Principal Civil Engineer

Overview

As Project Lead Engineer you drive engineering delivery for onshore and marine systems, ensuring designs are safe, compliant, and aligned with stakeholder goals. You guide multidisciplinary teams and support decision-making through the full lifecycle, from concept to completion. You’ll work with project managers, consultants, and contractors to uphold high standards, manage risks, and nurture a culture of safety and quality. This role offers impact by shaping complex, regulated projects in a nuclear‑oriented context.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary engineering work packages
• Guide and support Project Engineers
• Deputise for the Engineering Manager as needed
• Collaborate with Project Managers, consultants, and contractors
• Support design decisions and optioning
• Develop scopes of work and define requirements
• Capture user and stakeholder requirements
• Review and approve designs, drawings, and documentation
• Ensure designs meet client standards
• Assess risk assessments, method statements and contractor plans
• Provide technical oversight during construction/decommissioning
• Oversee commissioning/decommissioning activities
• Ensure HSEQ compliance
• Liaise with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle
• Represent the organisation in meetings and presentations
• Work closely with BIM/CAD teams
• Attend site in Helensburgh to build relationships
• Support training and knowledge sharing
• Assist with project close-out activities
• Act as technical leader driving engineering quality and delivery

Key requirements

• Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering (or related field)
• Strong civil/structural engineering knowledge
• Experience designing and assessing steel structures and reinforced concrete structures
• Knowledge of British Standards and Eurocodes
• Understanding of UK nuclear regulations and best practice
• Experience across the full engineering lifecycle (concept design, detailed design, construction)
• Background in heavy industrial and/or maritime structures
• Experience in the UK nuclear sector (energy or defence), especially safety-related structures, systems & components
• Proven project engineering experience including work package delivery and site integration in regulated environments

• Ability to work independently and within teams
• Strong understanding of compliance in regulated industries
• Experience writing and reviewing technical documents
• Knowledge of structural design for steel and reinforced concrete
• Familiarity with British Standards and Eurocodes
• Understanding of UK nuclear regulations and best practices

…