Principal Civil Structural Engineer

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Posted:

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Location: Warrington, Bristol or London

Salary: Up to 75,000 (per annum)

Job type: Permanent

Working pattern: Full time / Flexible working

Industry: Engineering / CPStructural Engineering

Company: Hays

Consultant: Oliver Mullin

Hays office: Manchester — 5th Floor, City Tower, Piccadilly Plaza

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Join a leading consultancy delivering transformative engineering solutions across the nuclear, renewable energy, and high-energy industrial sectors — including data centres and hydrogen production facilities.

This is a senior opportunity to shape nationally significant projects, from supporting the UK’s nuclear fleet and advancing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies, to enabling the transition to Net Zero through sustainable energy systems.

What You’ll Do

As a Principal Civil & Structural Engineer, you’ll take technical ownership of complex engineering packages and lead multidisciplinary teams across the full project lifecycle — from bid development to construction. You’ll play a key role in defining strategy, ensuring quality, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as Responsible Engineer and Technical Authority on major energy projects.
• Leading design strategy, standards, and best practices across civil and structural disciplines.
• Overseeing safety case inputs and technical documentation.
• Providing governance, assurance, and technical leadership for safety-critical systems.
• Engaging with clients, regulators, and industry bodies at a senior level.
• Driving innovation, digital tools, and continuous improvement.
• Supporting business development and client relationship management.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking experienced professionals with a passion for leadership, innovation, and collaboration. Ideal candidates will have:

• A degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline (MEng, MSc, BEng, BSc).
• Chartered Engineer status with a relevant professional body.
• Proven experience in technical leadership or Responsible Engineer roles.
• Extensive background in civil and structural design within regulated environments (nuclear preferred).
• Deep understanding of nuclear safety, regulation, and quality assurance.
• Strong knowledge of design standards (ACI, ASCE, AISC) and BIM tools.
• Proficiency in finite element modelling and validation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A commitment to mentoring and continuous professional development.

What's on offer?

• Competitive salary up to 75,000 + benefits
• Flexible working arrangements (hybrid, part-time, 9 day fortnights)
• Pension matched up to 10%
• 24 days annual leave, option to buy or sell up to 10
• Free single medical cover and digital GP service.
• Enhanced parental leave and family-friendly policies.
• Professional development support and membership reimbursement.
• Access to employee assistance and wellbeing programmes.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career. # - Oliver Mullin