Construction Design Engineer

FCDO Services; Ovingdean; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A government service organization is seeking an experienced professional to design and oversee the construction of secure facilities, ensuring compliance with relevant standards. Ideal candidates will have a BTEC/HNC qualification, strong communication skills, and experience with design-related software like AutoCAD and Revit. This role offers a competitive salary, generous benefits including training opportunities, and the chance to work in a supportive and diverse environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday entitlement

Civil Service Pension

On-site gym

On-site nursery

Interest-free loans for season tickets and bicycles

Qualifications

• Detailed understanding of construction standards and installation practices.
• Well-developed experience in designing building elements.
• Capable of conducting site surveys and capturing as-built details.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and oversee construction of secure facilities.
• Collaborate with architects and engineers for detailed designs.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.

Skills

Technical design documentation

Communication skills

Knowledge of secure construction

Experience with AutoCAD

Experience with Revit

Education

BTEC/HNC level qualification

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Overview

At FCDO Services we protect the UK’s interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings and courier diplomatic packages worldwide, safeguard government tech and a whole lot more. Our work is as varied and vital as it gets, but we never lose sight of our people. Their skills, aspirations and growth mean as much as the global mission we’re on. In our world, it all matters.

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop and oversee the construction of new embassies and secure facilities, including CCTV systems.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers and surveyors to produce bespoke, detailed and fully coordinated designs and specifications for internal fit‑out spaces.
• Guarantee building security while maintaining compliance with specialist requirements and relevant health and safety information.
• Communicate with delivery and installation teams, confirm that technical solutions are developed in accordance with your designs and provide quality assurance to ensure all work meets the legal and regulatory requirements.
• Advise on the resolution of any technical issues that arise, help create next‑generation design standards and products, and maintain a knowledge library of documentation for installation practices and standards.
• Conduct site surveys, both in the UK and overseas, and capture as‑built details in professional reports.

Qualifications and experience

To be a success in this important role you should have a detailed understanding of common construction standards, installation practices and applicable legislation, and formal technical qualifications at BTEC/HNC level. It goes without saying that you’ll have well developed experience of designing the basic elements of buildings and spaces, and any knowledge of secure construction and physical security design would be desirable, as would an understanding of design‑related software such as AutoCAD and Revit.

Capable of producing technical design documentation, including drawings, specifications and programmes, you should be ready to conduct site surveys, both in the UK and overseas, and capture as‑built details in a professional report. You’ll be working with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders, so we’ll look for excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and any practical line management experience would be an advantage. In addition, the successful completion of a construction‑related health and safety course such as SMSTS/IOSH through CITB/NIBOSH or a similar provider would be a plus.

Benefits and support

But we’re always looking to improve – just like you. That’s why when you join us, expect to receive a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement and a Civil Service Pension. Along with this, you’ll also have access to training and other development opportunities to help grow your career with us. Our offices have an on‑site gym, nursery, café, and restaurant, and we offer interest‑free loans on season tickets and bikes to help you get there. It's a great set of benefits made to support all you do, and all you need.

Want to see your future team’s work in action? Step into our Virtual Embassy and select a guide to take you round to see how we deliver for government customers and how you could help. Explore the embassy now at virtual-embassy.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk.

To find out more about our benefits and our organisation, please visit fcdoservicescareers.co.uk.

Every single colleague must be security cleared before joining us. If you’re successful in your application, we’ll ask you to undergo our vetting process to achieve Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. You can find out more about vetting at fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/how-to-apply/.

Diversity and inclusion

It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse world. The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual, so that you always know you’re welcome and valued. It’s what makes us a Disability Confident employer. And why we’re recognised as a ‘Carer Confident’ workplace. And it’s how you know you’re joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.