Join to apply for the Principal Structural Engineer - Energy role at WSP in the UK & Ireland

Role Overview

As a Principal Structural Engineer, you will play a key leadership role in the design and delivery of structural solutions for major energy infrastructure projects, including Transmission and Distribution networks, Overhead Line (OHL) systems, power stations, and other critical assets in the UK’s energy transition. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients and stakeholders to ensure high‑quality, innovative and sustainable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead structural engineering design on major energy infrastructure projects.
• Deliver structural solutions for substations, transmission and distribution facilities, OHL structures, and power stations.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers and technicians.
• Manage project delivery, ensuring compliance with client requirements, industry standards and WSP’s quality processes.
• Collaborate with other disciplines to deliver integrated design solutions.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders to understand project needs and provide expert guidance.
• Contribute to business development and proposal writing.
• Support the development of best practices and innovation within the team.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about engineering and infrastructure, with a strong technical background and leadership capabilities.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards chartership.
• Proven experience in structural engineering design and delivery.

Ideally, Experience In One Or More Of The Following

• Substations
• Transmission and Distribution infrastructure
• Overhead Line (OHL) projects
• Power stations
• Petrochemical facilities
• Strong understanding of UK design codes and standards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to lead and inspire teams.

What’s in it for you?

• A chance to work on nationally significant energy infrastructure projects.
• Career development opportunities within a global consultancy.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Supportive and inclusive team culture.

About Us

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. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

Work-Life Balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have employee resource groups that bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits programme, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex Your Time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your Development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring or chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP 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.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

Professional Services