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Principal Bridge Engineer

Job Introduction

BEAR Scotland is a leading provider of Highway Maintenance services across Scotland. We manage and maintain over 1422km of Scotland’s trunk road network, tackling just about every imaginable task and working round the clock to keep Scotland moving.

BEAR Scotland inspect, manage and maintain over 1422km of Scotland’s trunk road network including trunk road structures in the North West of Scotland for our client, Transport Scotland. We work in some of the most scenic but challenging parts of the country on a variety of structures including historical masonry arch bridges, culverts and walls as well as numerous iconic major structures such as Kessock, Skye, Connel and Dornoch Bridges.

Join our North‑West Bridges Team as a Principal Bridge Engineer in either our Perth or Inverness office.  We’re looking for self‑driven team players who are eager to support a broad and varied programme of work. To succeed, you’ll bring strong communication skills, adaptability, and a valid driving licence.

This role is ideal for:

  • An experienced Chartered Bridge Engineer seeking a senior leadership position
  • A Senior Engineer ready to step into a Principal role

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist the Bridge Manager with the management and supervision of internal design teams, sub‑consultants, and subcontractors.
  • Lead and oversee outline and detailed design of bridge maintenance schemes, including technical approval in principle (AIP) and design certification.
  • Supervise the assessment of bridges and the design of maintenance, strengthening, or refurbishment schemes.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant technical standards, and manage the preparation and submission of Departures from Standard where required.
  • Produce tender documentation and pre‑construction information packs.
  • Undertake tender evaluations and support contract award processes.
  • Manage the financial performance of individual schemes.
  • Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality procedures in accordance with the company’s Integrated Management Systems.
  • Comply with CDM Regulations, undertaking the role of Principal Designer and, where required, Principal Contractor.
  • Liaise effectively with clients, stakeholders, and auditors.
  • Coordinate the production, issue, control, and archiving of drawings, documents, and scheme records.
  • Ensure appropriate environmental screening is undertaken and mitigation measures are implemented prior to works commencing.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • Degree‑qualified in Civil or Structural Engineering.
  • Proven experience in the assessment, design, and maintenance of highway bridge structures.
  • Chartered Engineer status (CEng) with ICE or IStructE.
  • Strong project management and team leadership skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Full UK driving licence.

Why BEAR?

At BEAR, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to building an inclusive, supportive environment where you can thrive and develop your career.

We offer:

  • Ongoing professional development and training
  • A collaborative and values-driven culture
  • The opportunity to lead high-profile infrastructure projects

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary + benefits package
  • Generous annual leave entitlement
  • Pension scheme (up to 6% employer contribution)
  • Flexible benefits, including:
    • Holiday purchase
    • Cycle to Work scheme
    • Employee Assistance Programme

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to fairness, inclusion, and diversity across our business.

Join us and be part of a company that supports your development, values your contribution, and inspires you to do your best work.

Apply

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