CDAE – National Grid Substations

Rubicon Consulting is currently recruiting for a Civils Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE) on a 6 month contract based in Norfolk

This role falls OUTSIDE IR35

Job Purpose

Act as the appointed Contractor Design Approval Engineer for civil engineering design on National Grid substation projects, providing independent technical assurance and approval of contractor-produced civil designs to confirm compliance with National Grid specifications, statutory requirements, and project-specific design criteria prior to construction.

Key Responsibilities

· Review and approve civil design submissions produced by contractors/designers for substation works, including foundations, cable trenches and ducting, drainage, retaining structures, access roads, hardstanding, and security fencing/palisade.

· Check designs for compliance with National Grid technical specifications (NGTS), ESI standards, relevant British/European codes (e.g., Eurocodes), and project employer's requirements.

· Provide formal CDAE sign-off/approval status (e.g., Category 1/2/3 approval, or equivalent) on design packages, drawings, and calculations in line with the project's design review procedure.

· Assess ground investigation reports, geotechnical recommendations, and survey data to confirm design assumptions are appropriate.

· Liaise with contractor design teams to resolve technical queries, raise comments, and track close-out of approval conditions.

· Maintain auditable records of design checks, approvals, and any non-conformances or design changes. Ensure CDM 2015 principal designer/duty holder requirements are reflected in reviewed designs, including buildability and temporary works considerations.

· Attend design review meetings, technical workshops, and site progress meetings as the client's/Principal Contractor's technical authority on civils. Coordinate with structural,

electrical, and project engineering disciplines to confirm interface compatibility (e.g., foundation loadings, cable route clashes).

· Support resolution of site queries and technical change requests (TQs/RFIs) during construction relating to approved civil designs.

· Monitor contractor compliance with approved designs during construction through site inspections/audits as required.

Essential Skills & Experience

· Substantial experience in civil engineering design or design checking/approval within the UK utilities, power, or substation sector.

· Strong working knowledge of National Grid Technical Specifications (NGTS) and substation civil infrastructure standards.

· Experience acting in a design approval, design check, or category approval role (e.g., CAT III checker, CDAE, or equivalent client-side technical authority).

· Sound understanding of geotechnical design, foundation design, drainage, and earthworks for substation environments.

· Working knowledge of CDM 2015 and its application to design risk management.

· Ability to critically review contractor design submissions, calculations, and drawings (AutoCAD/Civil 3D output) for technical accuracy and compliance.

· Strong report writing and communication skills, with ability to clearly document approval decisions and technical comments.

· Chartered or working towards chartership (ICE/ICheme equivalent) preferred.

Desirable Requirements

- Experience specifically on EHV/HV substation projects (33kV–400kV).

- Familiarity with National Grid's design review and approval process/governance (e.g., Method of Procedure, design assurance gateways)

- Knowledge of BIM/3D model review. Previous experience as a client-side or Principal Designer representative.

Qualifications

Degree (BEng/BSc or higher) in Civil Engineering or related discipline.

Chartered Engineer (CEng) with ICE, or working towards, preferred.

CSCS card; SMSTS/SSSTS advantageous.

Other Requirements

Willingness to travel to substation sites nationally as required.

Compliance with site H&S, PPE, and security clearance requirements (e.g., BPSS/CTC depending on site)

Full UK driving licence.

Our Company

Rubicon Consulting is a Talent management consultancy which helps you to optimise business performance and competitive advantage by choosing the right people first time!