At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design safety engineering for innovative projects, ensuring compliance and safety standards.
- Company: Join Costain, a leader in smart infrastructure solutions across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safety and sustainability while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemical Engineering and chartered status with significant industry experience.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Costain’s multi-discipline engineering and design team is dedicated to delivering design primarily for Costain projects. Our design outputs encompass a range from studies to detailed design for both permanent and temporary works. We prioritise sustainable and safe-by-design outputs, underpinned by a strong constructability ethos.
A Principal Design HSE Engineer typically serves as the most senior engineer in their discipline for a specific project, holding full authority to act on behalf of that discipline when delegated by the Chief Design HSE Engineer. The role of Design HSE Engineering is crucial in ensuring a safe process plant design.
Responsibilities include:
- Producing documents that meet the requirements of the Health and Safety Executive, Environmental Agency, and other regulators.
- Producing, checking, and approving Design HSE deliverables internally.
- Managing specialist consultants for design HSE activities that extend beyond the expertise of Costain Engineering Ltd.
The work of Design HSE can significantly influence project costs and timelines. The job holder reports to the Chief Design HSE Engineer and, when assigned to a project, will report to a project engineering manager or project manager as appropriate. On projects, senior process engineers, process engineers, and graduate engineers report to the job holder, with the number of personnel varying based on project size and scope.
It is essential to ensure compliance with current company policies, relevant legislation, and both company and client requirements concerning health, safety, and environmental matters, while working in a manner that prevents harm or injury to oneself, fellow workers, clients, subcontractor employees, and the environment.
Essential:
- Hold professional qualifications such as Chartership or Incorporated Status.
- A degree in Chemical Engineering.
- Educational experience relevant to their engineering discipline, ideally degree qualified to a 2:1 or better.
Desirable:
- Additional technically focused qualifications / training.
As a project Design HSE Engineer (also known as Technical Safety Engineer or Process Safety Engineer), responsibilities include:
- Supervising and executing Design HSE work on projects assigned by the Chief Design HSE Engineer.
- Checking and approving Design HSE work in line with Company Procedures.
- Acting as proposals Design HSE Engineer for designated proposals, overseeing design work for these initiatives.
- Assisting the Chief Design HSE Engineer with administrative tasks within the discipline.
- Planning for adequate resources while monitoring and reporting on design progress and man-hour usage.
- Liaising with other disciplines as necessary.
- Providing support to Work Winning and Construction/Commissioning Departments as needed.
- Offering training, information, and feedback to colleagues, especially junior engineers.
It is essential to remain aware of legal and organisational responsibilities concerning Health, Safety, and Environmental issues related to employees, contractors, clients, and third parties, ensuring that all activities align with Company policies and client requirements.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
Essential:
- Chartered Engineer with significant years of experience in the process industries since graduation and a minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of Design Safety and Environmental Engineering / Technical Safety / Process Safety.
- Experience should include preparation of safety philosophies including F&G, AFP and PFP philosophies; AFP and PFP specifications and calculations; fire and explosion consequence and risk assessments; QRA, DSEAR, HAZID, ENVID, HAZOP, LOPA.
- Experience at all stages of project lifecycle from studies through FEED to detail design and construction.
- Good communication skills.
Desirable:
- Mobility to work on various projects throughout the UK.
- Have site or construction experience.
- Experience from multiple sectors / industries.
- Be able to work independently.
- Have experience in updating corporate guidance and operating controls.
- Have an innovative approach, be able to challenge and drive new approaches to engineering and construction delivery.
Full time
Posting Date: 2026-05-26
Principal Design HSE Engineer in Aberdeen employer: Costain
As a leading employer in traffic management, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises safety and efficiency. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and support for professional development, ensuring that our team members thrive in their roles. Located in a vibrant area with access to essential resources, we offer a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact the success of our projects and the safety of the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design HSE Engineer in Aberdeen
✨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 HSE Engineer role you’re after at Costain.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Costain a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨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 Costain.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal Design HSE Engineer at Costain, 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 HSE Engineer in Aberdeen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Design HSE Engineer, 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 Costain 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 Costain 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 Costain
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Costain, 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 Costain 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.
