Design Engineer
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Area | Essex, South East |
| Sector | Highways & Infrastructure |
| Salary | Competitive |
| Start Date | ASAP |
| Advertiser | Jack James |
| Job Ref | 20044 |
- Description
Overview:
We are looking for a Design Engineer to join a high-profile team delivering a major airport transformation programme in the UK.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to complex, live aviation infrastructure where high-quality Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP) design is essential to keeping a major international airport safe, efficient and operational.
The programme includes a major terminal expansion, upgrades to existing passenger and operational facilities, improvements across the wider airport estate and new low-carbon energy infrastructure. As a Design Engineer, you will work alongside the Design Manager, consultants, specialist subcontractors and project delivery teams, supporting design development through construction, commissioning and handover.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support site visits, surveys and technical assessments with the Design Manager and wider design team.
- Develop building services specifications, scopes of work and technical documentation based on site conditions, client requirements and project needs.
- Develop and coordinate MEP design solutions covering electrical systems such as power, lighting and small power; mechanical systems including HVAC and ventilation; and Public Health systems including water services and drainage.
- Produce and review engineering drawings, layouts, schematics, calculations, specifications and equipment schedules.
- Review subcontractor and specialist design submissions for technical accuracy, completeness, compliance and buildability.
- Coordinate with architectural, structural, civil and specialist engineering disciplines to deliver integrated design solutions.
- Interpret client requirements, technical specifications and operational constraints and translate them into practical engineering solutions.
- Ensure designs comply with relevant UK legislation, standards, Building Regulations, project requirements and aviation-specific constraints.
- Support the Design Manager in delivering safe, practical, buildable and value-engineered designs aligned with programme and budget requirements.
- Provide technical input to subcontractor procurement, tender processes and supplier engagement.
- Support design programmes, design management plans, design reviews and formal approval processes.
- Maintain accurate design documentation and records in line with the project Business Management System and governance requirements.
- Support design quality assurance, governance and compliance with Health & Safety legislation, including CDM Regulations.
- Identify and communicate design-related risks, Compensation Events (CEs) and Early Warnings (EWs), supporting formal change control where required.
- Promote innovation and effective use of BIM and digital engineering tools to improve design coordination, information management and delivery.
- Support the transition of design information into construction and commissioning, providing technical input during installation, testing and commissioning where required.
About You:
- Experience in building services design, engineering or a closely related discipline, with experience in Mechanical, Electrical or Public Health systems.
- Relevant engineering qualification such as HNC, HND, degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience producing, reviewing or coordinating engineering drawings, calculations, specifications and technical submissions.
- Understanding of UK legislation, engineering standards, Building Regulations and CDM requirements.
- Experience working with subcontractors, consultants and multidisciplinary project teams, with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Familiarity with BIM and digital engineering tools, together with an interest in using technology to improve design coordination and delivery.
- Strong technical attention to detail, sound engineering judgement and the ability to identify risks, manage competing priorities and deliver to programme.
- Previous experience in aviation, airports, transport infrastructure or other complex building services environments would be advantageous but is not essential.
Benefits:
You will join a team delivering major infrastructure projects, providing opportunities to develop your technical expertise and gain experience across the full project lifecycle.
- Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with length of service, with the option to purchase additional holidays.
- Corporate discounts, Cycle to Work scheme, comprehensive pension provision and Save As You Earn share purchase scheme.
- Private medical scheme options for salaried employees and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Paid annual membership of one recognised professional association relevant to your role.
- Career development opportunities through exposure to major aviation and building services projects.
If you're an ambitious Design Engineer looking to develop your career on a major, technically challenging aviation programme, we'd love to hear from you — apply today.