Project Development Pre-Construction Engineer NEW

Job description

Vestas Development is a strategic business unit within Vestas, focused on creating new growth opportunities and supporting the wider Vestas business. The team originates, develops and optimises wind and hybrid renewable energy projects globally, using both in-house knowledge and partnerships with experienced development companies.

The Project Development Pre-Construction Engineer will join the Vestas Development UK and Ireland team and report to the Head of Vestas Development for the UK and Ireland. Based in the UK, the role will support the development of onshore wind projects across both markets.

The selected candidate will provide civil engineering and balance of plant input during the development, consenting and pre-construction phases of projects. This will include technical due diligence, site assessments, civil design reviews, consultant coordination, engineering risk management, and support with planning and consent compliance.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate civil engineering activities throughout the development and pre-construction phases of onshore wind projects across the UK and Ireland, ensuring projects progress efficiently from concept to construction readiness
• Develop, review, and optimize preliminary civil engineering designs, including access roads, crane hardstands, turbine foundations, drainage systems, and earthworks, with a focus on technical feasibility, constructability, and cost-effectiveness
• Coordinate and oversee technical studies and engineering assessments, working closely with internal stakeholders and external consultants to deliver high-quality engineering solutions aligned with project requirements and industry standards
• Support planning, permitting, and environmental processes by providing civil engineering knowledge for planning applications, technical documentation, and project approvals
• Prepare cost estimates, identify engineering risks, and develop mitigation strategies to support project development, investment decisions, acquisitions, and project transactions
• Partner with teams across development, environmental, grid, planning, and commercial functions to refine project designs and advance effective project outcomes
• Monitor developments in civil engineering standards, renewable energy technologies and industry best practice to support continuous improvement

Qualifications

• A degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline, together with experience in civil engineering, infrastructure, renewable energy, utilities, transport, water, land development, or similar industries
• Experience contributing to or reviewing civil engineering designs, technical reports, specifications, construction methodologies, and risk assessments, with an understanding of project delivery and constructability considerations
• Familiarity with relevant UK and Irish engineering standards, planning requirements, health and safety legislation, CDM Regulations, and environmental considerations
• Experience working collaboratively with consultants, contractors, regulatory authorities, and multidisciplinary project teams to deliver engineering solutions and project outcomes
• Experience using engineering and project delivery tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS, drainage design software, Microsoft Office, or similar platforms
• Experience in renewable energy, onshore wind, or large infrastructure projects may be beneficial. Professional registration (IEng/CEng), or an interest in working towards chartership, is also welcomed. A full UK driving license and willingness to travel to project sites across the UK and Ireland are required

Competencies

• Technical Judgement & Decision-Making: Ability to evaluate engineering challenges, identify risks, and contribute practical, fit-for-purpose solutions that support project objectives
• Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: Brings a structured approach to addressing technical challenges, navigating project constraints, and identifying opportunities to improve project outcomes
• Commercial & Project Awareness: Understanding of how engineering decisions influence project costs, schedules, permitting activities, construction readiness, and overall project value
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to communicate technical information in a clear and accessible way, building effective relationships with colleagues, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders
• Collaboration & Planning: Works effectively across multidisciplinary teams while managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder inputs in a changing project environment
• Accountable, Flexible, and Committed to HSE Principles: Takes initiative, demonstrates accountability, and meets changing project needs while maintaining a clear commitment to health, safety, environmental responsibility, and quality