Civil Contractor Design Approval Engineer

Contract

United Kingdom

January 4th, 2027

Atlas Next Wave is supporting a leading engineering delivery partner on a major UK electricity transmission programme and is seeking an experienced Civil Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE) to provide independent technical assurance and governance across a significant HVDC infrastructure project. This assignment falls Outside IR35 and offers a highly flexible hybrid working arrangement.

The Opportunity
Working as the Contractor's senior civil technical authority, you will provide assurance and approval of civil, structural and building engineering designs across major HVDC transmission infrastructure. The role will initially support a programme comprising two HVDC Converter Stations and an associated GIS Substation.
You will be responsible for ensuring designs are technically robust, fully coordinated and compliant with project requirements, UK engineering standards and National Grid design governance processes.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical assurance and approval of civil, structural and building engineering design packages.
• Undertake CDAE reviews prior to formal submission for National Grid compliance assessment.
• Review and approve Design Compliance Audit Assurance Reports (DCAARs).
• Ensure compliance with National Grid technical standards and project requirements.
• Verify completion of independent design checks and design certification activities.
• Lead technical reviews across multidisciplinary interfaces including civil, structural, geotechnical, buildings, building services, cables and HV equipment.
• Support design and hazard review workshops and effective design risk management.
• Review design changes and maintain appropriate technical governance and traceability.
• Act as a key interface with National Grid Design Assurance Engineers and project stakeholders.

Candidate Requirements

• Have previously been approved as a National Grid Civil CDAE
  , either in Full or Limited Capacity
  .
• Possess significant experience in civil and structural design assurance within electricity transmission, substations, HVDC projects or other major infrastructure environments.
• Hold a degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or a related discipline.
• Are Chartered Engineers or can demonstrate equivalent technical authority and experience.
• Have strong knowledge of multidisciplinary design coordination, design governance and technical assurance processes.
• Possess a detailed understanding of CDM Regulations 2015 and design risk management.

Highly Desirable

• Current or previous National Grid Civil CDAE authorisation.
• Experience working under National Grid design governance frameworks including NG/ET/SR188.
• Extensive civil infrastructure experience covering earthworks, drainage, roads, foundations, piling, buildings, structures, retaining structures, cable routes and substation infrastructure.

• Outside IR35 contract
• Long-term programme supporting the UK's energy transition
• Flexible hybrid working arrangement
• Opportunity to act as a key technical authority on nationally significant HVDC infrastructure projects
• Collaborative international project environment