Job Description

Summary:

At SLPE we are seeking a Principal Engineer specialising in Secondary Steel Design to join our expanding team.


In this role, you will make sure technological innovation is always at the heart of what we do, providing expert technical guidance on the design and analysis of secondary steel structures for offshore substations and wind turbines.


As a technical expert, you will lead the secondary steel design team from concept to execution, delivering high-quality engineering solutions that meet both client and industry standards. This position combines technical leadership, project management, and client interaction in a rapidly growing sector.

Who we are looking for:

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience and expertise in detailed design of secondary steel for offshore wind projects particularly in platforms, ladders, handrails and cable support systems. You will have excellent problem-solving skills and be comfortable applying your general experience to solve novel and innovative technical challenges. You will have strong leadership skills and be able to guide and mentor a technical team to deliver on project requirements.


Having excellent technical experience and competence will contribute to our collaborative and flexible ways of working with clients. You will also need to be friendly, communicative, able to talk to clients, able to work as part of a team and able to mentor junior engineers.


A deep familiarity with secondary steel design is essential, and a broad range of technical experience or awareness is highly desirable.


Minimum of 6 to 8 years of experience in the structural design and analysis of offshore foundations, with a focus on secondary steel for substations and wind turbines is essential.

What we offer:

Want to join the best place to work in renewable energy?


Join our collaborative team of top engineers in a unique role that values innovation and excellence. As a small but growing company with a flat structure, SLPE takes pride in being a leader in offshore wind design and software development. Everyone plays an essential part in our success.


At SLPE, we foster a friendly and flexible culture, consistently pushing the boundaries of offshore wind design.


We deliver world-class projects through cutting-edge design processes, making the journey both challenging and rewarding. If you're motivated, enthusiastic, and looking for a new challenge, this role could be perfect for you.


The role offers a competitive salary range from 70,000 to 90,000 per annum dependent on level and experience.

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Key Responsibilities:

Provide expert technical guidance on the design and analysis of secondary steel structures (for example, platforms, ladders, handrails, J-tube frames, cable support systems) for offshore substations and wind turbine foundations. Ensuring alignment with project specifications, industry codes, and best practices. In depth knowledge of bolted and welded connection design for offshore structures. Lead and coordinate the development of secondary steel designs from concept through detailed design, including the preparation and review of calculations, drawings, material specifications, and design reports. Perform and review structural analyses for secondary steel elements under various load conditions. Communicate with project managers, clients and fabricators to ensure seamless integration of secondary steel elements within larger structural systems and project timelines. Collaborate closely with primary steel designers, electrical designers, and other multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless design integrations. Interpret offshore design codes and develop complex analysis models using SLPE's in-house software and the Sesam software suite. Liaise with clients, certification bodies, and regulatory authorities to ensure that all technical designs meet the necessary safety, regulatory, and environmental standards. Deliver technical presentations and reports to internal and external stakeholders, effectively communicating complex engineering concepts. Drive innovation and continuous improvement in secondary steel design approaches, focusing on safety, design efficiency, ease of fabrication, transportation, and offshore installation. Contribute to technical input for tenders, proposals, and business development activities, including defining scopes of work, estimating engineering hours, and proposing technical methodologies. Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to ensure cutting-edge design practices are adopted. Mentor junior engineers and guide their professional development within the offshore wind sector. Lead technical problem-solving and decision-making, while fostering a collaborative and innovative working environment. Lead design teams, delegate tasks and ensure high-quality technical outputs.

Qualifications & Experience:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering (or related field). Chartered Engineer status preferred. Strong experience in secondary steel design for offshore structures, including elements such as ladders, handrails, platforms, cable trays, J-tubes, and cable support structures. Proficiency in design codes and standards for offshore structures. Extensive knowledge of structural analysis software (e.g., SESAM, ANSYS, ABAQUS), and experience in using Finite Element Analysis for complex structural components. Hands-on experience with offshore wind projects. Proficiency in design software (noting that there will be a learning curve for use of SLPE's in-house software). Strong understanding of marine loads, operational requirements, and the technical challenges associated with offshore environments. In depth knowledge of bolted and welded connection design for offshore structures. Knowledge of fabrication processes and practicalities, and offshore installation and O&M activities. Track record of managing health and safety risks during the design process. Experience leading engineering teams from conceptual design through to fabrication and installation. Ability to manage multiple workstreams and deliver projects on time and within budget. Ability to delivers results that stand out in the market. Ability to determine technically robust solutions, where codes and standards do not provide guidance.

Soft Skills:

Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to motivate and guide junior team members. Self-driven and proactive mindset, demonstrating dedication to quality and innovation. Thinks from customer's perspective and continually delivers improved offerings that provide win/win impact. Energised by creating better ways of doing things, so that higher levels of performance are possible.

Additional Information:

This position is available in either London or Bristol. SLPE operates a hybrid working model, requiring staff to be in the office at least 3 days per week. Candidates based in Bristol must be willing to travel regularly to SLPE's central London headquarters--all travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Rewards & Benefits:

In addition to a competitive salary and excellent work environment, we offer comprehensive benefits focused on employee wellbeing and work-life balance. These include:

25 days of flexible annual leave, with the option to purchase additional days after one year of service Annual discretionary bonus scheme Fully paid professional subscriptions, training, and support Flexible contributory pension scheme Private medical and dental insurance Income protection insurance Life assurance cover Option of international remote working for 1 month, twice a year. Cycle to Work scheme * Generous parental leave