Design Engineer – Structural Steel/Timber
Role Specification
JOB TITLE: Design Engineer
LOCATION: Derbyshire – Hybrid working conditions
SALARY: up to £55,000 (experience dependant)
1. Job Description
1.2 Overall Purpose of the Role
To deliver structural design for steel and timber structures, including main members, connections, and temporary works. The role will lead on technical design matters, ensuring regulatory requirements are understood, applied, and clearly communicated across the business.
1.3 Main Duties & Responsibilities
Design & Technical Delivery
Carry out member and connection design for both tender and live projects.
Develop initial project designs, producing clear assumptions and design strategies to support wider team delivery.
Complete and validate all design outputs to the required standards.
Review and check the work of others to ensure accuracy, compliance, and quality.
Design and assess temporary works solutions.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of connection behaviour, fixings, brackets, and their limitations.
Apply appropriate codes of practice, standards, and technical guidance to support design decisions.
Interpret and extract design information from 3D models.
Demonstrate strong working knowledge of Eurocodes 3 and 5.
Documentation & Systems
Produce clear written design documentation, including risk mitigation, assumptions, clarifications, and qualifications.
Create and maintain spreadsheets to support efficient and consistent design processes.
Support the development and improvement of internal design systems and workflows.
Develop clear construction sequences and design assumptions to support buildability.
Collaboration & Communication
Attend and contribute to client, consultant, and engineer meetings, maintaining accurate records and action tracking.
Participate in post-tender meetings, responding to technical queries and agreed actions.
Provide technical support and guidance to colleagues across the business.
Contribute to the internal understanding and development of structural products and systems.
Team & Professional Contribution
Work independently or as part of a wider bid and project team.
Actively contribute to the development of the design team and wider business.
Show openness to new methods, tools, and systems of work.
Use strong IT and software skills, including structural design tools, CAD, and Microsoft Office, with experience in packages such as Tekla Structures, Robot, or other primary and connection design software for timber and steel structures.
1.4 Scope of the Role
(To be defined based on project and departmental requirements.)
1.5 Key Performance Objectives
Overall technical responsibility for assigned structural designs.
Accuracy, quality, and timely delivery of all design outputs and reporting.
Strong working relationships with internal teams, clients, consultants, and external stakeholders.
2. Personnel Specification
2.1 Education
MEng or MSc in Structural Engineering (or equivalent experience).
2.2 Professional Qualifications
Membership of IStructE or ICE preferred, but not essential.
2.3 Experience
Proven experience in structural frame and connection design within a subcontractor environment.
Experience working at a senior or lead level within construction or specialist subcontracting.
Demonstrated people and process management experience.
Familiarity with multiple forms of construction contracts.
Strong computer literacy, including design software, CAD, MS Word, and Excel.
2.4 Personal Attributes
High attention to detail and quality.
Proactive approach to new challenges and problem-solving.
Professional presentation and strong interpersonal skills.
Sound understanding of workshop and fabrication processes.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
2.5 Core Skills
Design Management
Structural Design Knowledge & Awareness
Construction & Manufacturing Knowledge
Time Management
Team Leadership
Procurement Awareness
Relationship Management
Apply today and our steel specialist Sabrina O'Donnell at the Highfield Company will be in touch