Senior Design Engineer - Expansion MMC and Constructability

This role is central to supporting Heathrow’s world‑leading expansion through the application of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), innovation, and constructability‑led design. As a Senior Engineer specialising in MMC, the role shapes how utility and enabling infrastructure systems are conceived, designed, and delivered maximising off‑site manufacture, standardisation, and repeatability to support safe, efficient, and sustainable growth at one of the world’s busiest airports. Operating within a highly complex and constrained construction environment, the role leads the development of manufacture‑ready, assembly‑led utility solutions across thermal, electrical, potable water, foul, and stormwater systems. These critical networks underpin terminals, airfield assets, highways, structures, and the wider passenger experience, influencing both how infrastructure is delivered and how it performs. By embedding constructability and MMC principles from the earliest stages of concept development, the role challenges traditional approaches, reduces on‑site activity, minimises interfaces, shortens programme durations, and improves productivity while maintaining safety, operational continuity, and resilience within a live airport environment.

The role promotes engineering excellence and innovation by advancing platform‑based design, modularisation, standardisation, Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) principles, and digital tools that support off‑site manufacturing, logistics planning, and efficient installation. A whole‑life approach is integral, ensuring maintenance access, adaptability, climate resilience, and future capacity are considered in every solution. Success in this role requires the ability to take a system wide and programme‑level perspective, ensuring that MMC led utility designs are fully integrated with highways, structures, and buildings, while aligning with Heathrow’s design principles, planning requirements, sustainability objectives, and delivery model. Working collaboratively with designers, constructors, manufacturers, suppliers, and operational teams, the role contributes to setting new standards in infrastructure delivery unlocking value, reducing delivery risk, lowering carbon, and supporting a transition towards more efficient, safer, and industrialised construction methods. These efforts help create utility systems that are resilient, adaptable, and designed for the future.
 

• 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; support 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; ensure safety and risk considerations are embedded throughout, working 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 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 influential 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 defined outcomes.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making skills, with the ability to use data and sound judgement to develop practical and robust solutions.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders through clear communication, effective presentations, and constructive engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in scope development, change management, designing for improved safety, and managing 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.