Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
What if you could shape a career as unique as you? 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. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

We are seeking an experienced Principal Structural Engineer with a proven track record in the design and delivery of underground structures, including tunnels, shafts, and associated works. You will join a diverse team of engineers, scientists, and modellers, contributing to landmark projects across the UK, Ireland, and internationally. Our team values collaboration and diversity of experience, and we offer an integration period to help you familiarise yourself with colleagues and projects.

The Role includes leading structural design for underground structures such as tunnels, shafts, and related works from concept through detailed design and construction phases. You will apply advanced structural engineering principles to develop safe, efficient, and innovative solutions for underground projects while ensuring compliance with relevant design standards and guidance (e.g., Eurocodes, BS codes, ITA guidelines, and applicable local regulations).

You will undertake and review structural analyses including load assessments, ground-structure interaction modelling, and design of temporary and permanent support systems. Collaboration with geotechnical teams to integrate ground behaviour considerations into structural solutions is essential. You will manage technical delivery of multi-disciplinary projects, coordinating inputs from civil, geotechnical, and environmental teams.

Additional responsibilities include providing expert advice on construction methods, structural risk management, and material selection for underground works; conducting site inspections; supervising construction activities; and providing technical input during tunnelling and shaft sinking operations. You will mentor junior engineers and contribute to internal training programmes and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Supporting business development through proposal preparation, client engagement, and participation in industry conferences is also expected.

Promoting health, safety, and equality in all aspects of work, adhering to company policies and values, is a key part of this role.

If you don’t meet all the requirements, please still consider applying. Not everyone will meet all the criteria, but you might have skills we didn’t know we need. Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? With us, you can. Apply today.

Experience
Extensive experience in structural design for underground shafts and tunnels, including temporary and permanent works. Proven track record in the design and delivery of underground structures. Strong understanding of structural behaviour under complex loading conditions and ground-structure interaction. Familiarity with tunnelling methods such as TBM, NATM, and SCL, and shaft sinking techniques. Proficiency in structural analysis software (e.g., STAAD.Pro, MIDAS, Robot, or similar) and integration with geotechnical modelling tools. Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and lead multi-disciplinary teams.

About you
Excellent communication skills with a willingness to travel within the UK and internationally. Collaborative mindset with a commitment to health, safety, and equality. Motivated to mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives. Adaptable and open to learning new skills and approaches.

Qualifications
Degree qualified in Civil or Structural Engineering. Postgraduate qualification is desirable.