Principal Civil Engineer; Transmission & Distribution

Principal Civil Engineer (Transmission & Distribution)

Jacobs Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Our UK and Continental Europe team is expanding, and we are seeking a Principal Engineer – Civils to provide strategic leadership across FEED and detailed civil/structural design for high‑voltage (132–400 kV) AIS/GIS substations, HVDC converter stations, overhead line interfaces, and underground cable projects. You will shape technical assurance, delivery excellence, and market growth within the Transmission & Distribution 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 with in a civil discipline and experience in delivering complex multi‑disciplinary projects for Energy Transition industry
• Experience preparing design calculations, reports, and detailed drawings. CAD (AutoCAD or Microstation) preferred but not essential

People are Jacobs’ greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. UK employees receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family‑friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, plus reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. We also give back to our communities through our Collectively program which incorporates matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.

As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.