As an Assistant Engineer, you support the Technical team in the early stages of residential development projects. This role focuses on pre-development activities, with particular responsibility for undertaking technical due diligence on new land acquisitions. You will assist in assessing site constraints, reviewing utility and drainage strategies, and identifying engineering risks and opportunities prior to purchase. Working closely with consultants and internal departments, you will help ensure developments are technically viable and aligned with planning, regulatory and commercial requirements.
A strong understanding of civil engineering principles, infrastructure design, and current regulatory and statutory requirements related to residential development is essential. The role demands a proactive and collaborative approach, with a focus on delivering practical, compliant, and cost-effective engineering solutions.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Assist in the review of layouts and technical reports for Land Appraisals; and required working drawings
- Complete the ‘Technical’ items under the new site due-diligence checklist for any new site acquisition – from speculative open market sites to strategic land.
- Obtain a full range of surveys including topographical surveys, underground service reports, asbestos, condition, site investigation, contamination assessments, structural surveys, party walls, ecological and other enquiries including budget quotes, costs and dealing with consultants and utilities providers.
- Brief engineering consultants on scope of design, which includes roads, sewers, private drainage, retaining walls, external levels, foundation designs any other substructures below DPC level either private or adopted
- Initial negotiations/enquiries with statutory bodies and utility undertakers on environmental, drainage, highways and other engineering issues when appraising land
- Co-ordinate and procure the provision of utility infrastructure and utility diversions to input into the land appraisal.
- Oversee the design and detailing carried out by externally appointed Consulting Engineer’s responsible for providing designs for new estate roads and sewers, including Section 38, 104 and S278 Agreements
- Secure adoption agreements; S38, S104 and S278 to suit the development programme
- Liaise with other departments from Land & Planning, Commercial and Sales to ensure that new site acquisition appraisals are as detailed as possible with all site risks and abnormals highlighted.
- Maintain a continuous process of evaluation of Consultant’s designs to ensure that proposals adhere to best practice in value Engineering
- Fee negotiation and appointment of consultants
- Assist the Land/Planning Department in attending pre-planning Design Team Meetings.
- Liaise with other Technical Team members and others as necessary to appoint upfront consultants under due-diligence scope of works such as Geo-Technical/Geo-Environmental Engineers, Civil Engineers and Utility Consultants to ensure full coordination within the department.
- Lead on internal department handover meetings to allow for commencement of a full working drawing pack ensuring a smooth transition from pre-development to working drawing design. Assist the Development Manager with any engineered based items that may be outstanding.
- Lead and chair monthly meetings with local Highways Authorities / LLFA’s to maintain a strong working relationship between them and Hopkins Homes.
- Maintain Scope of Services and regularly interview external engineering consultants to ensure a consistent approach to Pre-Development work is undertaken.
- Maintain the pre-development folder on both the Shared Drive and A-Site drawing management system ensuring all information and drawing outputs are saved/uploaded.
- Answering engineering technical queries.
- Liaise with other Technical Team members and others as necessary to seek the discharge of building regulations and planning conditions.
- Comply with responsibilities as laid down in the Group’s Health, Safety and Environment Policy.
- Assist where necessary the Senior Engineer and Adoptions Engineer with site adoption requirements such as S278, S38, S104, Deed of Grants, Pump Stations, POS and Management Company areas that are to remain private.
- Undertake regular site visits.
Knowledge Skills and Experience
- HNC/HND or Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
- Previous experience in a similar role within the residential development or civil engineering consultancy.
- Knowledge of UK planning and regulatory frameworks relevant to engineering and infrastructure delivery.
- Familiarity with interpreting site investigation reports, utility plans, and topographical data.
- Understanding of infrastructure design including highways, drainage, and earthworks.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and working knowledge of AutoCAD, knowledge of engineering design software such as MicroDrainage is advantageous.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Effective communicator with good interpersonal and teamwork skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Eagerness to learn and develop technical expertise in residential engineering.