Principal Bridge Engineer

Principal Bridge Engineer – Mechanical & Electrical

Location:

Inverness / Stepps / Perth Category:
Civil Engineering / Bridges / Mechanical & Electrical Engineering / Management Contract Type:
Full-Time, Permanent
Working Pattern:
Monday – Friday
Working Style:
Hybrid (Office & Remote) Travel to Inverness required a few times per monthBEAR Scotland is a leading provider of Highway Maintenance services across Scotland. We manage and maintain over 2,000km of Scotland’s trunk road network, Including over 1500 trunk road structures in the North West of Scotland.

The major bridges in the North West Unit cover a wide variety of iconic and historic bridges including the cable stayed Kessock Bridge in Inverness, Connel Bridge, Ballachulish Bridge, the Cromarty and Dornoch Firth Bridges and Skye Bridge. They also include four moveable swing bridges where the trunk road crosses the Caledonian Canal.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Bridge Engineer to join our Major Bridges Team, taking a leading role in the management, maintenance, and improvement of complex bridge structures.

This role is ideal for:

An experienced Chartered Bridge Engineer seeking a senior leadership positionA Senior Engineer ready to step into a Principal role Responsibilities:

Support the Bridge Manager in leading and developing a high-performing design and inspection team

Lead the investigation, assessment, and delivery of maintenance and improvement schemes for major bridge structures

Oversee outline and detailed design, including technical approval and certification

Manage consultants, contractors, and internal teams to deliver schemes safely and efficiently

Ensure compliance with design standards, including managing Departures from Standard where required

Prepare and review tender documentation and support procurement activities

Oversee project delivery, including programme, budget, and quality management

Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality standards within BEAR’s integrated management system

Fulfil CDM duties, including Principal Designer responsibilities where required

Liaise with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies

Ensure appropriate environmental assessments and mitigation measures are implemented

Knowledge,

Skills and Experience:

Degree in Civil Engineering (or related discipline)
Chartered Engineer (CEng MICE or equivalent)
Significant experience in the Design, Assessment and maintenance of bridge Structures

Experience with moveable bridges or complex structgures (desirable)
Knowledge of Mechanical & Electrical Systems with Bridge Infrastructure (Desirable)
Experience operating in a multi-disciplinary engineering environment (Desirable)
Proven Experience managing projects and technical teams

Strong understanding of relevant standards (eg DMRB)
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skillsA Full UK Driving Licence While the role has oversight of Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) elements—particularly relating to moveable bridges—the primary focus is on bridge engineering leadership. You will lead the identification, investigation, design, and delivery of maintenance and improvement schemes, managing a multi-disciplinary team and supply chain.

Why BEAR?

At BEAR, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to building an inclusive, supportive environment where you can thrive and develop your career.

We offer:

Ongoing professional development and trainingA collaborative and values-driven culture

The opportunity to lead high-profile infrastructure projects

What We Offer Competitive salary + benefits package

Generous annual leave entitlement

Pension scheme (up to 6% employer contribution)
Flexible benefits, including:
Holiday purchase

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to fairness, inclusion, and diversity across our business.

Want to find out a bit more before applying? We’d be delighted to have an informal chat about the role. Just get in touch and we’ll arrange a convenient time to speak. Please email us on  us and be part of a company that supports your development, values your contribution, and inspires you to do your best work.