Principal Structures Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Structures Engineer to play a leading role in the delivery of a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects within a respected South West civil engineering consultancy.

This senior position offers an opportunity to provide technical leadership, strategic input, designs and mentoring across a wide range of structural and multidisciplinary civil engineering schemes. Our work includes:

• Assessment, refurbishment, and replacement of highway and railway bridge structures, including multi‑span assets supporting key multi‑user trails
• Structural design and technical assurance for major assets, including Newquay Airport
• Delivery of critical infrastructure for private development
• Development of complex schemes such as a proposed moving bridge in the Port of Truro
• Specialist inspections, including PTSI of post‑tensioned bridges
• Structural maintenance works including deck waterproofing, joint and bearing replacement, and strengthening schemes
• Maintenance and renewal of bridges on the Public Rights of Way network
• Inspection, design, and construction of coastal and marine structures within working harbours

You will act as a technical lead, supporting the safe, sustainable, and commercially successful delivery of infrastructure that serves communities across Cornwall and the wider region.

Key Responsibilities

As a Principal Structures Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and oversight across multiple projects, while managing your own workload and contributing to the wider strategic objectives of the business.

You will work closely with project managers, discipline leads, external partners, and clients, helping to shape solutions and drive high standards of design, safety, and delivery.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and oversee the structural design of highways and infrastructure projects from feasibility through to detailed design and construction support
• Act as a technical lead, providing design assurance and independent checking in accordance with relevant standards and codes of practice
• Undertake advanced structural analysis and design using LUSAS and related software
• Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring technical quality, consistency, and efficiency
• Mentor, support, and develop engineers and technicians, fostering technical excellence and professional growth
• Prepare and approve technical reports, specifications, and design documentation
• Contribute to bid preparation, fee proposals, and delivery strategies for new work
• Manage project budgets, resource allocation, forecasts, and cost‑to‑complete reporting
• Provide expert advice and act as a key technical interface with clients, contractors, local authorities, and other stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations and promote best practice in health, safety, and environmental performance
• Drive innovation, value engineering, and the adoption of low‑carbon and sustainable design solutions
• Support continuous improvement of design processes, standards, and procedures across the team

To find out more about the role please take a look at the role profile
 About You

You will be a confident, self‑motivated engineer with strong technical credibility and the ability to lead both people and projects. You will be comfortable taking ownership of complex engineering challenges, influencing decisions, and representing the business externally.

Essential Requirements

• Masters Degree, Degree or HND in Civil or Structural Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• Chartered Engineer (C.Eng) status, or Incorporated Engineer (I.Eng) with demonstrable senior‑level experience, with a commitment to professional development, support will be available to achieve Chartered status.
• A member of the Institution of Civil Engineers or Institution of Structural Engineers
• Significant experience in structural design, ideally focused on highway, bridge, and infrastructure structures
• In‑depth knowledge of relevant standards and legislation, including DMRB, Eurocodes, and CDM Regulations
• High level of proficiency in structural analysis and design software such as LUSAS and Tedds
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and technical review skills
• Proven ability to manage workload, programme, and budgets across multiple projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience dealing directly with clients and stakeholders
• A strong commitment to delivering safe, sustainable, and high‑quality engineering solutions

Our Offer

• Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
• Working Hours: 37 hours per week
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Base: Hybrid working – home based with attendance at Cornwall and/or Exeter offices
• Closing Date:  Applications are to be received in an ongoing campaign . Interviews will be arranged periodically through the campaign. 

Working with us you will have an employee benefits package that includes:

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all our service users, clients and customers. .  

To apply

It’s really easy to apply for our roles – simply follow the link to create a candidate profile, answer the screening questions and upload a CV.

Contact us

If you’d like to have a discussion about the role, please feel free to contact our in-house resourcing team for an informal chat about the role.

Thank you for your interest in supporting our important work at Cormac