Principal Engineer / Associate
Opportunity:
MJM Consulting Engineers is looking for an experienced Principal Engineer to take a leading role in the delivery of high-quality civil and structural engineering projects. This is a senior, client-facing position for someone who combines strong technical judgement with the ability to lead teams, manage projects and build lasting client relationships.
You will have the autonomy to shape design strategy, influence how projects are delivered and help develop the next generation of engineers. Working closely with the Directors, you will also contribute to business planning, service improvement and the continued growth of the consultancy.
Progression is a genuine option. For the right person, the role provides a clear platform to broaden your commercial and leadership responsibilities and progress into a wider senior leadership position within MJM. We are keen to support someone who wants to make a long-term impact on the business, not simply fill a project delivery role.
Responsibilities of position
Major Purpose of the Role
To lead the delivery of high quality, innovative and economical structural and civil engineering solutions; to act as a technical authority within the practice; to manage and grow client relationships; and to support the strategic development of the consultancy.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership
- Act as the technical lead on projects, setting design strategy and ensuring compliance with all relevant codes, standards and best practice
- Provide authoritative checking, verification and approval of designs
- Drive innovation in materials, digital design, sustainability and low‑carbon engineering
- Provide guidance on engineering problems, ensuring robust research and technical justification
- Lead and contribute to internal technical forums, CPD programmes and knowledge‑sharing initiatives
- Mentoring and assisting the wider team
- Design Coordination & Project Direction
- Oversee design coordination across multiple projects, ensuring clarity of scope, deliverables and information flow
- Lead resource planning and forecasting
- Direct and mentor engineers, technicians and graduates, ensuring high technical standards and efficient workflows
- Ensure timely delivery of information packages, proactively resolving design or coordination issues with clients, architects, contractors and third parties
- Establish and maintain robust QA processes
- Client & Stakeholder Relations
- Act as a primary client contact, representing MJM Consulting Engineers with professionalism and technical authority
- Develop long‑term client relationships, identifying opportunities for repeat business and new commissions
- Provide strategic advice to clients on project feasibility, risk, procurement and programme
- Lead negotiation of scope, fees and variations, ensuring commercial viability of projects
- Project & Commercial Management
- Lead multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery to agreed time, cost and quality
- Support Directors in business planning, bid preparation and fee proposals
- Identify and manage project risks, implementing mitigation strategies and ensuring transparent reporting
- Professional Development
- Develop knowledge and skills to meet industry changes, undertaking training to meet both company and personal objectives
- Support the development of staff through mentoring, structured training and IStructE chartership guidance
- Contribute to recruitment, performance reviews and succession planning
- Health, Safety & Sustainability Leadership
- Responsible for compliance with the Company Health and Safety Policy both personally and for those under the Principal Engineer’s direction
- Champion a culture of safety, wellbeing and sustainability across all projects
- Ensure all design work meets current CDM designer duties
- Provide guidance to teams on risk reduction through design, safe construction sequencing and whole‑life considerations
- Reporting to Directors
- Agree design parameters and timescales with the relevant Director
- Report regularly to Directors on project performance, technical risks, resource needs and client issues
- Contribute to the strategic development of the consultancy, including service improvement, digital transformation and market positioning
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Chartered Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (MIStructE) or equivalent
- Extensive experience delivering complex structural or civil engineering projects
- Strong leadership, communication and client‑facing skills
- Demonstrable commercial awareness and project management capability
- Ability to mentor and develop engineering teams
Working at MJM
MJM supports professional development through CPD, mentoring and opportunities to take responsibility across a range of civil and structural engineering work. We also offer flexible working practices and a benefits package, with further details available on our careers page.
How to apply
Please send your CV and covering letter to Chris Wood at: vacancies@mjmc.co.uk.
Closing date: 31st October 2026
The first interview will take place on Teams, followed by a second interview at MJM’s Wakefield office.
