Senior Design Engineer - Civils, Structural and Highways in London

This role plays a pivotal part in shaping the future of Heathrow by leading the development of integrated, coherent, and fit‑for‑purpose design solutions that enable sustainable growth across the airport. With a strong focus on highways and structural assets, the role sits at the centre of delivering complex infrastructure that supports Heathrow’s expansion and long‑term objectives. Operating within a highly interconnected environment, the role ensures that safety, security, constructability, operability, and maintainability are fully embedded at every stage of design.

From landside connectivity and airfield interfaces to major structures, the role brings together multiple disciplines to deliver solutions that operate effectively within a wider, systems‑based approach. A strong ability to take a strategic, system‑wide perspective is essential, ensuring design solutions align with Heathrow’s long‑term vision, support passenger and airline growth, meet planning requirements, and are delivered efficiently and cost‑effectively. Solutions must also be resilient and adaptable, supporting high‑performing assets throughout the full lifecycle of highways and structural infrastructure.

The role promotes engineering excellence, innovation, and value by encouraging best practice and exploring new technologies to address complex challenges. By combining technical expertise with collaboration and creative problem‑solving, the role helps translate strategic ambition into practical delivery supporting the development of safe, efficient, and sustainable environments for all airport users.

Heathrow is an amazing backdrop to a career filled with unique opportunities. Every day, you’ll discover a world full of fresh possibilities and end the day buzzing with stories to tell, as you encounter people from all cultures, nationalities and experiences. It brings out the best in all of us and inspires everyone to deliver on our ambitious plans. Together, we’re working to welcome millions more passengers while ensuring aviation can continue to be a force for good by leading global efforts in sustainability.

We offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits that will support you now and in the future. As well as performance-based annual bonuses and our longer-term Share in Success Bonus plans, we also offer generous annual leave allowances and market-leading pensions. With family friendly policies, access to private health insurance and a wide range of wellbeing tools, we’ll support you to be at your best inside and outside work. And of course, we’ll provide varied learning and development opportunities too.

Our Hybrid working approach offers the opportunity for colleagues in some roles to work from home for an average of two days a week, providing the flexibility to work in an agile way whilst ensuring we deliver for the operational needs of Heathrow. You’ll need to be based in the UK and within a commutable distance to Heathrow.

As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all. We believe that diverse talent makes us stronger – not least because we welcome passengers from all corners of the globe, every single day. Heathrow is an accessible place to work. With five diversity networks, we champion inclusivity and celebrate individuality.

You’ll help shape a national legacy that millions will experience for decades to come, as we deliver the third runway, improve passenger experience, stimulate jobs and opportunities across the UK, and strengthen the global connectivity that powers trade and travel. Modernising and expanding the UK’s only hub airport and critical national infrastructure whilst keeping it fully operational and safe creates a pace and complexity unlike other major programmes. It demands collaboration, resilience, problem solving and a desire to take on challenges that genuinely matter.

Degree qualified (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline. Chartered membership of a recognised engineering institution, or an equivalent level of technical competence, with Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status or actively working towards this. A minimum of five years’ relevant engineering experience, including experience in a leadership or senior technical capacity. Ability to act as a subject matter expert, providing technical assurance and guidance across complex engineering programmes or projects.

Competent to lead a portfolio of assets in one of the following classifications: Utilities (infrastructure), Mechanical/Electrical, Water Systems and Public Health, Stands and Airside Ops, Terminals, Airport related development and supporting facilities, Services – heating, cooling and distribution, energy, fuels, Environmental, Baggage, Operational Technology and Cyber Security, Civils - Tunnels and Bridges, Civils – Highways, Structures and Car Parks, Civils - Airfield and Roads, Rail, Control and automation, Innovation.

Proven ability to lead, guide, and manage technical consultants and strategic partners to deliver defined outcomes. Strong analytical and decision‑making skills, with the ability to use data and sound judgement to develop practical and effective solutions. Experience influencing senior stakeholders through clear communication, structured presentations, and effective engagement. Demonstrated experience in scope development, change management, designing for improved safety, and overseeing technical quality assurance. A track record of contributing to continuous improvement across the design and engineering lifecycle.

Ideally, you will also have experience within the aviation sector, such as airlines or infrastructure planning. Awareness of the UK regulatory and political environment. Understanding of relevant regulatory, legislative, and planning frameworks, including the Development Consent Order (DCO) process. Experience working at Heathrow or within large‑scale or major programme environments. An asset or project management qualification.

Lead a virtual, multi‑disciplinary team, bringing together operational specialists, consultants, design and delivery partners, business stakeholders, and customers to develop high‑quality designs that reflect future demand, business priorities, and Heathrow’s Sustainability Plan. Engage stakeholders at all levels to ensure designs are deliverable, cost‑effective, and aligned with intended business outcomes, clearly communicating asset plans, benefits, risks, and opportunities. Provide timely, evidence‑based input and constructive challenge throughout the design process, ensuring decisions are informed by real‑world asset performance, user needs, and operational considerations.

Collaborate with Engineering teams to ensure asset strategies, standards, and design codes are applied effectively, supporting optioneering and the development of integrated solutions in line with governance requirements and Heathrow’s programme lifecycle. Act as an informed client, promoting strong design principles, innovation, and value‑focused technology choices, while ensuring safety and risk considerations are embedded throughout. Work closely with delivery teams to assess, communicate, and manage risks, including those arising during construction.