Principal Civil Engineer; Transmission & Distribution

Principal Civil Engineer (Transmission & Distribution)

Jacobs, Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

At Jacobs, we are committed to reinventing tomorrow by tackling the world’s most critical problems for cities, environments, and energy transition. As our UK and Continental Europe teams expand, we seek a Principal Engineer – Civils to lead frontend engineering design (FEED) and detailed civil/structural design for high‑voltage (132–400 kV) substations, HVDC converter stations, overhead line interfaces, and underground cable projects.

You will shape technical assurance, delivery excellence, and market growth in the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) sector.

• Lead civil/structural design packages from concept through detailed design and construction support for National Grid and DNO clients
• Develop civil layouts for substations, including platforms, foundations, bunds, drainage, access roads, ducting, fencing, and security features, integrating geotechnical and structural inputs with electrical plant layouts
• Prepare and review calculations, drawings, and specifications for foundations, bunds/oil containment, drainage/SuDS, and structural framing, ensuring compliance with Eurocodes and DNO standards
• Conduct design reviews and risk assessments
• Ensure adherence to CDM 2015 and Jacobs’ quality processes
• Manage resources and deliverables within agreed budgets and timelines
• Coordinate with global design centres, sub‑consultants, and suppliers using BIM/CDE platforms (Civil 3D, Revit, Micro Station)
• Support client meetings, technical presentations, and tender submissions
• Maintain strong relationships with project stakeholders
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to capability development within the civils team

• A degree in Civil Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline
• Chartered Engineer status with a relevant institution, or working towards chartered status
• Experience in civil engineering and delivery of complex multi‑disciplinary projects for the energy transition industry
• Experience preparing design calculations, reports, and detailed drawings; CAD (AutoCAD or Microstation) preferred but not essential

Our people are our greatest asset. We offer a competitive package, inclusive benefits, and support for professional development. UK employees receive free single medical cover, digital GP service, enhanced parental leave pay, employee assistance, and charitable giving opportunities.

We are a disability confident employer and welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working. We support reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process; please contact our Careers Support team if you require assistance.