Lead / Principal Civil & Structural Engineer

My client is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Lead / Principal Civil & Structural Engineer to provide technical leadership on major infrastructure projects in the water, nuclear, and highways sectors. This freelance role offers an exciting opportunity for a senior professional to work independently while delivering strategic, high-value engineering solutions for complex and safety-critical environments.

As a technical authority, you will lead design and engineering teams, provide specialist guidance, and ensure project compliance with industry regulations. Your expertise will shape the structural integrity and longevity of vital infrastructure projects, from concept design through to construction and asset management.

• Provide technical leadership and oversight on major civil and structural engineering projects.
• Develop and review engineering strategies, feasibility studies, and risk assessments.
• Lead the design, analysis, and assessment of structures across the water, nuclear, and highways sectors, ensuring compliance with Eurocodes, British Standards, and industry regulations.
• Act as a technical advisor for clients, contractors, and project teams, offering innovative and cost-effective engineering solutions.
• Ensure designs meet safety, sustainability, and durability requirements, particularly in high-risk environments such as nuclear infrastructure and highways.
• Engage with stakeholders at all levels, managing client expectations and ensuring successful project outcomes.
• Conduct site inspections, structural assessments, and audits to verify compliance and structural performance.
• Utilize industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Tekla, STAAD.Pro, and structural analysis tools.

? Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (MEng/MSc preferred).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with ICE, IStructE, or equivalent.
• 10+ years of experience in civil and structural engineering, with a focus on water, nuclear, or highways.
• Proven track record in leading major infrastructure projects from concept to completion.
• Strong expertise in structural materials (concrete, steel, timber) and foundation engineering.
• Extensive experience with temporary works, reinforced concrete design, and geotechnical considerations.

? Skills & Leadership Qualities

• Strategic thinker with the ability to lead complex engineering projects.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to make high-level technical decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to communicate technical information effectively.
• Strong leadership in mentoring and developing engineering teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver to tight deadlines.

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.