Principal Structural Engineer - defence and nuclear

Lead High‑Impact Structural Delivery Across Major Mission Critical Projects

We’re looking for a Principal Structural Engineer to take a key leadership role across major structural projects and multiple design teams. If you thrive on technical authority, guiding others, and delivering complex structural solutions with confidence - this role gives you influence, autonomy and meaningful challenge.

You’ll report to an Associate Director/Associate Engineer and play a central role in shaping structural output across diverse, technically demanding projects.

• Leading structural design delivery across large projects or several smaller coordinated work streams
• Managing and developing structural project teams, ensuring they have the right support, skills and resourcing
• Overseeing high‑quality structural deliverables: calculations, drawings, reports, specifications and digital models
• Acting as a technical authority - reviewing designs, providing direction, and ensuring technical excellence
• Developing programmes, managing budgets and maintaining rigorous change control
• Supporting tenders, fee proposals and technical scopes
• Reporting performance and strategic insights to senior leadership
• Driving innovation, sustainability and buildable design solutions
• Promoting Safe Together behaviours and contributing to Perfect Delivery standards
• Mentoring engineers and helping teams grow in capability and confidence

• Chartered Engineer (CEng MIStruct
  
  E or CEng MICE)
• Strong capability leading structural design teams and overseeing multi‑package delivery
• Excellent understanding of UK structural codes, design standards and assurance processes
• The ability to work in sectors like nuclear and defence so you are able to get the correct Security Clearance to do so.
• Broad technical expertise, which may include:
• Steel, concrete, masonry and timber building structures
• Foundations and substructures
• Structural analysis and assessment
• Site investigations
• Specialist sector experience (e.g., nuclear, seismic, defence, life sciences, public sector, rail, highways, ground improvement)
• High proficiency in structural analysis tools with the ability to review and validate complex models
• Strong commercial awareness, budgeting and change management experience
• Proven delivery within integrated multidisciplinary environments
• Understanding of CDM responsibilities and structural safety
• CSCS card, eligibility for SC clearance, and full UK driving licence

If you're looking for a role where your structural expertise has weight, your leadership shapes delivery, and your influence reaches across multiple project teams - this is a strong match.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to security clearance. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by various factors. The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain security clearance for this role as required by our clients and sectors.

Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels -  ()

• Company car or cash allowance
• Up to 6% matched contributory pension plan
• 25 days annual leave plus ability to buy additional leave
• Discount scheme (including gym membership, mobile phones etc)
• Family friendly policies
• Employee assistance

Baker Hicks is an equal opportunity employer. We care about creating an inclusive atmosphere and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion throughout.

Baker Hicks is an inclusive organisation welcoming talent from all backgrounds. Applicants are assessed on the basis of personal merit and qualifications.