Senior Design Engineer - Utilities

Description

This role is central to enabling Heathrow’s world‑leading expansion by designing and assuring the utility systems that support the airport today and for decades ahead. As a Senior Design Engineer for Utilities, you will play a critical role in shaping the thermal, electrical, potable water, foul water, and stormwater networks that underpin every new terminal, airfield asset, highway, structure, and passenger experience across the expansion programme. Working within one of the most complex infrastructure environments in the world, you will be responsible for delivering integrated, coherent, and fit‑for‑purpose utility design solutions that meet Heathrow’s sustainability ambitions and evolving operational needs. Utilities are the backbone of the airport, and the decisions made in this role have a direct impact on safety, resilience, carbon performance, customer experience, and long‑term value.

You will ensure safe, secure, and efficient construction, operation, and maintenance are embedded from the earliest stages of design, considering whole‑life performance, climate resilience, future capacity, and adaptability. This forward‑thinking approach ensures that utility systems can evolve with changing technology, regulation, and demand without disrupting airport operations. A strong ability to see the “big picture” is essential, ensuring that utility solutions align with Heathrow’s design vision, integrate seamlessly with highways, structures, and buildings, support airline and passenger growth, achieve planning requirements where needed, remain cost‑effective, and can be delivered to defined timescales. Your work will be instrumental in creating a resilient, high‑performing utility network capable of supporting one of the world’s busiest airports through its next era of growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead a virtual, multi‑disciplinary team drawing on operational experts, consultants, design and build partners, business stakeholders, and customers to ensure high quality designs that reflect future demand, business development, and Heathrow’s Sustainability Plan.
• Engage stakeholders at all levels to ensure designs are deliverable, affordable, and aligned to intended business benefits, clearly visualising and communicating asset plans, benefits, risks, and opportunities.
• Provide timely, evidence based input and constructive challenge throughout the design process to ensure decisions reflect real‑world asset performance, user needs, and operational reality.
• Collaborate with Engineering teams to ensure asset strategies, standards, and design codes are applied effectively; support optioneering and integrated solution development in line with governance requirements and Heathrow’s programme lifecycle.
• Act as an intelligent client by championing good design principles, innovation, and best‑value technology choices; ensure safety and risk considerations are embedded at every stage, working with delivery teams to assess, communicate, and manage risks including those arising during construction.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualified in a relevant engineering discipline.  Chartered member of a relevant engineering institution or equivalent level of technical competency and hold IEng or be working towards IEng professional status. Must have at least 5 years of engineering experience as this is a leadership position where you will act as the clients SME for technical assurance
• Competent to lead a portfolio of assets in one of the following classifications:
  1. Utilities (infrastructure)
  2. Mechanical/Electrical
  3. Water Systems and Public Health
  4. Stands and Airside Ops
  5. Terminals
  6. Airport related development and supporting facilities
  7. Services – heating, cooling and distribution, energy, fuels
  8. Environmental
  9. Baggage
  10. Operational Technology and Cyber Security
  11. Civils - Tunnels and Bridges
  12. Civils – Highways , Structures and Car Parks
  13. Civils - Airfield and Roads
  14. Rail
  15. Control and automation, Innovation
• Proven ability to instruct, lead, and manage technical consultants and strategic partners to achieve defined outcomes.
• Strong analytical and decision making skills, using data and sound judgement to develop robust, pragmatic solutions.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders through clear communication, presentations, and effective engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in scope development, change management, safety improvement through design, and managing technical quality assurance.
• Track record of driving continuous improvement across the design and engineering lifecycle.

Ideally, you will also have 

• Experience of the aviation industry is preferred, e.g. airlines, infrastructure planning 
• Experience of the UK regulatory and political environment would be a benefit.
• Understanding of related Regulatory, Legislative and Planning frameworks, Development Consent Order process.
• Experience of working at Heathrow or in the large and major programme sector .
• An asset or project management qualification.