Role Overview

We are seeking a Lead Structures Engineer with a structural engineering background to support our Repairs and Civil Works business lines, delivering design / technical oversight for bridges, and associated civil structures, including both permanent and temporary works. 

The role will provide technical leadership across a portfolio of VSL UK’s projects, supporting tender-stage development, construction delivery, and quality assurance processes while ensuring compliance with UK standards and guidance.

The role will contribute to design optimisation, risk management, and client engagement, supporting both project delivery and business development objectives.

Main Responsibilities

Design & Technical Delivery

• Undertake structural design and checking for bridges and associated civil structures, including permanent and temporary works.

• Support tender-stage engineering, including design development, option studies, construction methodology input, and risk identification.

• Review and interrogate third-party and subcontractor designs, identifying technical risks and opportunities for optimisation.

• Develop and support the preparation of design briefs, Approval in Principle (AIP) documents and design calculations in accordance with DMRB requirements.

• Contribute to the development of temporary works designs, including erection stages, construction sequencing, and stability checks.

Project Support & Implementation

• Provide technical leadership and design management support across ongoing VSL projects, overseeing programme alignment, risk management, and quality assurance processes.

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of CDM Regulations, including design risk management, hazard identification, and designer duties.

• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with relevant UK codes and standards, including CG300, DMRB, BS EN Eurocodes, and Network Rail / TfL standards, etc. as applicable.

Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

• Contribute to business development strategy through client liaison, early contractor involvement (ECI), and technical leadership on framework and major project bids.

• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary project teams and across internal and external stakeholders.

Candidate Profile

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Civil or Structural Engineering.

• Approximately 8 to 12+ years post-graduate experience in bridges, civil structures, and/or temporary works, with at least 3 years’ experience working on UK based projects (up to approx. level of Principal Engineer, Associate or Associate Director level).

• Experience working on bridge and infrastructure projects, ideally under NEC contracts.

• Experience with UK infrastructure asset management, repair and rehabilitation.

• Charted Engineer (CEng) with ICE or IStructE

Technical Skills

• Familiarity with AIPs, DMRB, CDM, and temporary works procedures.

• Ability to contribute effectively at both tender and construction stages.

• Strong understanding of design risk management, construction methodology, and stability assessments.

Personal Attributes

• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

• Technically confident, proactive, and capable of providing leadership across projects.

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance with UK infrastructure standards.

Why Work With Us?

• Impactful Work: Lead digital engineering on one of the UK’s most complex and high-profile clean energy projects.

• Innovation at Scale: Drive smarter, engineering-led solutions that deliver long-term performance and value.

• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development within an international construction specialist.

• Collaborative Culture: Work with a skilled, diverse team at the forefront of digital transformation in infrastructure.

• Competitive Package: Attractive salary and benefits, including pension and health coverage.

Interested? Apply now and let's build the great structures of tomorrow together!