Technical Design Specialist - Derby

BALFOUR BEATTY; Derby; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure firm seeks a Technical Design Specialist to manage cabling design across energy projects in Derby. Key responsibilities include developing designs, overseeing project costs, and leading design reviews. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in cabling systems and project management skills, along with a degree in Electrical Engineering. This position offers flexible working options and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

25 days paid annual leave

Flexible working options

Family friendly policies

Pension and share incentive plan

Qualifications

• Proven track record in cabling design and installation.
• Strong knowledge of industry standards and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical detail with feasibility.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage cabling designs for energy projects.
• Lead design reviews with cross-discipline teams.
• Support project budgets and timelines.

Skills

Cabling design

Project leadership

Client engagement

Cost control

Technical calculations

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Chartered Engineer (or working towards)

Job description

About the role

Balfour Beatty Power T&D are currently recruiting for a Technical Design Specialist - Cable to join their Cable team in Derby. The Technical Design Specialist- Cabling will be a key team member, responsible for developing, reviewing, and managing cabling designs across a portfolio of infrastructure and energy projects. This role requires strong technical expertise in cable system design and installation, along with proven skills in project leadership, programme management, and client engagement. The TDS will ensure that all designs are practical, cost-effective, and aligned with industry best practices, while driving constructability and feasibility throughout project delivery.

What you'll be doing

Key Responsibilities

• Design Development & Management
  • Produce, review, and manage detailed cabling designs including routing, sizing, installation, and termination details.
  • Undertake technical calculations and validate design outputs in line with relevant standards and regulations.
  • Apply best practice methodologies to ensure constructability, safety, and long-term performance.
  • Lead design reviews and ensure integration of cabling solutions with other engineering disciplines.
  • Provide guidance to the wider design team on best practice, design management processes, and technical excellence.
• Project & Cost Control
  • Support cost estimation, tendering, and bid submissions for cabling works.
  • Manage design budgets, track project costs, and monitor alignment with programme schedules.
  • Implement and oversee change control processes to manage scope, budget, and design variations.
• Programme & Delivery Management
  • Conduct programme reviews, ensuring deliverables align with project milestones and client requirements.
  • Identify and mitigate risks related to cabling design, installation, and constructability.
  • Provide expertise on feasibility assessments and value engineering.
• Leadership & Collaboration
  • Act as the key PT&D representative on multiple projects, providing subject matter expertise in cabling.
  • Drive DRM (Design Review Management) activities, ensuring technical accuracy and cross-discipline coordination.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team capability development.
  • Maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and internal project teams.

Who we're looking for

Skills & Experience

• Proven track record in cabling design, installation, and calculations across major infrastructure or energy projects.
• Strong knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices for cable systems.
• Expertise in estimating, tendering, cost control, and programme management.
• Experience in design review management (DRM) and leading cross-discipline coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical detail with constructability and feasibility considerations.
• Excellent client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities within technical teams.

• Qualifications
  • Degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
  • Chartered Engineer (or working towards) preferred.
  • Professional training in project management, estimating, or design management advantageous.

• Personal Attributes
  • Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
  • Collaborative mindset with ability to influence across teams and disciplines.
  • Strong communicator with ability to engage at all levels, internally and externally.
  • Proactive and adaptable, with a focus on delivery excellence.

Why work for us

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

• Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
• 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
• Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
• Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more…

About us

Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution teams work with regional, national and international electricity network owners and operators to provide technical engineering solutions across the full spectrum of the electricity grid, including overhead lines, cabling, substations and distribution networks.

From scoping and feasibility, to design, construction and on-going maintenance, our in-house experts, flexible resources and industry-leading innovations support customers in the development of some of the UK’s most ambitious power transmission and distribution projects.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion

We are a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/