Principal Engineer

Location: Bridgend
Contract: Permanent | Full-Time
Salary: Competitive + Benefits Package

Overview

This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the UK’s fastest-growing contractors as a Principal Engineer, leading the technical delivery of complex civil engineering projects across a diverse and expanding portfolio.

This role suits an individual seeking a supportive yet ambitious environment, with clear career development pathways and strong employee engagement.

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the technical delivery of civil engineering projects, ensuring excellence in design, construction methodology, compliance, and risk management.
The Principal Engineer acts as:

• Strategic advisor
• Technical authority
• Mentor and leader

Driving innovation, quality, sustainability, and commercial success across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead engineering input through all preconstruction stages, from feasibility and concept design to tender and handover.
• Provide technical leadership on bids, developing construction methodologies, sequencing strategies, and risk mitigation plans.
• Conduct buildability reviews, value engineering, and technical risk assessments to ensure compliance, innovation, and cost efficiency.
• Develop, review, and approve temporary and permanent works solutions in collaboration with designers and supply chain partners.
• Champion sustainable engineering approaches, including SuDS, low-carbon materials, and modern methods of construction.
• Support bid teams with technical scope writing, programme inputs, and responses to client technical queries.
• Act as a technical advisor during client and consultant meetings, clearly articulating engineering strategies and rationale.
• Drive continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and embedding improvements across preconstruction processes.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, promoting technical excellence and a culture of learning.
• Fulfil the duties of Principal Designer under CDM 2015 where required.

Key Requirements (Essential)

• Strong technical knowledge of engineering practices, civil engineering principles, and construction standards.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards chartership (ICE, IStructE, or equivalent).
• Demonstrable experience in CDM compliance, risk management, and technical assurance.
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, or similar.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior engineers.
• Experience in client liaison, stakeholder engagement, and preparing clear technical reports.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in energy or renewables sectors.
• Strong understanding of buildability, temporary works, and construction sequencing.
• Knowledge of environmental permitting, flood risk, or water-sensitive design.
• Degree or HNC/HND in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent.

If you are interested and would like further details, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.