Senior Electrical Engineer – Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL)
Flexible UK Location
Design the Future of Airfield Lighting & Electrical Systems
This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated electrical engineer to join Tetra Tech’s Aviation team in a senior technical role. As a Senior Electrical Engineer specialising in Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL), you will lead the design and delivery of critical airfield electrical systems, supporting safe, efficient, and future‑ready airport operations.
You will play a key role in delivering high‑quality engineering solutions across complex aviation projects while working closely with clients, multidisciplinary teams, and industry stakeholders. If you are passionate about aviation infrastructure, technical excellence, and collaborative project delivery, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Purpose & Scope of the Role
We are seeking an experienced electrical engineer with a strong background in airfield systems and AGL design. You will be responsible for leading the delivery of electrical design packages across standalone AGL schemes and integrated multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.
Reporting to the Technical Director, you will take ownership of design outputs from concept through to construction support, ensuring compliance with ICAO, EASA, and UK regulatory standards. You will act as a key technical point of contact for clients and stakeholders, managing design coordination across disciplines and ensuring alignment with operational and safety requirements.
You will be joining a growing and collaborative aviation team delivering projects across regional, commercial, and defence airports. With an increasing pipeline of work and a strong reputation in the aviation sector, this role offers the opportunity to take on technical leadership responsibility and contribute to the continued growth of the team.
Core Capabilities
Technical Expertise & Knowledge
Strong technical expertise in the design and specification of Airfield Ground Lighting systems, including runway and taxiway lighting layouts, approach lighting systems, and PAPI and APAPI installations. Confidence in undertaking AGL compliance assessments and design reviews, ensuring alignment with relevant aviation standards and operational requirements.
Experience with AGL control systems, including ALCMS design, as well as the wider electrical infrastructure required to support airfield operations: primary and secondary cabling design, series circuits and interleaving, Constant Current Regulators, HV and LV substation design, and standby generation systems.
Experience designing apron and ancillary systems such as High Mast Lighting, airfield signage, Fixed Electrical Ground Power, and Visual Docking Guidance Systems, ensuring full integration with airside operations. Working understanding of building services systems, including lighting, small power, and fire alarms, to support coordination across wider airport infrastructure.
Ability to coordinate electrical systems with civil engineering constraints and airfield geometry, with production of clear and technically robust calculations, specifications, and reports.
Stakeholder Management & Engagement
Work directly with airport operators, contractors, and regulatory bodies, acting as a trusted technical advisor throughout the project lifecycle. Lead technical discussions, present design solutions, and translate complex engineering concepts into clear and actionable information for clients and stakeholders.
Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including civil engineers, geomatics specialists, and survey teams, ensuring all elements of the design are coordinated and deliverable. Contribute to maintaining strong client relationships and supporting identification of future opportunities within the aviation sector.
Mentoring & Team Development
As a senior member of the team, support and develop junior engineers and technicians. Provide day‑to‑day technical guidance, share best practice, and build confidence across the team through hands‑on mentoring and collaborative working.
Support the professional development of others, guiding colleagues through chartership pathways where relevant. Foster an open and supportive environment, encouraging knowledge sharing and continuous learning across the aviation team.
Support consistent application of design tools such as AutoCAD, Trimble ProDesign, and lighting design software to build capability across the team and ensure high‑quality, coordinated outputs on all projects.
Commercial Awareness
Contribute to the successful delivery of projects by understanding scope, programme, and budget requirements. Support preparation of fee proposals, define deliverables, and identify opportunities for additional services.
Maintain awareness of scope changes, support change control processes, and ensure projects are delivered efficiently while maintaining technical quality. Contribute to business development activities and support growth of the aviation electrical capability.
Project Delivery & Report Writing
Manage and deliver electrical design packages across all stages of the project lifecycle, from feasibility and concept design through to detailed design and construction support. Ensure designs align with operational constraints, safety requirements, and airport phasing considerations.
Produce clear, structured technical reporting that supports design decisions and project approvals: design reports, calculations, compliance documentation, and technical narratives enabling effective client decision‑making and project progression.
Training, Qualifications & Experience
Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline and experience in electrical design within the aviation sector, focused on Airfield Ground Lighting and associated infrastructure.
Ideally a Chartered Engineer or working towards Chartership, with membership of a relevant professional institution such as the IET. Demonstrate strong technical competence, effective communication skills, and the ability to manage design responsibilities within a multidisciplinary environment.
Proficiency in AutoCAD and Trimble ProDesign (Amtech) is essential; experience with Dialux or Lighting Reality is advantageous. Strong understanding of applicable aviation and electrical standards, including ICAO Annex 14, EASA CS‑ADR‑DSN, CAA CAP 168 or UK139, and BS 7671, is expected.
Equal Opportunity Statement
In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements, including adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day‑to‑day role.
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