Senior Design Engineer - Civils, Structural and Highways

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, it sits at the centre of delivering the complex, world‑class infrastructure that underpins Heathrow’s expansion and long‑term success.

Your role will involve:

• Leading a virtual, multi‑disciplinary team drawing on operational experts, consultants, design and build partners, business stakeholders, and customers to ensure high‑quality designs that reflect future demand, business development, and Heathrow’s Sustainability Plan.
• Engaging stakeholders at all levels to ensure designs are deliverable, affordable, and aligned to intended business benefits, clearly visualising and communicating asset plans, benefits, risks, and opportunities.
• Providing timely, evidence‑based input and constructive challenge throughout the design process to ensure decisions reflect real‑world asset performance, user needs, and operational reality.
• Collaborating with Engineering teams to ensure asset strategies, standards, and design codes are applied effectively; supporting optioneering and integrated solution development in line with governance requirements and Heathrow’s programme lifecycle.
• Acting as an intelligent client by championing good design principles, innovation, and best‑value technology choices; ensuring safety and risk considerations are embedded at every stage, working with delivery teams to assess, communicate, and manage risks including those arising during construction.

These skills are essential:

• Degree or equivalent qualified in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Chartered member of a relevant engineering institution or equivalent level of technical competency and holding IEng or working towards IEng professional status.
• Must have at least 5 years of engineering experience as this is a leadership position where you will act as the client’s SME for technical assurance.
• 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 instruct, lead, and manage technical consultants and strategic partners to achieve defined outcomes.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making skills, using data and sound judgement to develop robust, pragmatic solutions.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders through clear communication, presentations, and effective engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in scope development, change management, safety improvement through design, and managing technical quality assurance.
• Track record of driving continuous improvement across the design and engineering lifecycle.

Ideally, you will also have:

• Experience of the aviation industry is preferred, e.g. airlines, infrastructure planning.
• Experience of the UK regulatory and political environment would be a benefit.
• Understanding of related Regulatory, Legislative and Planning frameworks, Development Consent Order process.
• Experience of working at Heathrow or in the large and major programme sector.

Our rewards:

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. Here you’ll find everything you need for a fulfilling career journey that can take you in exciting directions.

Working Location:

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. Working arrangements vary from team to team and will be confirmed during the recruitment process. 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.