Senior Design Engineer - Civils, Structural and Highways

Description

This role plays a pivotal part in shaping the future of Heathrow by leading the development of integrated, coherent, and fit‑for‑purpose design solutions that enable sustainable growth across the airport. With a strong focus on highways and structural assets, it sits at the centre of delivering the complex, world‑class infrastructure that underpins Heathrow’s expansion and long‑term success. Operating within a highly interconnected environment, the role ensures that safety, security, constructability, operability, and maintainability are embedded at every stage of design. From landside connectivity and airfield interfaces to major structures, it brings together multiple disciplines to create solutions that function effectively as part of a wider, system‑based approach.

A clear ability to shape the “big picture” is essential, ensuring design solutions align with Heathrow’s long‑term vision, support passenger and airline growth, achieve planning requirements, and are delivered efficiently and cost‑effectively. These solutions must also be resilient and adaptable, supporting a high‑performing asset base throughout the full life cycle of new highways and structural infrastructure. The role champions engineering excellence, innovation, and value—promoting best practice and embracing new technologies to solve complex challenges. By balancing technical rigour with creativity and collaboration, the role helps turn ambition into reality, enabling Heathrow to set new standards in infrastructure delivery while creating safe, efficient, and inspiring environments for everyone who uses the airport.

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.