from civil, geotechnical, and environmental teams.
• Provide expert advice on construction methods, structural risk management, and material selection for underground works.
• Conduct site inspections, supervise construction activities, and provide technical input during tunnelling and shaft sinking operations.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to internal training programmes and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.
• Support business development through proposal preparation, client engagement, and participation in industry conferences.
• Promote health, safety, and equality in all aspects of work, adhering to company policies and values.

• Degree qualified in Civil or Structural Engineering (postgraduate qualification desirable).
• Extensive experience in structural design for underground shafts and tunnels, including temporary and permanent works.
• Strong understanding of structural behaviour under complex loading conditions and ground‑structure interaction.
• Familiarity with tunnelling methods (e.g., TBM, NATM, SCL) and shaft sinking techniques.
• Proficiency in structural analysis software (e.g., STAAD.Pro, MIDAS, Robot, or similar) and integration with geotechnical modelling tools.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and lead multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills and willingness to travel within the UK and internationally.

If you don’t meet all that we are looking for please still consider applying. Not everyone will meet all the requirements, but you might have skills we didn’t know we need.

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging  have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make…