Senior Asset Engineer – Structures
Join the Structures & Dartford Asset Management Team and play a key role in managing one of the UK’s most important infrastructure networks. As a Senior Asset Engineer – Structures, you will help oversee a diverse portfolio of around 3,000 structures, including the iconic Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and five major tunnels.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work on a high-profile, complex asset base where no two days are the same. With just under 15 years remaining on the contract, the role offers a rare combination of career growth, technical challenge, and long-term stability. Whether you are looking to broaden your expertise, develop your leadership skills, or make a lasting impact on infrastructure used by millions every year, this role provides the platform to do so within a collaborative and forward-thinking team.
Principal Accountabilities
- Lead, manage, and provide technical guidance to a small team of Asset Engineers focused on Structures and/or Dartford Crossing infrastructure.
- Develop value-driven technical decision-making processes and procedures to support long-term asset management of structures and tunnels.
- Lead the development and implementation of risk-based inspection, maintenance, and renewal strategies.
- Develop and implement asset management, maintenance, and renewal strategies for:
- Bridges and large culverts
- Small-span structures
- Retaining walls
- Sign and signal gantries
- Masts
- Review and approve inspection reports, identifying and reporting essential maintenance requirements.
- Support programmes addressing substandard structures, including:
- Piers
- Parapets
- Post-tensioned structures
- Half-joints
- Scour-related issues
- Build collaborative relationships with cross-functional Asset and Maintenance Teams, providing technical guidance on structures and tunnel maintenance.
- Lead the development, maintenance, and review of bespoke management plans for strategic assets.
- Challenge engineering solutions to deliver optimum whole-life cost outcomes.
- Lead short, medium, and long-term asset intervention planning and budgeting activities, including Asset Management Forward Plan preparation.
- Undertake scheme identification, option studies, and lifecycle advisory activities relating to structure renewals.
- Manage the allocation of Asset Leads for delegated schemes within the structures portfolio and support Project Managers in ensuring asset objectives are achieved.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and contractual service requirements relating to structures and tunnels.
- Attend emergency call-outs involving specified assets when required.
- Undertake additional duties as required by the Dartford and Structures Asset Leads and Managers, appropriate to the role.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
Essential Qualifications
- Degree (or equivalent qualification) in Civil Engineering, Structures, Tunnels, or a related discipline.
- Working towards a professional qualification such as:
- MICE
- MIAM
- MIStructE
- Or an equivalent professional membership
Knowledge & Experience
- Experience in highway bridge asset management.
- Understanding of bridge inspection and maintenance activities.
- Experience in risk identification and management, particularly within civil infrastructure.
- Knowledge of structures and tunnel construction, maintenance, and renewal activities (desirable).
- Understanding of Asset Management Systems.
- Experience working within the Strategic Road Network and with National Highways.
- Awareness of:
- ISO 55000
- RWSC
- DMRB
- SHW
- Highway Structures Performance Measurement frameworks
- Experience with Windows Server operating systems.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Personal Attributes
- Demonstrates and promotes the Connect Plus Services values.
- Passionate about engineering and continuous learning.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to build trust and work collaboratively.
- Able to work independently and use initiative.
- Effective time management and organisational skills.
- Innovative and solution-focused thinker.
- Quick learner who can follow instructions effectively.
- Demonstrates self-awareness and empathy.
- Uses a methodical and structured approach when working individually or as part of a team.

