Job Description:

NES Fircroft are currently recruiting for a Site Engineer for our client, who are a multinational, industry leader in high-voltage power cabling.  

Site Engineer
Location: Seaham
Project: HVDC Cable Installation / Transmission Infrastructure
Reports To: Site Manager / Construction Manager
Duration: 12-month initial contract, project to last 2-3 years

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Site Engineer to support the delivery of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cable installation works on major UK transmission infrastructure projects.

The successful candidate will provide engineering support to site construction activities, ensuring that HVDC cable installation works are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, method statements, inspection and test plans, and project requirements.
Experience working on HVDC cable installation projects is highly desirable, with a strong understanding of construction engineering, cable installation activities, temporary works, and site quality requirements. Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day engineering support for HVDC cable installation and associated civil works.
• Set out and survey cable routes, joint bays, ducts, trenches, access roads, compounds, and other associated infrastructure.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, construction methodologies, and technical documentation.
• Ensure construction activities are carried out in accordance with approved designs, method statements, risk assessments, and ITPs.
• Work closely with the Site Manager, Construction Manager, supervisors, subcontractors, surveyors, and design teams.
• Monitor cable installation activities, including cable pulling, handling, laying, joint bay preparation, duct installation, cable protection, and reinstatement where applicable.
• Coordinate engineering interfaces between civil works, cable installation, temporary works, and other project disciplines.
• Undertake site inspections and dimensional checks and ensure works are constructed to the required tolerances.
• Assist with resolving technical issues and raise RFIs where clarification from the design team is required.
• Maintain accurate site records, inspection documentation, as-built information, and engineering reports.
• Support quality assurance and quality control activities, including inspections and testing.
• Monitor subcontractor works and ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Assist with progress measurement and reporting.
• Support the preparation and review of construction documentation.
• Ensure all engineering activities are undertaken in accordance with UK health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture and stop or escalate works where unsafe conditions or non-conformances are identified.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in site engineering/construction, with significant experience on HVDC cable installation or HVDC transmission projects.
• Proven experience working on major infrastructure, power transmission, cable installation, or similar construction projects.
• Good understanding of HVDC cable installation processes and associated civil engineering works.
• Experience working on UK construction sites and familiarity with UK construction standards and practices.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings, specifications, method statements, and technical documentation.
• Strong understanding of site quality, inspection, surveying, and construction control processes.
• Good knowledge of health, safety, and environmental requirements within major construction projects.
• Strong communication and coordination skills.
• Ability to work effectively with site teams, subcontractors, designers, and project management.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Degree/HND/HNC in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) qualification/experience CITB
• Experience with temporary works design, installation, inspection, and control.
• Experience on UK HVDC interconnector, offshore wind transmission, or major electricity transmission projects.
• Experience with cable trenches, joint bays, ducting, access roads, excavations, reinstatement, and associated civil works.
• Experience using surveying equipment and/or AutoCAD/Civil 3D.
• Relevant CSCS/ECS or equivalent site qualification.
• SMSTS/SSSTS or similar construction management qualification.
• Temporary Works Coordinator certification in accordance with recognised UK temporary works procedures.
• Experience working under NEC contracts would be advantageous.

Skills & Competencies The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong technical and engineering judgement.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good understanding of construction sequencing and site operations.
• Ability to identify and resolve engineering issues proactively.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet project deadlines.
• Effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to health, safety, quality, and environmental performance.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary site team.

Personal Attributes

• Safety-focused and committed to delivering high-quality work.
• Practical and solutions-oriented.
• Professional and reliable.
• Confident communicating with subcontractors, supervisors, engineers, and management.
• Willing to work in a demanding site environment and travel as required.
• Strong team player with a proactive attitude.

Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will be a Site Engineer with 5+ years of relevant construction experience, including substantial experience on HVDC cable installation projects. A Civil Engineering degree or HNC/HND, combined with Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) experience, would be highly advantageous.
Candidates should have a strong practical understanding of HVDC cable installation and associated civil works and be comfortable working in a large, multidisciplinary UK construction environment.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.