Principal Design Engineer

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 lead 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. The Mechanical Design team at Spencer Group is a small, dedicated group of engineers and technicians who self‑deliver a variety of structural and mechanical design works across multiple sectors, including bridges, materials handling, energy, and nuclear. The team has extensive experience in both static and moving structural systems, as well as temporary works design. Responsibilities Lead design delivery on assigned projects, taking technical ownership while supporting and mentoring junior engineers and technicians to promote professional development and technical excellence. Define the project scope and develop design philosophies in alignment with client briefs and technical requirements. Prepare costed design management plans, ensuring alignment between project scope, budget, and deliverables. Take full ownership of design projects, ensuring effective coordination across disciplines and with internal and external stakeholders. Utilise advanced design and analysis tools to deliver innovative, efficient, and robust engineering solutions. Provide clear technical guidance and information to enable technicians to produce detailed construction‑ready drawings. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of relevant statutory regulations, standards, and codes of practice, ensuring full compliance throughout the design process. Develop and maintain working knowledge of 3D modelling and Building Information Modelling (BIM) to enhance design integration and delivery. Produce high‑quality written reports, calculations, and technical specifications to support design proposals and construction activities. Attend and contribute to site visits, design reviews, and progress meetings, acting as a key point of contact for clients and project partners. Coordinate and manage the appointment of sub‑consultants and specialist designers required to support project delivery. Promote a collaborative and supportive team culture, contributing to the ongoing development, capability, and success of the Mechanical Design function. Person Specification A proactive and technically capable engineer with strong problem‑solving skills and a commitment to delivering high‑quality design solutions. Capable of working independently on complex engineering challenges while contributing effectively within a close‑knit team environment. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise confidently with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders at all levels. Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to review and verify design documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with current standards. Able to work effectively under pressure, managing multiple priorities and meeting tight project deadlines. Demonstrates sound understanding of the CDM 2015 regulations, including the preparation of designers’ risk assessments. Adaptable and willing to support the development of junior engineers and technicians through mentorship and technical guidance. Skilled in both modern design software tools and traditional hand calculation methods for conceptual design development. Qualifications & Experience Degree‑qualified in Mechanical or Structural Engineering (or related discipline), with a minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in similar sectors. Chartered Engineer status with the IMechE or IStructE preferred, though not essential. Proven experience in structural steelwork design; experience in moving machinery and temporary works design is advantageous. Proficient in the use of ANSYS Workbench and/or STAAD.Pro for structural and mechanical analysis. Competent in MathCAD for detailed design calculations and analysis documentation. Experienced in SolidWorks for 3D design work. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel. Demonstrable ability to produce high‑quality, buildable designs that comply with current standards and project specifications. Experience working across multiple sectors such as bridges, materials handling, energy, or nuclear is advantageous. Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Engineering and Information Technology Industries Civil Engineering #J-18808-Ljbffr