Construction Design Engineer

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO); Tathall End; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK government department is seeking a professional to design and build embassies. You'll work with architects and engineers, ensuring technical solutions meet legal standards and contributing to next-generation design. This role requires formal qualifications, experience in secure construction, and proficiency in design software. A competitive salary and benefits, including a comprehensive pension scheme, are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary with pension contribution

Annual leave starting at 25 days

On-site gym and nursery

Interest-free loans on season tickets and bikes

Free shuttle bus service

Qualifications

• Formal technical qualifications to BTEC/HNC level in a relevant field.
• Experience designing building elements, secure construction and physical security.
• Knowledge of Construction Design Management requirements.
• Proficiency in design-related software such as AutoCAD and Revit.
• Completion of a construction-related health and safety course (e.g., SMSTS/IOSH through CITB/NIBOSH).
• Ability to produce technical design documentation, including drawings, specifications and programmes.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with delivery and installation teams for technical solutions.
• Provide quality assurance to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Advise on the resolution of technical issues.

Skills

Communication skills

Design software proficiency

Team collaboration

Education

BTEC/HNC level in relevant field

Construction-related health and safety course

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Overview

Designing and building brand‑new embassies in bustling cities and remote locations. We collaborate with architects, engineers and surveyors to design and reconfigure high‑commission offices, develop secure CCTV systems and provide a world‑class service that protects the UK’s security interests.

It matters. When you join our highly professional and collaborative property and construction team you will produce bespoke, detailed and fully coordinated designs and specifications for internal fit‑out spaces.

We support a diverse team of colleagues with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We are a Disability Confident employer and a Carer Confident workplace.

Responsibilities

Your day‑to‑day work will include communicating with delivery and installation teams to confirm that technical solutions are developed in accordance with your designs, providing quality assurance to ensure all work meets the relevant legal and regulatory requirements, and advising on the resolution of any technical issues that arise. You will help to create next‑generation design standards and products, and produce and maintain a knowledge library of documentation for installation practices and standards.

Security Requirements

All colleagues must hold security clearance. Successful candidates will be required to undergo our vetting process and obtain Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. Additional baseline personnel security checks may be required for work with government assets.

Qualifications

• Formal technical qualifications to BTEC/HNC level in a relevant field.
• Experience designing building elements, secure construction and physical security.
• Knowledge of Construction Design Management requirements.
• Proficiency in design‑related software such as AutoCAD and Revit.
• Completion of a construction‑related health and safety course (e.g., SMSTS/IOSH through CITB/NIBOSH).
• Ability to produce technical design documentation, including drawings, specifications and programmes.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and line‑management skills.
• Understanding of UK building legislation, health and safety and applicable security standards.

Technical Skills

• Experience designing building elements, secure construction and physical security.
• Knowledge of Construction Design Management requirements.

Application Process

Applicants will be assessed solely on answers to the job‑specific questions in the application form. CVs and personal statements are only used to gain insight into your work history and experience. Your CV should include: no personal identifying details; career history with key responsibilities; skills and experience; achievements; and qualifications. Your personal statement should outline your interest in the role.

Successful candidates will be invited to a MS Teams or face‑to‑face interview where technical skills and behaviours will be examined. Candidates who are close to meeting the criteria may be considered for other positions within FCDO Services.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £48,801 plus a £14,137 contribution to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• Annual leave starting at 25 days.
• Training and development opportunities tailored to your role.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• A Civil Service pension.
• On‑site gym, nursery, café and restaurant.
• Interest‑free loans on season tickets and bikes.
• Free shuttle bus between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park.