Principal Structural Engineer, Defence

Principal Structural Engineer – Birmingham

Location: Birmingham City Centre
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits
Type: Permanent

Are you an experienced Structural Engineer ready to step into a leadership role?
We’re working with a leading engineering consultancy expanding its Structures team in Birmingham. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead high-profile projects, mentor talented engineers, and deliver innovative, sustainable design solutions — including Defence projects across the UK.

The Role

As a Principal Structural Engineer, you’ll lead the delivery of complex building and Defence-related structures, managing projects from concept to completion. You’ll coordinate with clients, consultants, and contractors, ensuring technical excellence while supporting and mentoring junior engineers.

You’ll also help drive best practice, contribute to business growth, and ensure projects meet stringent technical and security standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple structural engineering projects, including Defence, commercial, and industrial sectors.

• Produce, review, and approve detailed designs, drawings, and technical reports.

• Supervise and mentor design staff, ensuring quality and consistency.

• Coordinate with clients, architects, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Manage budgets, resources, and project programmes effectively.

• Ensure compliance with CDM regulations, health and safety, and internal technical standards.

• Contribute to technical excellence, innovation, and best practice.

• Support business development through strong performance and client relationships.

About You

• Degree-qualified in Civil or Structural Engineering (or equivalent).

• Chartered Engineer (CEng, MIStructE, or MICE) – or equivalent experience (typically 8+ years).

• Strong experience in building structures, with a proven track record on Defence projects.

• Ability to obtain SC (Security Check) clearance.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.

• Commercially aware, with experience managing budgets, resources, and project teams.

• Proficient in structural analysis and design software (e.g., Tekla, Tedds, MasterSeries).

• Knowledge of British Standards, Eurocodes, and design best practices.

• Proactive, reliable, and collaborative approach to problem-solving.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary with annual reviews.

• Hybrid working – flexible mix of office and remote working.

• 26 days annual leave (rising to 31 with service) plus bank holidays.

• Excellent training, mentoring, and professional development support.

• Full Chartership and CPD pathways.

• Opportunity to work on high-value projects, including Defence and other key sectors.

• Supportive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.

• Clear career progression opportunities towards Associate level and beyond.

Why Apply?

This is an exceptional opportunity for a motivated Principal Structural Engineer with Defence project experience to lead complex projects, mentor a team, and make an impact on high-profile developments across the UK.

Apply now or contact us for a confidential discussion about this Principal Structural Engineer role in Birmingham.