Principal Design Engineer; Temporary Works

Principal Design Engineer – Temporary Works

Location: Cumbernauld, Scotland

Contract: Full‑time

Amco Giffen delivers essential engineering services across the UK, supporting major civils, rail and infrastructure programmes. Our in‑house design team brings together specialists at all levels, and we are expanding our Temporary Works capability in Scotland. This is a key opportunity to help shape a growing team and influence the future direction of our design function in the region.

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• Company car or car allowance
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Up to 3 volunteering days
• Company contributory pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Medicash Health Cash Plan & Rewards
• Private Medical Insurance
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• A safe, inclusive and supportive working environment
• Employee forums for open feedback and discussion

As Principal Design Engineer for Temporary Works, you will lead the development of technical solutions across a diverse portfolio of rail and non‑rail infrastructure projects. You will play a central role in strengthening and developing the Temporary Works design presence in Scotland, ensuring safe, innovative and high‑quality engineering outcomes for our clients.

This senior leadership role combines technical authority with team development, project oversight and client engagement, contributing directly to the success and growth of the Cumbernauld design office.

• Provide authoritative technical leadership on Temporary Works engineering solutions.
• Lead compliance with CDM Regulations and ensure robust design governance.
• Define project briefs and drive the development of clear, innovative engineering solutions from feasibility through to detailed design.
• Establish and maintain design philosophies and ensure appropriate documentation is in place.
• Act as CRE (Design) on Network Rail schemes across a varied project portfolio, including multi‑disciplinary works.
• Check and approve design deliverables, including Designer’s Risk Assessments and Decision Logs.
• Represent the design team at internal and external meetings with clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure delivery against financial, quality and programme targets.
• Provide strong leadership, including performance reviews, coaching and development of team members.
• Support succession planning and contribute to the long‑term growth of the design function.
• Maintain proactive communication with clients regarding cost, scope changes and emerging issues.
• Assist the Head of Design with departmental management and continuous improvement.
• Champion a culture of excellence across Amco Giffen Design & Engineering.

You will bring significant experience as a Principal Design Engineer specialising in Temporary Works, ideally within a rail environment. You will be confident leading teams, shaping technical direction and engaging with clients at a senior level.

• IEng/CEng qualification (or equivalent).
• Chartered membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., ICE, IStruct
  
  E).
• Sentinel PTS competence (AC and DC).
• Strong civil engineering design experience (bridges, structures, stations, platforms etc.).
• Extensive experience delivering Temporary Works designs for rail and civils projects.
• Background in client, contractor or consultancy environments will be considered.
• Full UK Driving License.

If you’re an experienced Temporary Works Principal Design Engineer looking to take the next step in your career, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Please submit your application to join our growing team in Scotland.

You will be joining a reputable and firmly established, engineering contractor operating nationally in rail, civils and engineering markets. Amco Giffen are renowned in the market as a specialist civil, building, mechanical and electrical renewals and maintenance business with ongoing and successful projects and frameworks across the country, you will become part of our expert outfit.

Amco Giffen has a wealth of experience working on sensitive, live assets in highly…