Principal Engineer - Site Engineering Authority

Principal Site Engineer

Chartered Engineers develop solutions to engineering problems using new or existing technologies, through innovation, creativity and change and/or they may have technical accountability for complex systems with significant levels of risk.

Chartered Engineers are able to demonstrate:
• The theoretical knowledge to solve problems in new technologies and develop new analytical techniques
• Successful application of the knowledge to deliver innovative products and services and/or take technical responsibility for complex engineering systems
• Accountability for project, finance and personnel management and managing trade-offs between technical and socio-economic factors
• Skill sets necessary to develop other technical staff
• Effective interpersonal skills in communicating technical matters

Specialist engineer applies depth of expertise relating to an engineering domain (a sub set of a discipline) to the most complex engineering problems, challenges, issues and problems associated with the area. May lead a team of engineers.

Provides technical guidance to others relating to area of expertise.

Role Purpose: Applies a depth and breadth of expertise relating to an engineering domain (a sub set of a discipline) to complex engineering problems, challenges issues and problems associated with the area. Designs and develops solutions, resolves engineering issues and problems for a range of situations relating to their specialist knowledge area. Provides technical guidance to others relating to area of expertise.

Context: Requires a depth and breadth of expert knowledge gained through substantial work experience in order to apply principles and concepts in a discipline or technical area. Understands business processes and the business environment, extends the knowledge base, provides specialist technical advice and guidance to other professionals. Typically includes ‘engineering' authority accountability. Can work and direct others in stand-alone situations and with little direction.

Occasionally may lead a team of engineers and could be expected to have formal responsibility to conduct employee PDRs.

At this level may have devolved responsibility for monitoring, planning and controlling a budget, and the preparation of business cases.

Background Information - Job Evaluation:

Band - Specialist Engineer: Applies depth and breadth of expertise relating to an engineering domain (a sub set of a discipline) to complex engineering problems, challenges issues and problems associated with the area. Designs and develops solutions, resolves engineering issues and problems for a range of situations relating to their specialist knowledge area. Provides technical guidance to others relating to area of expertise.

Functional Knowledge - Requires detailed and comprehensive understanding of concepts and principals relating to an area within an engineering discipline. Has significant experience and able to apply knowledge to a wide range of engineering issues within own discipline and other engineering disciplines. CEng level or equivalent level of capability.

Business Expertise - Requires an understanding of how activities of own teams interrelates and interacts with other functional areas aligned to the same discipline and project. Understands in detail the technical specification aligned to the functional area of activity. Requires a limited understanding of the external environment.
Leadership - Provides advice and guidance to others within the same team or same discipline area. Within the team, project or discipline is recognised by others as a source of authoritative knowledge and is sought out for advice and mentoring.

Problem Solving - Performs analysis, evaluation and resolution of complex engineering issues and specifications. Developing innovative and creative solutions to challenging engineering problems and issues.

Nature of Impact - Accountable for the quality and delivery of own work schedule . The job has a direct impact on the quality of the overall solution provided by the team.

Area of Impact - Has an impact on the activities and effectiveness of developments associated with own team and engineering solution.
Interpersonal Skills Requires strong communication, diplomacy and interpersonal skills.

Typically communication will be internally focussed but may include limited communication and interface with external contacts and customers. Is required to influence, guide and convince others to adopt a particular course of action.

JOB FUNCTION / CATEGORY Engineering GRADE S5 CORE DUTIES
Global Grade - The majority of the following credentials apply:
• Assists in the production of estimates, creates and/or assists in the production of design requirement specifications
• Develops, promotes and shares new technologies for implementation across businesses and programme(s)
• Acts as Engineering, technical or design authority for a sub-system or Line Replaceable Unit (LRU)
• Provides technical leadership and guidance on matters relating to a discipline, may occasionally lead a team of engineers including line management responsibility
• Works independently or as part of a small team
• A highly experienced professional engineer, has a depth and breadth of knowledge in a discipline area

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND DELIVERABLES
• Undertake technical reviews, verifies and signs engineering designs
• Articulate, define and document subject expertise, approaches and standards in order to extend business knowledge base.
• Provide technical direction to engineers
• Supporting the development of individuals and teams to enhance skills and competencies, such that technical capability objectives are fully achieved.
• The following accountabilities are consistent with those of the Senior Engineer (C):
• Define the qualification obligations for the assurance hold points during build, test and commissioning, and providing assurance to the Design Authority as to the adequacy and robustness of the Safety Case and supporting documentation.
• Undertake functional design and/or provide qualification and evidence for acceptance, fitness for purpose, legislative requirements, and safety.
• Obtain confirmation beyond reasonable doubt by review, surveillance and audit that those assumptions, underpinning engineering data, analysis methodologies, and interpretation of results have been validated.
• Liaise with both internal and external stakeholders as required ensuring that their requirements are adequately supported and that their needs are fully considered and incorporated where appropriate and agreed.

SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE and QUALIFICATIONS
CEng or equivalent level of capability
OTHER REQUIREMENTS