HDD Design Engineer

HDD Design Engineer

Westhill, Aberdeenshire

Full time, Permanent

All JOBS

September 17, 2026

Nicol of Skene, a leading Civil Engineering, Horizontal Directional Drilling & Multi-Utility Contractor, is seeking an experienced HDD Design Engineer to join and strengthen our team.

This is an opportunity to develop a specialist engineering career within our Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) department, working as part of an experienced team on projects across the UK.

You will assist in the preparation of HDD designs, feasibility studies and technical reports, incorporating survey, utility and geotechnical information into practical engineering solutions.

Full training in HDD engineering will be provided; however, applicants should have previous civil engineering technical experience and a strong working knowledge of CAD.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and incorporate survey, utility and geotechnical information into design outputs
• Develop and manage 2D and 3D design models using AutoCAD and associated software
• Produce HDD bore designs and engineering layouts
• Ensure designs comply with client requirements, relevant standards and industry best practice
• Maintain CAD standards, drawing templates and document control procedures
• Support the Civil Engineering and Estimating teams with technical designs, engineering drawings and design information
• Produce quantity take-offs to support tendering and project delivery activities

Working Pattern

• Contract Type – Permanent, Full-time
• Hours of work – 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
• Hours per week – 42.5 hours
• Based at our Head Office in Westhill, Aberdeenshire, with work covering sites across the UK

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Private Healthcare
• Company Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance programme
• Ongoing training and development
• Supportive working environment

Requirements

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Previous Civil Engineering or technical engineering experience
• Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Understanding of engineering drawings and technical information
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Analytical approach with good problem-solving skills
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Proactive approach with a positive, can-do attitude
• Ability to work in both office and site environments
• Commitment to promoting a strong Health & Safety culture

Desirable

• HNC or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• Experience or knowledge of geotechnical or utility sectors
• Knowledge of engineering, drainage and utilities specifications and standard details
• Knowledge of construction installation techniques and temporary works
• Familiarity with Total Station and GNSS equipment
• Familiarity with survey drone technology

Right to Work in the UK

While we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, Nicol of Skene Ltd is currently unable to provide visa sponsorship. Therefore, applicants must have the unrestricted Right to Work in the UK to be considered for this position.

Equal Opportunities

Nicol of Skene is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.

We value teamwork, quality and continuous improvement and are always looking for talented people to support our continued growth.