At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical assurance for major power grid projects and ensure engineering excellence.
- Company: Join AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering firm transforming infrastructure and energy systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, and tailored benefits for your lifestyle.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy while working in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in electricity transmission or distribution and strong technical expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Take our vision into the future. Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It's a diverse and inclusive work environment where world-class talent knows no distinctions.
We know that different people have different priorities, which is why we're here to support you. Flexible and remote working is a central part of our culture. So talk to us about what's ideal for you – from reduced weeks to buying more leave over school holidays. And if you're returning from a career break, ask us how we can help you transition back into work with us.
Our team is supporting major transmission and distribution programmes across the UK, including National Grid, Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), renewable energy developers and strategic infrastructure clients. We are seeking experienced Design Assurance Engineers to join our growing UK Power Grids team. This role offers the opportunity to provide independent technical assurance across some of the most significant electricity transmission and distribution projects in the country.
Your role as a Principal Design Assurance Engineer will involve providing independent technical assurance throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring engineering solutions are safe, compliant, buildable and aligned with client requirements. Working alongside our multidisciplinary design teams and client organisations, you will play a critical role in maintaining engineering quality, managing technical risk and ensuring the successful delivery of complex power network projects.
This role is ideally suited to individuals with previous National Grid Design Assurance experience and a strong understanding of transmission and distribution engineering governance processes.
In this role you may:
- Technical Assurance Leadership
- Act as a technical authority within your discipline area.
- Undertake Design Assurance Engineer responsibilities in accordance with National Grid and client-specific governance requirements.
- Provide independent review and challenge of engineering designs throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensure compliance with relevant technical specifications, legislation, engineering standards and regulatory requirements.
- Support the acceptance and approval of Design Compliance and Assurance Audit Reports (DCAARs) and associated technical documentation.
- Promote technical excellence and consistency across project delivery teams.
- Design Review & Governance
- Lead technical reviews of design submissions, identifying risk, non-conformances and opportunities for improvement.
- Verify that designs have appropriately addressed safety, operational, asset management and performance requirements.
- Ensure multidisciplinary coordination and alignment across engineering interfaces.
- Safety & Risk Management
- Champion Safety by Design principles across all project activities.
- Support compliance with CDM Regulations and associated design risk management obligations.
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop trusted relationships with National Grid, DNOs, EPC contractors and key project stakeholders.
- Act as a technical authority within your discipline area.
About you: In addition to having strong communication and leadership skills, you will have experience in and be able to demonstrate a selection of the following attributes:
- Demonstrable experience within the UK Electricity Transmission and/or Distribution sector working on National Grid, SSEN, SPEN, National Grid Electricity Distribution, Northern Powergrid, UK Power Networks or other DNO programmes.
- Previous or current National Grid Design Assurance Engineer authorisation (BP141) and/or previous experience as a Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE).
- Strong technical expertise in one or more Power Networks disciplines.
- Experience leading engineering reviews, governance panels or technical assurance activities.
If you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply — we value potential as well as experience.
Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.
This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer.
We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.
Principal Design Assurance Engineer – Power Grids in Birmingham employer: AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, particularly in the dynamic field of environmental consultancy. Located in London, our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and sustainability, providing team members with the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects while working alongside industry experts. We are committed to supporting your journey towards chartership and offer a range of benefits that enhance work-life balance and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Assurance Engineer – Power Grids in Birmingham
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal Design Assurance Engineer – Power Grids role you’re after at AtkinsRéalis.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
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✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at AtkinsRéalis.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal Design Assurance Engineer – Power Grids at AtkinsRéalis, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Assurance Engineer – Power Grids in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Design Assurance Engineer – Power Grids, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at AtkinsRéalis a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to AtkinsRéalis specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsRéalis
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with AtkinsRéalis, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like AtkinsRéalis want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.