Section Engineer

VGC Group; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK construction firm is seeking an experienced Section Engineer for a major defence infrastructure project in Plymouth. The role involves leading technical delivery, quality assurance, and ensuring compliance on site. Key responsibilities include managing as-built drawings and monitoring project progress. Candidates must have a degree in Civil Engineering, SSSTS certification, and a strong understanding of construction processes. BPSS security clearance is required for this position.

Qualifications

• Must hold a degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• SSSTS certification is mandatory.
• CSCS (White PQP / AQP) required.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery, quality assurance, and dimensional control.
• Manage preparation of accurate as-built drawings.
• Monitor progress against quality and dimensional requirements.

Skills

Technical delivery

Quality assurance

Construction process understanding

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent

Tools

CSCS (White PQP / AQP)

SSSTS certification

Job description

ection Engineer – Major UK Defence Infrastructure Project

📍 Plymouth, Devon (Secure Facility)

🔐 BPSS clearance required (eligibility criteria apply)

A major, long-term UK defence infrastructure programme is seeking an experienced Section Engineer to support the delivery of complex civil engineering works within a high-security environment. This is an excellent opportunity to step into a senior engineering role on a challenging and high-profile redevelopment programme.

The Role

As a Section Engineer, you will lead on technical delivery, quality assurance, and dimensional control across a defined section of works. You will also play a key role in coordinating setting out, managing engineering systems, and ensuring high standards of compliance, safety, and communication on site.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the preparation of accurate as-built drawings.
• Establish and maintain systems to record completed works, updating the Project Quality Plan.
• Monitor progress against time, quality, quantity, and dimensional requirements.
• Support material and workmanship testing (concrete, drainage, piling, brickwork, etc.).
• Provide engineering expertise to resolve technical issues and close out queries.
• Lead setting out operations, ensuring works are built within tolerance.
• Verify setting‑out points, benchmarks, and calibration certification for all survey equipment.
• Ensure the workforce fully understands setting‑out information and construction requirements.
• Produce clear sketches and technical documentation for on‑site distribution.
• Maintain dimensional control for accurate construction.
• Record instructions and maintain the drawing register.

Who We’re Looking For

• Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent (BSc, BEng, MEng, EngTech, higher apprenticeship).
• SSSTS certification.
• CSCS (White PQP / AQP).
• Working towards – or interested in pursuing – professional accreditation (ICE, IStructE, etc.).
• Strong understanding of construction processes and engineering management.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience in a similar Section Engineer role.
• Experience working on large-scale civil, infrastructure, or defence projects.

Security & Eligibility Requirements

Due to the sensitive environment, BPSS security clearance is mandatory.

Applicants must :

• Hold a passport from a NATO or MISWG member country
• Have lived in the UK for at least the past 5 years