Principal Telecommunications Design Engineer (Building Services)

NRL is recruiting for a Principal Telecommunications Design Engineer to support a major client across the UK.
 
Joining a well-established and growing multidisciplinary team, you will play a key role in delivering integrated building services solutions across a diverse portfolio of projects. This is an opportunity to contribute at a senior level within an expanding framework, helping shape high-quality, future-ready ICT and telecommunications infrastructure within complex built environments.
 
Working alongside engineers, architects, project managers and specialist consultants, you’ll provide technical leadership across the full project lifecycle — from early feasibility through to construction handover — ensuring solutions are coordinated, commercially balanced and aligned with client objectives.
 
Hybrid working arrangements are available across Birmingham, London, Manchester and Bristol.
 

What You’ll Be Doing:

As a Principal Telecommunications Design Engineer, you’ll take ownership of ICT and telecommunications design delivery within multidisciplinary project teams, while also maintaining direct engagement with clients and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the design and coordination of telecommunications and ICT systems within building services environments.
• Overseeing integration of communications infrastructure into cohesive building-wide solutions.
• Providing technical guidance across RIBA stages, from concept development through to detailed design and construction support.
• Producing and reviewing technical specifications, reports and design documentation.
• Undertaking system calculations including bandwidth analysis, signal loss and link budget assessments.
• Supporting cable management strategies, routing and sizing in line with project requirements.
• Collaborating with architects, MEP engineers and external partners to ensure coordinated design delivery.
• Mentoring and supporting junior engineers, maintaining quality standards and driving technical excellence.
• Contributing to cost planning activities, including project estimates and build-to-completion evaluations.
• Ensuring designs comply with relevant UK and international standards and regulatory frameworks.

 
What You’ll Need:

• Significant experience (typically 10 years) delivering ICT and telecommunications systems within building environments.
• Strong understanding of integrating communications infrastructure into wider building services design.
• Demonstrable experience designing a range of systems such as:
  • Data and network infrastructure
  • Structured cabling (copper and fibre)
  • Public address and general alarm systems
  • Digital radio systems
  • Voice communication and VoIP platforms
  • Wireless network architecture
  • External cable network design

• Experience undertaking technical calculations related to network performance and signal integrity.
• Knowledge of cable containment systems and associated sizing principles.
• Familiarity with UK regulatory requirements and relevant international standards.
• Experience within a Building Services Engineering consultancy or similar professional environment.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit MEP.
• Electrical engineering design knowledge.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and engaging directly with clients.
• Ability to prepare technical reports, interpret project briefs and manage competing priorities.
• Degree-qualified in a relevant engineering discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Professional accreditation (MCIBSE/IET) or working towards chartership.
• Eligibility to obtain BPSS clearance as a minimum (SC desirable).

 
Desirable experience includes exposure to security-related systems such as CCTV/IPTV, access control, intrusion detection, intercom systems and perimeter protection solutions, along with an understanding of physical security integration.

You will bring strong communication skills, a proactive and analytical mindset, and the ability to balance innovation with commercial awareness.


 
About NRL
The NRL Group connect global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future.
 
We welcome applications from every walk of life and are committed to diversity within the industries we support, as a certified Inclusive Recruiter and Armed Forces friendly employer. You can ensure you stay safe when job searching online by visiting the JobsAware website.