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, 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.

• 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.

• 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:
  1. Utilities (infrastructure)
  2. Mechanical/Electrical
  3. Water Systems and Public Health
  4. Stands and Airside Ops
  5. Terminals
  6. Airport related development and supporting facilities
  7. Services – heating, cooling and distribution, energy, fuels
  8. Environmental
  9. Baggage
  10. Operational Technology and Cyber Security
  11. Civils - Tunnels and Bridges
  12. Civils – Highways , Structures and Car Parks
  13. Civils - Airfield and Roads
  14. Rail
  15. 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.