Principal Civil Engineer (Transmission & Distribution)

Jacobs; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical cover

Digital GP service

Parental leave pay

Professional memberships

Volunteer time & charitable donations

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Principal Engineer – Civils to provide strategic leadership across frontend engineering design for HV AIS/GIS substations, HVDC converter stations, and related projects. You will shape technical assurance, delivery excellence and market growth in the Transmission & Distribution sector.

You will lead civil layouts, prepare calculations and drawings, and ensure compliance with Eurocodes and DNO standards while coordinating with global design centres and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Lead civil/structural design from concept to construction support.
• Develop civil layouts for substations (platforms, foundations, drainage, access, fencing).
• Prepare calculations, drawings, specs; ensure Eurocodes/DNO standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead civil/structural design packages for HV substations.
• Coordinate with global centers, sub-consultants and suppliers using BIM/CDE platforms.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to capability development.

Skills

Leadership

Civil engineering

Front-end design

BIM/CDE

Stakeholder management

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Chartered Engineer

Tools

Civil 3D

Revit

MicroStation

AutoCAD

Job description

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your Impact

Jacobs is playing a leading role in the global energy transition. As our UK and Continental Europe team continues to expand, we are seeking a Principal Engineer – Civils to provide strategic leadership across frontend engineering design (FEED) and detailed civil/structural design for high‑voltage (HV) AIS/GIS substations (132–400 kV), HVDC converter stations, overhead line (OHL) interfaces and underground cable projects. You will shape technical assurance, delivery excellence and market growth in the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) sector.

Key Responsibilities

• 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, MicroStation)
• 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

Requirements

• A degree in Civil Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline
• Chartered Engineer status with a relevant institution or working towards chartered status
• Experience within a civil discipline and experience in delivering 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

Benefits

We offer a competitive package, including free single medical cover and digital GP service for UK employees, enhanced parental leave pay, free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships, and participation in our Collectively program, which provides matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.

Diversity and Inclusion

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.