Principal Project Engineer

Job Title: Principal Project Engineer (Civil & Structural)

Job Location: Manchester

Job Type: Permanent

Annual Salary: Up to £70K + Car allowance + Package

Client Overview

Our client is a well-established, multidisciplinary engineering and design consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering complex projects across the built environment, infrastructure, defence, nuclear, life sciences, industrial and more. With a collaborative and people-focused culture, they provide innovative engineering solutions from concept through to detailed design and project delivery.

Known for their technical excellence and commitment to sustainability, they work closely with a diverse portfolio of public and private sector clients on some of the UK's most challenging and high-profile developments. Their teams combine deep sector knowledge with a practical approach to problem-solving, enabling them to deliver efficient, future-focused solutions that add real value throughout the project lifecycle.

The business offers a supportive environment where engineers are empowered to take ownership of projects, develop their technical expertise, and progress their careers within a growing and forward-thinking organisation. This is an excellent opportunity to join a company that places equal importance on innovation, professional development, and delivering outstanding results for its clients.

Role Overview

Our client is seeking a Principal Civil & Structural Engineer to join a growing Power Infrastructure team, playing a pivotal role in the delivery of major energy and infrastructure projects across the UK. This is a senior-level opportunity for an experienced engineer who combines strong technical expertise with proven project and team leadership capabilities.

Working within a specialist Civil & Structural Power team, you will lead the design and delivery of critical infrastructure projects including substations, converter stations, grid infrastructure and wider power-sector developments. You'll work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure engineering solutions are technically robust, commercially effective and aligned with client objectives.

This position offers the chance to influence technical direction, mentor engineers at various stages of their careers, and contribute to the growth of an established and expanding discipline. It would suit an experienced Civil or Structural Engineer looking to take ownership of high-profile projects while helping shape the UK's evolving energy landscape.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the delivery of single and multidisciplinary infrastructure projects from concept through to completion.
• Direct and oversee civil and structural design activities across a range of project sizes and complexities.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and in accordance with quality and safety standards.
• Manage project teams, resources and technical outputs to achieve programme and client requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and engineering assurance across civil and structural design packages.
• Coordinate closely with internal disciplines, subcontractors and external stakeholders.
• Review and approve engineering deliverables to ensure compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Mentor and develop graduate engineers, engineers and technicians, promoting technical best practice and continuous learning.
• Champion compliance with quality management systems, health and safety requirements and company procedures.
• Support the ongoing development and growth of the Civil & Structural Power discipline.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and key project stakeholders.

Requirements

• HNC, HND or Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng MICE, MIStructE or equivalent) or actively working towards Chartership.
• Professional membership with a recognised institution such as ICE, IStructE, APM, CIHT, IHE or similar.
• Proven experience leading infrastructure projects and engineering teams.
• Strong technical knowledge of civil and structural engineering design and project delivery.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary project teams and managing engineering resources.
• Excellent communication, client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong understanding of quality assurance, safety and engineering governance processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Benefits

• Salary up to £70,000 per annum
• Company car or car allowance
• Annual bonus (based on performance)
• Up to 6% matched pension contribution
• Life assurance
• 25 days annual leave plus the option to purchase additional leave
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Employee discount platform
• Family-friendly policies
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Ongoing professional development and chartership support
• Clear career progression opportunities within a highly respected engineering consultancy

Next Steps

If you're interested in this opportunity, please submit your updated CV or reach out to Lusona Consultancy for a confidential conversation.

If this role isn’t quite the right fit but you’re exploring new opportunities, we would be happy to assist you in finding the perfect match.