Senior Design Engineer - Utilities

This role is central to supporting Heathrow’s world‑leading expansion by designing and assuring the utility systems that underpin the airport today and into the future. As a Senior Design Engineer – Utilities, the role plays a key part in shaping thermal, electrical, potable water, foul water, and stormwater networks that support terminals, airfield assets, highways, structures, and the wider passenger experience across the expansion programme. Working within one of the most complex infrastructure environments globally, the role is responsible for delivering integrated, coordinated, and fit‑for‑purpose utility design solutions that align with Heathrow’s sustainability ambitions and evolving operational needs. Utilities form a critical foundation of airport operations, and decisions in this role directly influence safety, resilience, carbon performance, customer experience, and long‑term asset value.

The role ensures that safe, secure, and efficient construction, operation, and maintenance are embedded from the earliest stages of design. This includes a strong focus on whole‑life performance, climate resilience, future capacity, and adaptability enabling utility systems to respond to changes in technology, regulation, and demand while maintaining operational continuity. A system‑wide perspective is essential. Utility solutions must align with Heathrow’s design principles, integrate effectively with highways, structures, and buildings, support airline and passenger growth, meet planning requirements, remain cost‑effective, and be delivered to defined timescales. Through this work, the role contributes to the development of a resilient and high‑performing utility network capable of supporting one of the world’s busiest airports through its next phase of growth.

• 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 reflect 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 role. Ability to act as a subject matter expert, providing technical assurance and guidance across complex engineering 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 agreed 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, well‑structured presentations, and constructive 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.