Principal Design Engineer

Description

As a Principal Design Engineer at Spencer Group, you will take a leading role in developing high-quality engineering design solutions across a diverse range of complex projects. Working within a close-knit Mechanical Design team, you will be responsible for leading the design process from concept through to detailed design and delivery.

You will operate within a collaborative design office environment, providing innovative and practical solutions to technical challenges using the latest design and analysis software. Your role will involve producing conceptual designs, coordinating with design and build teams, and ensuring that all outputs meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency in a fast-paced environment where precision matters.

• Utilise advanced design and analysis tools to deliver innovative, efficient, and robust engineering solutions.
• Attend and contribute to site visits, design reviews, and progress meetings, acting as a key point of contact for clients and project partners.
• Promote a collaborative and supportive team culture, contributing to the ongoing development, capability, and success of the Mechanical Design function.
• Define the project scope and develop design philosophies in alignment with client briefs and technical requirements.
• Provide clear technical guidance and information to enable technicians to produce detailed construction-ready drawings.
• Coordinate and manage the appointment of sub-consultants and specialist designers required to support project delivery.
• Prepare costed design management plans, ensuring alignment between project scope, budget, and deliverables.
• Lead design delivery on assigned projects, taking technical ownership while supporting and mentoring junior engineers and technicians to promote professional development and technical excellence.
• Produce high-quality written reports, calculations, and technical specifications to support design proposals and construction activities.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of 3D Modelling and Building Information Modelling (BIM) to enhance design integration and delivery.
• Take full ownership of design projects, ensuring effective coordination across disciplines and with internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• A proactive and technically capable engineer with strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions.
• Demonstrates sound understanding of the CDM 2015 Regulations, including the preparation of Designers’ Risk Assessments.
• Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to review and verify design documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with current standards.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of relevant Statutory Regulations, Standards, and Codes of Practice, ensuring full compliance throughout the design process.
• Adaptable and willing to support the development of junior engineers and technicians through mentorship and technical guidance.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise confidently with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders at all levels.
• Capable of working independently on complex engineering challenges while contributing effectively within a close-knit team environment.
• Able to work effectively under pressure, managing multiple priorities and meeting tight project deadlines.
• Degree-qualified in Mechanical or Structural Engineering (or related discipline), with a minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in similar sectors.
• Experienced in SolidWorks for 3D design work.
• Demonstrable ability to produce high-quality, buildable designs that comply with current standards and project specifications.
• Chartered Engineer status with the IMechE or IStructE preferred, though not essential.
• Proficient in the use of ANSYS Workbench and/or STAAD.Pro for structural and mechanical analysis.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Experience working across multiple sectors such as bridges, materials handling, energy, or nuclear is advantageous.
• Skilled in both modern design software tools and traditional hand calculation methods for conceptual design development.
• Proven experience in structural steelwork design; experience in moving machinery and temporary works design is advantageous.
• Competent in MathCAD for detailed design calculations and analysis documentation.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance