Principal Design Engineer

Job Title
Principal Design Engineer

Summary
Taylor Woodrow is looking for an experienced Principal Design Engineer to join its team in Watford. This role is ideal for someone with strong expertise in scaffold design and temporary works, who enjoys leading teams and implementing innovative engineering solutions. You’ll have the opportunity to shape critical infrastructure projects and contribute to industry-leading design standards.

Salary
£71,000–£75,000 (no car provided)

Location and Working Pattern
Watford, Hertfordshire – 58 Clarendon Road, WD17 1DA
(On-site working as required by project needs)

Client Overview
Taylor Woodrow is a leading name in the construction and engineering industry, delivering high-quality infrastructure projects across the UK. Known for a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, Taylor Woodrow plays an essential role in shaping a future of safer, more efficient construction.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of permanent and temporary works, focusing on scaffolding, access platforms, and edge protection systems.
• Develop and review designs, drawings, and specifications for scaffold systems in line with TG20, SG4, and other industry standards.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams to ensure safe and effective scaffold integration on site.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and coordinators.
• Conduct site inspections to confirm scaffold installation compliance and address any design or safety issues.
• Participate in risk assessments, temporary works coordination meetings, and constructability reviews.
• Ensure all designs adhere to CDM regulations and temporary works procedures.
• Keep informed of the latest innovations in scaffolding materials, technologies, and health & safety practices.

Must-have Requirements

• Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or actively working towards this status.
• Significant experience in structural and temporary works design.
• Specialist knowledge of scaffold design standards, including TG20:21, SG4:22, and BS EN 12811.
• Proficiency in design tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, STAAD Pro, Tekla Tedds, or similar.
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing and temporary works integration.
• Demonstrable leadership skills and team development experience.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and coordinate across teams.

Nice-to-have Skills

• Previous site experience relating to temporary works delivery.
• Familiarity with setting up and developing new teams and winning work streams.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 29 days with service. Options to carry over up to 5 days and buy or sell holidays annually.
• Competitive pension scheme with contributions via salary and matching options up to 8% after 6 months’ service.
• Opportunity to invest in company shares after 6 months with favourable terms, including ‘buy one share, get one free’.
• Life assurance: 1 x annual salary from day one, increasing to 3 x after 6 months and 4 x after 5 years.
• Two paid volunteering days each year through the Stand Out! Make a Difference programme.
• Access to extensive retail discounts via a dedicated app, Employee Assistance Programme, and wellbeing schemes.
• Additional perks including annual flu vaccinations, eyecare scheme, Cycle to Work programme, Refer a Friend incentive, and long-service recognition.

Apply Now
Interested in this opportunity? Submit your CV and take the next step in your engineering career with a leading name in UK construction.

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