Principal Structural Engineer

Take a leading role in delivering complex structural engineering solutions that shape critical infrastructure and the built environment. Join a high-performing team working across diverse, technically challenging projects that make a tangible impact.

Purpose & Scope of the Role As a Principal Structural Engineer, you will support and strengthen the structural engineering capability across Bristol and Plymouth. You will lead the design and delivery of structural solutions across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, defence, nuclear, commercial, and science & technology.

You will take ownership of projects from concept through to completion, managing technical delivery, overseeing design outputs, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The role also involves managing small teams, coordinating with multidisciplinary stakeholders, and acting as the primary point of contact for clients.

Your Impact in this Position You will drive the successful delivery of projects by combining technical expertise with strong leadership and client engagement. Your ability to manage multiple projects, guide teams, and maintain high-quality design standards will directly influence project outcomes.

By building effective relationships across disciplines and proactively leading on technical delivery, you will contribute to innovative engineering solutions and continuous improvement within the team.

Core Capabilities Technical Design & Delivery Lead structural design across all project stages, from concept to completion

Produce and review calculations, drawings, specifications and reports

Project & Commercial Management Manage projects independently, ensuring delivery to time and budget

Oversee change control and contribute to commercial performance

Leadership & Team Development Mentor and support engineers, fostering a collaborative team environment

Lead small teams to deliver high-quality outcomes

Stakeholder & Client Engagement Act as the main point of contact for clients and project stakeholders

Build strong working relationships across multidisciplinary teams

Innovation & Continuous Improvement Contribute to research, innovation and best practice initiatives

Apply modern design tools and engineering techniques

Skills, Experience & Qualifications Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer (CEng, MICE or MIStructE) with strong experience across a range of structural projects. Proven ability in design, project delivery and client engagement. Proficient in industry software such as Tekla or Robot, with working knowledge of Revit. Strong commercial awareness, communication skills and commitment to health and safety. Full UK driving licence and eligibility for UK security clearance required.

Working Environment This role is based in Bristol or Plymouth, with a hybrid working model typically involving a mix of office, site and remote working. Flexibility is supported, with expected office presence aligned to project and team needs. Travel may be required depending on project locations.

About Tetra Tech Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity.

We support public and private sector clients on local, national, and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who are Leading with Science to solve our clients’ most complex problems. In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements.

This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role Additional Information Organization: 784 TCE