Principal Civil Engineer – Renewables & Transmission & Distribution in Edinburgh

Principal Civil Engineer – Renewables & Transmission & Distribution in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
AECO

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative civil engineering projects in renewable energy and infrastructure.
  • Company: Join AECOM, a leader in sustainable infrastructure and energy solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, career development, and personalised benefits.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with great career progression opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of energy while advancing your engineering skills.
  • Qualifications: BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering and experience in energy projects.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

We are looking for an experienced Principal Civil Engineer to support the continued expansion of the energy team and help shape the future of sustainable infrastructure. Successful candidates will be deployed to support projects across both our Renewables & Transmission and Distribution teams. This position can be based in our growing offices in Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, London - Aldgate Tower, Perth and will benefit from our flexible hybrid working model. You should be passionate about engineering excellence and want to work on cutting‑edge energy projects across the UK, Ireland, Europe and further afield.

As a Principal Civil Engineer, you’ll play a key technical role across a diverse portfolio of energy projects, including:

  • Onshore wind
  • Hydroelectric (run‑off river and pumped storage)
  • Grid infrastructure – Substation and Overhead Line
  • Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

You will be involved from feasibility through to detailed design and construction supervision, working with both major energy utility providers and private developers.

What You’ll Do:

  • Act as lead verifier on reports including technical feasibility studies and design reports.
  • Liaise with clients, manage project work on a day‑to‑day basis and ensure that the work is delivered within the agreed timescale and budgets.
  • Coordinate multi‑disciplinary design teams.
  • Lead and manage the design of civil infrastructure including roads, drainage, civil structural infrastructure and external works.
  • Prepare and review calculations, detailed design drawings and specifications ensuring compliance with UK standards (BS EN codes, Eurocodes, CDM Regulations).
  • Conduct site inspections and respond to technical queries.
  • Produce high‑quality reports (feasibility studies, inspection reports, design documentation).
  • Mentor and guide junior staff.

This role will present you with a fantastic opportunity to develop your technical and project management skills through your project work, with great prospects for career progression as the team continues to grow.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

  • BEng (Hons) degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Chartered status or actively working towards chartership with the Institution of Civil Engineers or another relevant Institution.
  • Experience in delivering complex multi‑disciplinary projects for the Energy Transition industry is highly desirable.
  • Experience within UK Transmission & Distribution projects (11KV – 400KV) is highly desirable.
  • This role is a technical role, and you will be expected to demonstrate a high degree of technical competency in the design of civil or structural elements.
  • In addition to engineering skills, report writing and organisational skills will be key to the role.
  • Familiarity with National Grid Technical Specifications (NGTS) or National Grid CDAE status will be an added advantage.

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at . At AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives. We are a Disability‑Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long‑term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role.

Principal Civil Engineer – Renewables & Transmission & Distribution in Edinburgh employer: AECO

At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of sustainable infrastructure. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our commitment to employee development through tailored benefits, career progression opportunities, and mentorship ensures that you can thrive both personally and professionally in our Edinburgh office and beyond.

AECO

Contact Details:

AECO Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Civil Engineer – Renewables & Transmission & Distribution in Edinburgh

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make those personal connections that could lead to job opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent developments in the renewables sector. We want you to walk into that interview room feeling confident and ready to impress!

Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for sustainable infrastructure! During interviews, share your thoughts on current trends in civil engineering and how you can contribute to innovative projects. Let’s make sure they see your enthusiasm for the role!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you that dream job!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Civil Engineer – Renewables & Transmission & Distribution in Edinburgh

Civil Engineering
Technical Feasibility Studies
Design Reports
Project Management
Multi-Disciplinary Coordination
Civil Infrastructure Design
Roads and Drainage Design

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Civil Engineer role. Highlight your experience in renewables and transmission projects, as well as any relevant qualifications like your BEng degree or chartered status.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for engineering excellence and how you can contribute to our energy team. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the job description.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires a high degree of technical competency, be sure to include examples of your work on civil infrastructure projects. Discuss your familiarity with UK standards and any relevant software tools you've used.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!

How to prepare for a job interview at AECO

Know Your Projects

Before the interview, dive deep into the projects you might be working on, especially in renewables and transmission & distribution. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in onshore wind, hydroelectric systems, and battery energy storage. This will not only show your passion but also help you engage in meaningful discussions.

Brush Up on Technical Standards

Make sure you're well-versed in UK standards like BS EN codes and Eurocodes. Being able to discuss how these apply to civil infrastructure design will demonstrate your technical competency and readiness for the role. Prepare examples of how you've applied these standards in past projects.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Civil Engineer, you'll be expected to lead and mentor. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed teams or guided junior staff. Be ready to share these experiences, as they highlight your ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams effectively.

Prepare Questions for Them

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their projects, team dynamics, and future goals in the energy sector. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.