Open roles · 1

Build with us.We're hiring a Lead Design Engineer

Critec is a small, deeply technical practice. Our work touches some of the most consequential systems in the country — and we're looking for people who want their craft to matter.

Why Critec

Independent. Senior. Operational.

Work that matters

We secure border infrastructure, datacentres, custody suites and CNI. The downstream impact is real.

Senior practice

Small teams of senior practitioners. No farm-out, no junior-led delivery. Your work goes out under your name.

Independent by design

We don't sell product. Our advice is genuinely impartial — and we want consultants who will keep it that way.

Open roles

Find your role. Apply directly.

Lead a defined workstream for Thames Water projects from inception through to completion — providing technical assurance across the full design lifecycle aligned to RIBA stages, managing stakeholder coordination and contractor relationships, and ensuring every design meets security, technical and asset-compliance standards.
- Report to the Design Lead and own lifecycle responsibility for your assigned workstream / project.
- Support other Critec Group team members with their workstreams.
- Maintain reports, documents and records on the Critec Group and Thames Water SharePoint systems.
- Follow established project-management processes using the approved documentation.
- Build strong relationships with Thames Water stakeholders and Tier 1 contractors.
- Manage the RIBA stages — Stage Gate 1–4 and PAD 1–4 presentations.
- Arrange meetings and prepare reports for site surveys, project setup, security risk assessments, workshops and stakeholder engagement.
- Maintain stakeholder-engagement information and review EES Solution Estimates.
- Prepare and deliver Technical Governance reports.
- Draft and review CAD drawings.
- Engage with CIA, Planning, Ecology & Environmental and CTSAs (SIPA).
- Issue Service Orders and Principal Contractor / Design Appointments.
- Carry out HSI 18 / HSI 14 / SHE17 health & safety activities.
- Produce accurate reports that give senior management full transparency.
- Attend weekly progress meetings and site visits, and run monthly project reviews and client-interface meetings.
- Assist with design scope changes and their resolution, and manage design-change processes (TQs and waivers).
- Develop and revise Thames Water briefs.
- Review security, electrical, technical and asset-standard compliance.
- Liaise with framework contractors on detailed-design production and approval, and answer design queries on detailed design and asset standards.
- Review civils / structural design and coordinate the relevant expertise; coordinate electrical design reviews and approvals.
- Present and manage monthly documentation-audit reviews, and attend Commissioning, Collaboration, Design and Progress meetings.
- Monitor RAG reviews and documentation, the Design Programme and Tracker, and the Installation Programme and Tracker.
- Review EWNs and provide assistance, liaising daily with Tier 1 contractor design teams on live issues.
- Develop, review and update KPIs.
- Track, review and report on snagging, coordinating with the Commissioning team.
- Attend site meetings for new designs / sites as requested — and add value as appropriate.
Apply for Lead Design Engineer