Overview

Role Title: Principal Civil & Structural Engineer

Location: Cardiff (Hybrid)

Employer: This role is offered by Crouch Waterfall, a subsidiary of Vulcain Engineering Group.

As part of the Vulcain family, Crouch Waterfall brings decades of specialist experience in Civil, Structural, and Geotechnical Engineering to a wide range of UK infrastructure projects. Crouch Waterfall specialise in core areas of Bridges, Rail, Infrastructure, Buildings and Geotechnical Services, designing and co-ordinating projects from conception to completion. Established since 1981, the business has enjoyed steady growth driven by a committed and highly skilled workforce of 120 employees.

Due to business growth, we are seeking a Principal Civil & Structural Engineer to join our multi-disciplinary civil & structural team in our Cardiff office. Reporting to the Company Director, this person will lead the technical delivery across a wide variety of projects, from small value projects up to £20m in construction value, on project tasks which cover commercial structures, public sector structures, rail, domestic and temporary works design amongst others.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Civil & Structural Lead to lead the technical delivery of a variety of projects across large-scale civil & structural design, including bridges, structural steel, reinforced concrete, and more.
• Inspire and lead a team of Engineers & Technicians — mentoring, coaching & training, developing & advising junior staff on solutions, and supporting other team members.
• Check designs prepared by others, including detailed calculations by hand and through computer models.
• Carry out inspections – including site surveys & assessments of structures, and preparing reports.
• Prepare and manage project programmes, workload and resources alongside senior leadership.
• Liaise with clients to verify project scope and ensure deliverables are met.
• Play an integral part in the preparation of tenders and fee proposals.
• Contribute to business growth by meeting new clients to promote services and strengthen existing relationships to maximise opportunities.

Preferred Experience / Qualifications

• Proven experience in the design of large-scale structures, including bridges, structural steel, and reinforced concrete.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical scopes, either through technical/project leadership, or mentoring other engineers.
• Comfortable operating in client-facing environments, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Fluency in English and the permanent right to work in the UK, alongside UK project experience.
• Working towards or already Chartered (ICE or IStructE).
• Strong technical expertise across assessment, inspection, calculations, and analysis of existing structures and new-build design.
• Proficient in structural engineering software such as Tedds, Robot Structural Analysis, and/or Midas; experience working in a 3D design environment is advantageous.
• Ideally experienced in bridge design and temporary works, though wider structural design backgrounds will also be considered.
• Sector experience in rail and/or highways is preferred, but applicants with building or broader infrastructure backgrounds are welcome.

What’s in it for you?

At Crouch Waterfall, we’re committed to investing in our people through tailored training, mentoring, and real opportunities for progression. Whether you're aiming for Chartership, developing leadership skills, or looking for broader commercial exposure - we’ll support your growth every step of the way.

You’ll be part of a supportive team with an open-door culture, where your voice is heard and your ideas matter. We offer the chance to work across sectors — with proven success helping engineers move from buildings and commercial projects into infrastructure and heavy industry.

With a strong presence in the rail and construction sectors, and as part of the wider Vulcain Engineering Group, you'll benefit from international connections, long-term stability, and a truly collaborative culture.

Rewards and Benefits

• Hybrid working set-up, with flexible working hours.
• Casual office attire and a relaxed and comfortable working environment.
• Minimum 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, plus a day off on your Birthday.
• Additional leave purchase scheme.
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme.
• Private medical Insurance.
• Contributory Pension Scheme, up to 5%.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Crouch Waterfall is committed to valuing our diversity and eliminating discrimination. All our employees have an equal chance of advancement based upon merit, access to opportunities, and the training necessary to that end irrespective of sex, race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability unrelated to the ability to carry out the job, or age.

We appreciate every application. However, due to the volume we receive, we’re only able to contact candidates who are shortlisted for this role or who may be a strong fit for future opportunities.

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom