At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead civil design for substations and mentor junior engineers in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Arup, a global leader in engineering with a focus on shaping a better world.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private medical insurance, and flexible benefits for your wellbeing.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique perspective.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in energy infrastructure while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering and experience in civil design for energy infrastructure required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world. As a Grade 7 Associate Substation Civil Design Lead, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high quality civil and structural design for substation assets across major transmission programmes. This role blends hands‑on design leadership with coordination, assurance and mentoring responsibilities – ideal for an experienced civil engineer progressing into broader leadership within the UK Great Grid Partnership.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Strategy
- Provide day‑to‑day technical leadership for civil and structural design activities across substation work packages.
- Support the development and reinforcement of best practice civil engineering methodologies, processes, and templates across the programme.
- Champion GGP Charter behaviours and foster a collaborative working environment across disciplines.
- Project Delivery
- Lead the production of civil and structural design deliverables — including drawings, calculations, reports, and models — ensuring compliance with project requirements, standards and assurance processes.
- Manage and coordinate the integration of civil design with electrical, structural, geotechnical, and other disciplines to ensure spatially optimised and constructible solutions.
- Support and conduct design reviews, providing technical input and supporting sign‑off at relevant assurance gates.
- Identify design risks, issues and opportunities, escalating them promptly and contributing to lessons learned processes.
- Team & Capability Development
- Mentor and support junior engineers and designers, contributing to capability uplift and a high performing team culture.
- Promote knowledge sharing activities across design package teams and the wider programme, supporting continuous improvement in civils delivery.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Represent civil engineering in multidisciplinary meetings, client discussions and internal coordination forums.
- Support the Technical Project Lead and Package Design Lead in client updates, technical clarifications and integration workshops.
- Health, Safety & Wellbeing
- Ensure all civil design work aligns with relevant health, safety and wellbeing requirements.
- Embed safe‑by‑design principles and contribute to risk mitigation across design and delivery.
Qualifications
- Essential
- Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (or related discipline).
- Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng MICE preferred).
- Strong experience in civil design for substations, converter stations or similar energy infrastructure — including access, drainage, foundations and spatial layout planning.
- Experience delivering civil design within multidisciplinary design environments.
- Proficiency in civil design tools such as AutoCAD or Civil 3D.
- Experience coordinating civil design in complex infrastructure programmes.
- Desirable
- CDAE accreditation or familiarity with GGP assurance frameworks.
- Experience with National Grid or other TSO/DNO standards, assurance processes, temporary works and construction logistics.
- Experience developing or applying standardised design processes, templates and typical details.
- Ability to use digital tools or automation (Civil 3D, AutoCAD scripting, Dynamo, Python) to streamline design workflows.
- Familiarity with BIM/CDE environments and data‑driven design.
- Enthusiasm for continuous improvement, efficiency and modern digital engineering methods.
What We Offer
We provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do. We also provide private medical insurance, life assurance, accident insurance and income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.
Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas – this drives our excellence.
Application Process
We have a preferred supplier list of trusted recruitment agencies and do not acknowledge unsolicited CVs or introductions from agencies not on the list. To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/arup-careers-uk-application-process. Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process. Contact rebecca.davies@arup.com if you need assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process.
Associate Civil Engineer - Great Grid in Birmingham employer: Arup
Arup is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, providing employees with the opportunity to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on the world. With a strong focus on professional development, Arup offers extensive learning opportunities, competitive benefits including private medical insurance and flexible wellbeing options, and a commitment to fostering diversity within its workforce. Located in the UK, this role as an Associate Civil Engineer not only allows for hands-on leadership in innovative projects but also supports personal growth in a dynamic environment dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Civil Engineer - Great Grid in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Arup on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled design challenges in the past and how you can contribute to the Great Grid Partnership.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your collaborative spirit! During interviews, highlight examples where you've worked across disciplines. Arup values teamwork, so make sure they see how you can fit into their culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Arup.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Civil Engineer - Great Grid in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Associate Civil Engineer role. Highlight your civil design experience, especially in substations or similar energy infrastructure, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about civil engineering and how you can contribute to our collaborative environment at Arup. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in civil design tools like AutoCAD or Civil 3D. If you have experience with digital tools or automation, make sure to include that too – we love innovation!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arup
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your civil engineering knowledge, especially around substation design and the tools mentioned in the job description like AutoCAD and Civil 3D. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring and leading design activities, think of examples where you've taken charge or supported junior engineers. Highlight your experience in fostering a collaborative environment and how you've contributed to team success.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your technical expertise. Review common civil design challenges and be prepared to discuss how you would approach them, especially in multidisciplinary settings. This will show your problem-solving skills and ability to integrate with other disciplines.
✨Emphasise Safety and Wellbeing
Given the importance of health, safety, and wellbeing in this role, be ready to talk about how you've implemented safe design principles in past projects. Discuss any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these values.
