Principal Engineer

We are looking for an experienced, commercially minded Principal Engineer to join our leadership team at Barden Chapman, and help drive both project success and business growth. This is a senior technical and strategic role with full accountability for project profitability, client development, and team leadership.

If you’ve also worked in the following roles in a senior position and looking to take that next step, we’d also like to hear from you: Senior Engineer, Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer, Project Engineer, Design Engineer.

SALARY: Competitive + Benefits

LOCATION: Hybrid working - Brixton, London (SW9) and working from home

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

JOB OVERVIEW

Working as a Principal Engineer you will take the lead on complex, high-value structural projects (typically between £5m–£25m), mentor project teams, and contribute directly to business development and client retention. This role will suit a Chartered Structural Engineer who is passionate about technical excellence and ready to help shape the future of a high-performing consultancy.

As the Principal Engineer you’ll also work closely with the Managing Director and other senior leaders, supporting the delivery of ambitious growth goals while continuing to raise the standard of engineering we deliver to our clients.

About Us

At Barden Chapman, we’re not just building structures — we’re building a consultancy that brings together technical excellence, creativity, and a deeply people-centred culture. We are a young, fast-growing practice with a proven track record of delivering high-value projects across the residential, commercial, leisure, and industrial sectors throughout the UK.

What sets us apart is our focus on doing things right: we put client satisfaction first, take ownership of our work, and continually push for improvement. You won’t find politics or red tape here — just a collaborative, ambitious team working hard to deliver quality and make a difference.

If you’re ready to lead, deliver, and grow within a high-performing structural consultancy, we’d love to hear from you.

This is more than just another engineering job — it’s your chance to take on a leadership role in a supportive, technically excellent, and forward-thinking team. You’ll work closely with the Managing Director and senior leadership on complex, meaningful projects that challenge and inspire.

We offer real autonomy, strong team spirit, and an environment that supports you to become the best version of your professional self — technically, commercially, and as a leader.

Key Responsibilities

Your duties as the Principal Engineer include:

• Lead delivery of structural projects with full ownership of technical output, commercial performance, and client satisfaction

• Manage and grow key client accounts, building long-term relationships and identifying opportunities for repeat business

• Deliver profitable design work and oversee fee recovery across your project portfolio

• Drive forward new business by supporting bids, tenders, and strategic proposals

• Mentor and develop Project Engineers and junior team members, fostering a high-performance culture

• Provide high-level technical oversight across structural schemes in steel, concrete, timber and masonry

• Oversee compliance with Eurocodes, British Standards, and internal QA processes

• Lead internal design reviews, technical audits, and performance reporting

• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and external consultants, ensuring design intent and delivery timelines are met

• Represent the company at client meetings, industry events, and within professional networks

What We’re Looking For

• Chartered Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (MIStructE)

• MEng (Hons) in Structural Engineering from a recognised UK or international university

• Previous post-qualification experience, with a strong portfolio of UK-based consultancy work

• Proven ability to lead teams, deliver profitable design work, and manage stakeholder relationships at a senior level

• Excellent technical judgement, with deep understanding of structural behaviour, codes, and software tools

• Strong commercial awareness — able to manage budgets, identify opportunities, and drive value

• Confident communicator and strategic thinker, with a collaborative leadership style

• A high level of personal accountability, with a mindset for delivery and continuous improvement

What We Offer

• Competitive senior-level salary, based on experience and leadership responsibility

• Flexibility for hybrid working (up to 20% remote)

• Strategic input into the future direction and growth of the business

• Structured support for leadership development and continued CPD

• Exposure to high-profile, technically ambitious projects

• Professional membership fees covered

• A values-led, high-trust team environment with clear autonomy and support

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

APPLY TODAY…

By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.

JOB REF: AWDO-P13910

This job is being advertised by AWD online on behalf of Barden Chapman

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