Principal Bridge Engineer
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£50,400
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2121 (98% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £50,400, and WSP GROUP LIMITED is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
In 2025, WSP GROUP LIMITED assigned 42 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2121 jobs, according to the Home Office.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2121 Civil engineers Most likely code | £35,200 | £40,300 | £45,300 | £50,400 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
A little more about your role…
As a Principal / Associate Engineer within our Local Government team in Cardiff, you will be pivotal in driving the delivery of civil and bridge engineering projects across the region. This is a varied role where you will work on a wide range of local projects focused primarily on highway structures, including bridges, culverts and retaining walls. You will have the opportunity to contribute across the full project lifecycle, from design, inspection and assessment through to feasibility studies and business case development.
In addition to your technical responsibilities, you will act as Team Leader for a team of six engineers and technicians, providing leadership, mentoring and support to help develop individual careers, foster technical excellence and drive a collaborative, high-performing team culture. You will play a key role in shaping the continued growth and success of our Cardiff bridges capability, working closely with clients, project teams and regional leadership.
- Design of bridges and other highways structures.
- Bridge strengthening and repair, inspections and assessments.
- General civil and structural engineering support the wider WSP business.
- Feasibility studies and options appraisals.
- Preparation of documents, reports and health and safety risk assessments, scheme feasibility studies and outline cost estimates.
- Supervision and mentoring of colleagues, including our developing professionals.
- Financial and project management of schemes
Your team…
The role is based in WSP’s Cardiff office, working alongside colleagues from across WSP’s broad range of disciplines. The office has onsite parking and we operate a hybrid working model that allows for a mix of in-office and home working.
The variety of projects and skills within our teams, together with our culture of learning, development and support, will give you fantastic opportunities to broaden your experience and skills.
What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…
It is anticipated that you will be a Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer, with experience that will include the following:
- Practical experience of bridge design, maintenance and assessment, gained from working on both construction sites and the design office.
- Experience of project management of bridges and structural engineering projects.
- Knowledge in design, maintenance and supervision of structures related projects together with a track record of innovation in design and management of structures.
- Knowledge of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) and Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCDHW) in relation to structural schemes.
- Understanding and experience of use of Eurocodes and their application to bridge design.
- Experience of design in or assessment of steel, reinforced and prestressed concrete bridge structures.
- Good communication and client relationship building skills are essential, plus a willingness to adapt to new challenges and to actively participate in the development of the wider team.
Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.
Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?
With us, you can. Apply today.
#LI-MD1
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with WSP GROUP LIMITED, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Civil engineers (SOC 2121) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~65k in sample- Middle half £38,896–64,792
- Median £48,828
- Going rate £50,400
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £35,200–45,300
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at WSP GROUP LIMITEDAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. WSP GROUP LIMITED holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. In 2025, WSP GROUP LIMITED assigned 42 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2121 jobs, according to the Home Office. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2121 going rate of £50,400. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.