Principal Bridge Engineer - Exeter

Principal Bridge Engineer – Exeter

Join to apply for the Principal Bridge Engineer – Exeter role at WSP in the UK & Ireland.

About the Role

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects, and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives.

A Little More About Your Role…
WSP's Local Government team have a vacancy for a Principal Structural Engineer team to be based in our central Exeter office; with hybrid working allowing for a mix of in‑office and home working.

You would be joining the Bridges Team based in our Exeter office, which is a busy office filled with established professionals across many disciplines. Our Bridges Team has an in‑depth knowledge and understanding of the wide variety of structures across the Southwest region. You will be further supported by structures colleagues from across WSP who provide additional resources and specialist expertise to deliver high quality services.

As a Principal Engineer, you will have a pivotal role in supporting our local authority clients within the Southwest to maintain and enhance their structures. Our clients have a varied bridge stock from multi‑span post tensioned concrete bridges to small masonry arches, and everything in between. We have an extensive programme of design, assessment and inspection schemes to provide a fast paced and varied workload.

Key Responsibilities

• Design new and replacement bridges and retaining walls, and inspect, assess, repair and strengthen existing structures.
• Lead projects through their entire life cycle, from inception to construction.
• Manage your own portfolio of schemes, acting as Technical Lead and Project Manager, leading projects through inspection, assessment, feasibility, detailed design, procurement, site supervision and construction.
• Work with Clients and design teams to deliver compliant designs on time and within budget, meeting H&S, CDM, QA and technical review requirements.
• Prepare and review reports, calculations, drawings, schedules, risk assessments, feasibility studies and other documents in accordance with local and national procedures and guidance.
• Collaborate with team members to identify and resolve technical and commercial issues.
• Write proposals for new schemes, including cost estimates, and manage the commercial position on projects.
• Co‑ordinate and communicate with multi‑disciplinary supporting teams from across the UK and internationally, and with Clients and stakeholders, to deliver projects.
• Undertake site work for construction supervision, surveys and inspections.
• Provide line management duties and support the development of junior members of the team.

What We Require

• Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer.
• A passion for working on projects that make a real difference to local communities.
• A mature and self‑aware approach to achieving high standards and safe working practices.
• Practical knowledge and experience of bridge design, maintenance, strengthening, assessment, inspection and supervision gained from working on both construction sites and in the design office.
• Practical knowledge and experience of project management of bridge projects.
• Proven working knowledge of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) and the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW) in relation to structural schemes.
• Understanding and experience of use of Eurocodes and their application to bridge design.
• Experience of design and assessment of steel, reinforced and prestressed concrete bridge structures and masonry arch structures.
• Experience of grillage, space‑frame and finite element analysis software packages.

Apply Even If You Don’t Meet All Criteria

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

About WSP

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion.

What’s In It For You

Work‑life balance

Hybrid working policy allows you to work from home up to two days a week, alongside opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences and encourage people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work.

Health & Well‑being

We offer a Thrive programme, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, gym benefits, and comprehensive menopause support.

Flex Your Time

Options include part‑time and flexible working arrangements, additional leave, and the ability to use bank holiday entitlement as needed.

Your Development

We support growth through training, mentoring, and chartership.

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

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