Lead Power Substation Engineering & Delivery in Birmingham

Location: High Marnham UK (Near Lincoln) – Project-based with further national opportunities

Sector: Power / Major Infrastructure

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Be part of one of the largest upgrades to the UK power network in decades. This is a career-defining opportunity to shape complex power infrastructure while influencing engineering standards, innovation and delivery excellence across major projects.

What is a Principal Engineer? Think number 2 on a project at delivery stage. You are the go-to subject matter expert for all Civils and Structural deliverables. You look after a team of Project, Senior, Section and Site Engineers, sitting with the senior leaders on the project.

We are looking for an experienced Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership on high-value substation projects, supporting delivery teams from early design through construction and commissioning.

The role:

• You will act as a recognised technical authority, working closely with project leadership, design managers, clients and supply chain partners.
• You will guide engineering decisions, ensure buildability and safety are embedded in designs, and influence quality standards across permanent and temporary works.
• You will support delivery of substation civil and structural works including foundations, structures, steelwork, cladding and associated non-HV mechanical and electrical interfaces, while helping drive innovation, digital engineering and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities:

• You will provide technical leadership across engineering methods, procedures and standards, ensuring they are fit for complex project environments.
• You will collaborate with design teams to resolve interface issues, challenge solutions constructively and improve buildability, safety and efficiency.
• You will influence quality processes at project and business level, supporting audits, specifications and right-first-time delivery.
• You will contribute expert input into construction methods, materials, products and systems, identifying opportunities for value engineering, innovation and waste reduction.
• You will support the safe selection and implementation of temporary works, lifting operations and specialist construction systems.
• You will also play an active role in developing and mentoring engineers, sharing best practice and contributing to technical guidance and training.

What we're looking for:

• You will have strong experience in civil or structural engineering within major infrastructure or power environments, with confidence operating as a technical authority on complex projects.
• You will bring experience of influencing engineering delivery, strong construction and temporary works knowledge, a quality-focused mindset, and the ability to collaborate effectively with designers, clients and subcontractors.
• A passion for innovation, digital engineering and continuous improvement is essential.
• A relevant engineering qualification is required, supported by strong practical experience.
• Chartership or progress toward chartership is desirable.

Why join us?

You’ll work on nationally significant power infrastructure with long-term stability and clear progression. You’ll have real influence over how projects are engineered and delivered, within a supportive, forward-thinking culture focused on safety, sustainability and professional development. This is a chance to work with Laing O'Rourke and drive innovation to push construction into a new era and way of working. Utilise the latest digital techniques and DFMA methods to enhance and future proof your career. The project is based at High Marnham near Lincoln. It offers long term career prospects in one of the UK's largest and fastest growing sectors.