Principal Civil Engineer (Transmission & Distribution)

London, United Kingdom

Description


At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Jacobs is playing a leading role in the global energy transition. As our UK and Continental Europe team continues to expand, we are seeking a Principal Engineer – Civils to provide strategic leadership across frontend engineering design (FEED) and detailed civil/structural design for high-voltage (HV) AIS/GIS substations (132–400 kV), HVDC converter stations, overhead line (OHL) interfaces and underground cable projects. You will shape technical assurance, delivery excellence and market growth in the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead civil/structural design packages from concept through detailed design and construction support for National Grid and DNO clients

Develop civil layouts for substations, including platforms, foundations, bunds, drainage, access roads, ducting, fencing, and security features, integrating geotechnical and structural inputs with electrical plant layouts

Prepare and review calculations, drawings, and specifications for foundations, bunds/oil containment, drainage/SuDS, and structural framing, ensuring compliance with Eurocodes and DNO standards

Conduct design reviews and risk assessments

Ensure adherence to CDM 2015 and Jacobs’ quality processes

Manage resources and deliverables within agreed budgets and timelines

Coordinate with global design centres, sub-consultants, and suppliers using BIM/CDE platforms (Civil 3D, Revit, MicroStation)

Support client meetings, technical presentations, and tender submissions

Maintain strong relationships with project stakeholders

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to capability development within the civils team

Here's what you'll need

A degree in Civil Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline

Chartered Engineer status with a relevant institution or working towards chartered status

Experience within a civil discipline and experience in delivering complex multi-disciplinary projects for Energy Transition  industry 

Experience preparing design calculations, reports, and detailed drawings. CAD (AutoCAD or MicroStation) preferred but not essential

Why Jacobs?

People are Jacobs’ greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. 

In addition to the benefits you’d expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family-friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, plus reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. We also give back to our communities through our Collectively program which incorporates matched-funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations. 

#energypowerjobs #ourjacobs #career #opportunity #hybrid #glasgow #manchester #birmingham #london #exeter #leeds #bristol #reading #energytransition #civilengineering #LI-JF1

Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.

Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. For greater online accessibility please visit https://www.vercida.com/uk/employers/jacobs to view and access our roles.

As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.

Company


Jacobs

At Jacobs, we make the world smarter, more connected and more sustainable.

  • Challenging today is our response to the increasing complexity our world is experiencing.
    It calls on us to join forces, putting our knowledge and imagination together to reinvent the way we solve problems and shape the next generation of innovative solutions.
  • Reinventing tomorrow is our promise and an invitation to raise the bar in everything we do.
    From the brilliant solutions we create with our clients, to the open and inclusive culture we create for our people. From the positive difference we make in our communities, to the added value we deliver to our shareholders.

Simmilar jobs


  • Senior Civil Engineer

    We seek to move the world forward through innovative thinking. Woolpert is an...

    Woolpert March 29, 2026
  • Principal Engineer (Civil Engineering)

    Around the world, SYSTRA’s specialists plan, design, integrate, test, commission,...

    Systra April 5, 2026
  • Senior Civil Engineer

    Want to bring bold ideas to life? At Aurecon, we’re known for doing things...

    Aurecon Group April 5, 2026
  • Graduate Civil Engineer

    Job Description At AECOM, you will work in a dynamic environment where your integrity...

    Aecom April 5, 2026
  • Graduate Civil Engineer - Land Development

    Job Description Pennoni is hiring for a Graduate Civil Engineer to join our Land...

    Pennoni Associates April 6, 2026

More info:


link