£48,500 to £57,500 + up to 6% bonus + company car*
*Company car eligibility is subject to business mileage requirements. Full details will be provided during the recruitment process.
Location: East region (Peterborough, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Diss, King's Lynn, Hatton and Bacton)
Working pattern: Hybrid, with a minimum of 3 days a week working in the office or on site
Travel: Regular travel across the East region, including our regional hub in Peterborough
Location requirement: Based within reasonable travelling distance of one of our East region sites
About us
At National Gas, the work we do matters.
As Britain's national gas network, we help keep the lights on, businesses running, and homes warm by maintaining the critical infrastructure that transports gas across Great Britain. While providing the energy security Britain relies on today, we're also helping transform the network for a clean energy future.
Join us and help secure Britain's energy.
About the role
Shape the direction of critical infrastructure projects before detailed design begins.
As a Project Development Engineer, you'll define early-stage CAPEX interventions across mechanical and civil assets, providing the engineering insight and technical clarity that supports investment decisions and successful project delivery.
Your work will influence which projects move forward, how they're scoped, and how they're engineered for long-term value and reliability.
Why this role matters
This role sits at the heart of a major programme of investment across the East region, supporting projects at key transmission sites including compressor stations and the Bacton terminal. You'll help ensure projects are built on strong engineering foundations, accurate data, and practical solutions from the very beginning.
Working across a varied portfolio of mechanical and civil plant assets, you'll combine site-based investigation, technical analysis, and stakeholder engagement to define solutions that are safe, constructable, and cost-effective. From surveys and feasibility assessments through to investment approval and handover into delivery, you'll play a key role in improving project outcomes and supporting the reliable operation of critical national infrastructure.
What you'll be doing
- Develop evidence-based project scopes for CAPEX interventions across mechanical and civil assets
- Lead site surveys and technical investigations to gather data, validate project drivers, and identify risks
- Evaluate feasibility studies and optioneering outputs to recommend preferred engineering solutions
- Produce project definition documents covering scope, costs, risks, assumptions, and programme impacts
- Coordinate input from engineering, operations, estimating teams, suppliers, and contractors
- Present technical recommendations that support investment decisions and project prioritisation
- Identify opportunities to improve and standardise project development processes across the programme
What you'll bring
This role would suit someone who enjoys solving engineering problems early in the project lifecycle, influencing project direction, and turning technical information into practical delivery solutions.
Essential
- Experience applying engineering principles within gas transmission, utilities, energy, or other infrastructure environments
- Understanding of engineering standards, design fundamentals, and CDM principles
- Ability to interpret survey findings, asset condition information, and feasibility assessments
- Experience developing technical scopes, risks, assumptions, and cost inputs for projects
- Strong analytical skills and sound engineering judgement
- Ability to plan and coordinate surveys, technical investigations, and project development activities
- HNC/HND, or equivalent qualification, in a relevant engineering discipline, or demonstrable equivalent experience
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- APM or PRINCE2 qualification, or working towards one
- Experience working with suppliers and contractors to assess constructability and delivery constraints
- Exposure to AGI assets, upgrade programmes, or replacement projects
- Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary stakeholders across infrastructure projects
- Experience improving or standardising project development approaches and processes
Security clearance
This role is subject to National Security Vetting (NSV). Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain Security Clearance (SC) throughout their employment. For further information, visit GOV.UK (UK Security Vetting: Clearance Levels).
What we offer
- Market-leading double-match pension (up to 12% company contribution)
- Annual performance bonus up to 6%
- Company car (subject to business mileage)
- Access to the Tusker salary sacrifice car scheme
- 26 days holiday (plus statutory holidays)
- 10x salary life assurance and income protection
- Flexible benefits including healthcare, dental, and technology options
- Family-friendly policies, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities
Inclusive recruitment
We're building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, championing diversity, and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued for their unique contribution. We support reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and beyond.
National Gas is a Disability Confident employer and signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.
Project Development Engineer in Chelmsford employer: National Gas
At National Gas, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a market-leading pension scheme and generous holiday allowance. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our professional development opportunities and inclusive work culture, where diversity is championed and every team member's contribution is valued. Located in St Fergus, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and compliance of Britain's energy infrastructure while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises wellbeing and work-life balance.
