Job Description

Joseph Gallagher is the leading UK based Civil Engineering & Tunnelling sub-contractor, growing significantly in the last 37 years into an international business. We have an award-winning reputation, industry leading safety culture and have had the privilege to be a part of some of the most critical infrastructure projects taking place today.



Our capabilities range from intricate traditional hand tunnelling techniques, to cutting-edge construction methods on large scale tunnelling projects. We have equal reputation in the residential development market for low to high rise concrete frame structures.


Integral to the construction capability is the technical design consultancy we provide in the form of design development, permanent works and temporary works design. Our work is both exciting and fast paced, and as a division we are expanding, with a growing workbook portfolio.

We are seeking a Principal Engineer to join our Design team, based in Leeds

You will be a highly competent engineer, with a proven track record of leading a team in a similar position of Principal Engineer, in a dynamic and fast paced environment. As well as developing the capability of the team so that we are recognised as a center of expertise, the role will require you to produce designs, check those of others and approve designs issued both internally and externally to clients.


Typical applications include:


shaft design, including buoyant stability, jacking collars, reinforced concrete bases, tremie plugs, cover slabs opening support structures, and all the ancillary associated temporary works structures. Tunnel designs for Timber Headings, Microtunnelling/Pipejacking, Thrust walls, head walls, launch frames, pipeline proof loads. Excavation Stability and support, with a thorough understanding of geotechnical principals for shoring techniques and design of sheet piles & frames, PC modular units, king post etc. Earth work stability slope stability analysis, soil nailing. Concrete formwork. Crane platforms. Ground settlement analysis, from tunnelling and excavations.

Duties & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to

Lead, manage, develop and mentor the team of engineers and technicians and assist with professional development. Mange the deliverables of the team to tight programme deadlines and appropriate standards. Ensure designs are produced to industry standards and codes and are checked and approved in line with company quality procedures, but can equally apply ingenuity to produce designs out of bounds of standard code of practice. Apply temporary works design principles in accordance with relevant standards. Apply permanent works design standards, producing design solutions in both timber, steel, reinforced concrete and of proprietary structural systems. Coordinate external consultants and third-party checkers. Liaise with clients and the project construction teams to understand requirements and ensure design solutions are delivered accordingly. Produce reports and communications for clients, including items for statutory authorities' design approvals, such as Network Rail and Highways England. You will be required to lead NR and HE design approval process and liaise with the wider internal team in development of the engineering. Contribute to business development activity and aid tender bids when required.

Skills & Experience

Strong team leadership capabilities, supporting, mentoring and developing junior engineers. A proven high level of technical skill and competence in structural design skills and a sound geotechnical grounding. A minimum of 10 years' experience in designing underground structures and tunnelling temporary works. Experience of working in a design consultancy environment. Experience of undertaking the Network Rail CRE role as well as the equivalent responsible engineering role for Highways schemes. MSc in Civil and Structural Engineering preferable, Geotechnical and Mining degree backgrounds would also be considered. Chartered status or working towards it with a recognised institution, such as the ICE. Sound understanding of the CDM Health & Safety legislation and specifically Designer responsibility. Excellent communication skills. * Strong report writing skills with excellent written English language and grammar.