Permanent Works Design Engineer

Join one of the world’s largest cabling and telecommunications infrastructure companies — delivering fibre, power and cable systems for major utilities, data centres, subsea, rail and urban developments. We design and install critical network infrastructure at scale; safety, buildability and long-term performance are non-negotiable. As a Permanent Works Design Engineer you’ll take responsibility for turning concept and temporary works into robust, buildable permanent structures and cable installations that meet engineering, safety and commercial requirements.

Role overview

You will develop, review and deliver permanent works designs for cabling infrastructure across civil, structural and cable containment systems. You’ll work with project managers, permanent/temporary works teams, designers, site engineers and subcontractors to produce designs that are safe, cost-efficient and compliant with standards and client specifications. Your designs will be used to obtain approvals, procure materials and guide construction.

Key responsibilities

• Produce detailed permanent works designs and drawings (structural, civil, containment, ducting, supports, foundations, anchorages) for cable routes, substations, joint bays, manholes and cable-ladder/tray systems.
• Prepare structural calculations, design reports and design risk assessments to support designs, approvals and construction.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs: geotechnical, civil, structural, MEP and cable installation teams.
• Conduct design reviews (technical, buildability, H&S) and design verification of subcontractor/third-party designs.
• Maintain compliance with UK/EN/IEC standards (or applicable regional standards), company design manual and client specifications.
• Support programme and cost control through value engineering and early identification of design risks and scope changes.
• Produce Bill of Materials, specification notes and handover documentation for procurement and site teams.
• Interface with client and statutory bodies to secure design approvals and permits.
• Provide technical support during construction: respond to RFIs, issue site drawings, and attend design/site coordination meetings.
• Mentor junior engineers and share lessons learned across projects.

Essential skills & experience -

• Degree in Civil/Structural/Geotechnical Engineering or comparable qualification. Chartered status (CEng/Chartered Engineer) preferred.
• 3+ years’ experience in permanent works or structural design — experience with cabling, substations, telecoms, or utilities infrastructure strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to produce structural calculations and detailed drawings using industry software (e.g., AutoCAD/Revit, Bentley, Tekla, or equivalent).
• Competent in structural analysis and design tools (e.g., STAAD, Robot, RISA, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of groundworks, foundations, retaining structures, manholes and cable trench systems.
• Knowledge of relevant standards (BS EN, IEC, local codes) and design verification processes.
• Excellent technical writing skills — reports, method statements, specifications.
• Strong communicator with ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams and present technical proposals to clients.
• Good awareness of construction health & safety, CDM regulations (or local equivalent) and risk assessment methods.