Technical Approval Engineer

• Suffolk County Council
• Address:  Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid working
• Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours:  37 hours per week, flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship due to the associated salary level, which does not meet the minimum requirements for a Skilled Worker visa

When you join the Technical Approval team as an Engineer, we will support your development from the start. We’ll help you to play to your strengths, diversify your skills and build an influential and impactful career. With a variety of career paths and learning opportunities to explore, if you’re motivated and passionate there’s no limit to how far your ambition could take you.  

Reimagine the possibilities. 

Your role and responsibilities

Join our Transport Strategy – NSIP and Technical Team, where you will play a vital role in shaping Suffolk’s infrastructure. You will be part of a collaborative, supportive team, ensuring technical approval and inspection of highway improvements. Your key responsibilities include:

• Working within a small Development Management Technical Approval team which approves highway works and other developments (Highways Act 1980 s278 and s38 agreements)
• Ensuring that the works are designed and constructed in accordance with national and Suffolk County Council (SCC) design and specifications and that records for improvement and adoption of highways are completed and recorded on the relevant database. 
• Provide the Highway Authority’s response to technical submissions for new highway infrastructure relating to new developments
• Technically approve all aspects of highway infrastructure necessary to deliver developments within Suffolk and to support colleagues responding to statutory planning responses
• Negotiate with developers to agree appropriate technical solutions on all highway matters to ensure that the proposed layouts and construction of estate roads, comply with SCC guidance.

You will need 

• knowledge of all aspects of highway design and construction and relevant sections of Highways Act
• to be able to solve complex and wide-ranging problems and be a confident communicator with strong verbal and written skills
• the ability to interpret drawings, specifications and technical documentation.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team 

The Transport Strategy team is part of the Strategic Development division, helping to deliver growth in Suffolk. The team is responsible for: 

• developing transport policy, including the Local Transport Plan  
• securing funding, and the delivery of new transport infrastructure and initiatives 
• development management, ensuring new developments are sustainable in highway terms to support Suffolk’s growth ambitions. 
• We are a supportive team who will mentor you in your learning process in the role.
• Our organisation is values driven, please refer to the job and person profile for information on our WEASPIRE values which are embedded into everything we do.

If you would like to know more about what our Directorate is involved with, please click on the following link:  Growth, Highways and Infrastructure annual plan 2025-28 (PDF)

Empowering Everyone 

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information 

Please contact Chris Barber (He/Him) for a casual conversation. You can reach him by emailing: chris.barber@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word). 

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template. 

1. Tell us about a time when you reviewed or assessed technical designs to ensure they met required standards, guidance, or specifications. How did you approach this and what was the outcome?
2. Tell us about a time when you had to manage several tasks or deadlines at once. How did you organise your workload to ensure everything was delivered on time
3. Describe an example of when you had to keep accurate records or technical information using systems, drawings, or reports. Why was accuracy important in this situation?

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at: recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 21 April 2026.

Interview date: 12, 13 and 14 April 2026.

Promoted as JOTW (Job of the Week) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid