At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead advanced setting out for vital energy infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join Balfour Beatty, a leader in civil engineering and energy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and work-life balance.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with clear career progression.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on Scotland's transition to net zero.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Argyll Substations Project offers an opportunity to be involved in the delivery of future‑critical energy infrastructure at the heart of Scotland’s transition to net zero. With long‑term programme security, a strong safety and engineering culture, and clear progression opportunities across major power transmission projects, Argyll is an ideal role for engineers looking to work on meaningful infrastructure that will have a lasting national impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the execution of advanced setting out across earthworks, drainage, and highway projects.
- Establish and maintain primary setting out controls, determining optimal installation locations.
- Support and guide junior engineers in mastering setting out methodologies.
- Develop and manage Activity Control Plans along with comprehensive quality records.
- Interpret specifications and technical drawings to ensure all works conform to client requirements.
- Identify, document, and resolve technical inquiries and non‑conformances efficiently.
- Prepare and evaluate Method Statements, Risk Assessments, and Temporary Works Briefs.
- Champion a safe work environment by ensuring permits and inductions are completed thoroughly.
- Act proactively to detect hazards and implement effective control measures.
- Create detailed weekly programmes, monitor progress, and communicate objectives to the team.
- Promote operational efficiencies to achieve KPI targets throughout site activities.
- Track labour, plant, and material usage against budgetary parameters.
- Recognise and report additional works, submitting required notifications as appropriate.
- Collaborate closely with subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring adherence to contractual deliverables.
Qualifications
- Degree or HNC/HND in Civil Engineering (or equivalent experience).
- Strong UK site‑based experience in earthworks, deep drainage, and road construction.
- Skilled in producing and implementing Activity Control Plans.
- Knowledge of construction tolerances, specifications, and contractual documents.
- Confident in leading setting out, engineering control, and mentoring junior engineers.
- Good understanding of HSE management systems, permits to work, and temporary works.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Effective communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.
Benefits and Development
- Be part of a high‑profile project shaping Aberdeen’s infrastructure.
- Opportunity to lead a dedicated site team and deliver works that have a lasting community impact.
- Clear progression opportunities and professional development support.
- Work‑life balance initially with 4 days on site, moving to full‑time on site in 2026.
- 70% learning on the job, 20% learning from others, and 10% formal training courses and learning events.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
Diversity & Inclusion
Balfour Beatty is a Disability Confident Employer and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds. Please refer to our diversity and inclusion page for further information.
Section Engineer employer: Balfour
Balfour Beatty Group is an exceptional employer, offering Section Engineers the chance to contribute to vital energy infrastructure projects in Argyll & Bute, a region pivotal to Scotland's net zero transition. With a strong emphasis on safety, professional development, and a supportive work culture, employees benefit from clear progression pathways, competitive salaries, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Section Engineer
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Balfour, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Section Engineer at Balfour.
We think you need these skills to ace Section Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Balfour
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
