Tag: engineering careers

A senior or principal project engineer leads the planning and execution of complex engineering projects, ensuring they meet technical, budgetary, and schedule requirements. They provide technical leadership, oversee project teams, and liaise with clients, contractors, and stakeholders to drive project success.

Key tasks include reviewing and approving designs, managing project risks, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and resolving high-level technical challenges. They also contribute to project strategy, mentor junior engineers, and support business development through bid preparation and client engagement.

Extensive experience in project delivery, strong leadership skills, and in-depth knowledge of engineering principles and project management methodologies are essential. Many senior project engineers work towards or hold Chartered Engineer (CEng) status and have expertise in contract management, cost control, and regulatory compliance.

Networking Tips for Engineers: How to Network and Get Noticed – Advance TRS

Navigating the Job Search Process: A Guide for Experienced Engineers – Advance TRS

Looking for your next opportunity? Take a look at our latest job openings, here.

Creating a CV That Gets Noticed – Advance TRS

Project Engineer

The job search process can feel overwhelming, especially for experienced engineers who are looking to take the next step in their careers. With so many options available – from job platforms to recruitment agencies and networking – it’s important to have a clear strategy in place. At Advance TRS, we specialise in helping highly skilled technical professionals like you find the right opportunities. Here’s our guide to navigating the job search process effectively.

1. Leverage Job Platforms

Job platforms are a great starting point for your search, offering a wide range of opportunities at your fingertips. However, with so many options available, it’s important to use them strategically:

  • Tailor Your Search: Use filters to narrow down roles by location, industry, and experience level. Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and CV-Library are popular and allow you to save searches and set up alerts for new postings.
  • Optimise Your Profile: Ensure your CV and online profiles are up to date, highlighting your key skills, achievements, and experience. Use keywords relevant to your industry to make your profile more discoverable by recruiters and hiring managers.
  • Research Companies: Look beyond the job description. Research the companies posting roles to understand their culture, values, and projects. This will help you identify organisations that align with your career goals.

Using social media and job boards to find your next role – Advance TRS

2. Partner with a Specialist Recruitment Agency

For experienced engineers, working with a specialist recruitment agency like Advance TRS can be a game-changer. Here’s why:

  • Access to Exclusive Opportunities: Many roles, especially senior or niche positions, are never advertised publicly. Recruitment agencies often have access to these hidden opportunities.
  • Industry Expertise: As a specialist consultancy for the built environment, we understand the unique demands of sectors like Rail, Water & Environment, Highways, Energy & Renewables, and Buildings & Groundworks. Our expertise ensures we can match you with roles that align with your skills and aspirations.
  • Personalised Support: From CV advice to interview preparation, we provide tailored guidance to help you stand out in a competitive market.

About Advance TRS | Recruitment consultancy for the Built Environment

3. Master the Art of Networking

Networking remains one of the most powerful tools in any job search. For experienced engineers, building and maintaining professional relationships can open doors to unadvertised roles and valuable career advice. Here’s how to make the most of networking:

  • Attend Industry Events: Conferences, seminars, and trade shows are excellent opportunities to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential employers. Look for events in your sector, such as those hosted by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
  • Engage on LinkedIn: Share insights, comment on posts, and join industry-specific groups to expand your network. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals in your field for informational interviews or advice.
  • Reconnect with Your Existing Network: Former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts can be invaluable resources. Let them know you’re exploring new opportunities – they might have leads or recommendations.

Leveraging Online Platforms for Digital Networking – Advance TRS

4. Stay Proactive and Persistent

The job search process can take time, particularly for senior or specialised roles. Stay proactive by regularly updating your CV, applying for roles that match your skills, and following up on applications. If you’re working with a recruitment agency, keep in touch with your consultant and provide feedback on the roles they present.

Creating a CV That Gets Noticed – Advance TRS

Why Choose Advance TRS?

At Advance TRS, we’re more than just a recruitment consultancy – we’re your partner in career success. With deep expertise in the engineering and infrastructure sectors, we’re dedicated to helping experienced professionals like you find roles that align with your skills and ambitions. Whether you’re seeking permanent positions or contract opportunities, we offer bespoke recruitment solutions tailored to your needs.

Ready to take the next step in your engineering career? Take a look at our latest jobs, here.

As an engineering professional, it’s easy to get comfortable in your current role. But staying too long in a job that no longer serves your career goals can hold you back. Here are five signs it might be time to look for new opportunities.

1. You’ve Stopped Growing

Engineering is a field that thrives on innovation and continuous learning. If you’re:

  • No longer challenged by your projects
  • Stuck in repetitive tasks with no scope for growth
  • Or not gaining new skills

It could mean your current role isn’t helping you progress. Growth stagnation often signals it’s time to move on.

2. Lack of Job Satisfaction

Your work should feel fulfilling. If you’re:

  • Dreading Mondays
  • Feeling disconnected from your projects
  • Or noticing a drop in motivation

It’s worth considering whether your role aligns with your interests and values.

3. No Clear Path Forward

A lack of advancement opportunities can be frustrating. Ask yourself:

  • Are promotions rare or non-existent?
  • Are you unsure about what’s next for your career?
  • Is the company’s vision misaligned with your goals?

If the answers point to a dead end, exploring new roles could open doors to leadership or specialised positions.

4. You’re Undervalued

Feeling undervalued is a common reason to seek change. Signs include:

  • Not being recognised for your contributions,
  • Receiving stagnant or below-market compensation,
  • Or being passed over for promotions.

In a competitive industry like engineering, your skills and effort should be appreciated.

5. Better Opportunities Are Available

Sometimes the decision to leave isn’t about dissatisfaction but about growth. Keep an eye on:

  • Roles offering higher pay or better benefits,
  • Opportunities to work on exciting projects,
  • Or companies with a stronger commitment to professional development.

The engineering market often has a wealth of options, so don’t be afraid to explore them.

Taking the Next Step

If these signs resonate, it’s time to assess your career direction. Research opportunities, update your CV, and connect with recruitment specialists who can help you find a role that matches your aspirations.

Advance TRS specialises in placing engineering professionals in roles that challenge and inspire them. Get in touch today to explore what’s next for you.

As an engineer, your portfolio is your chance to showcase your expertise and prove your capabilities to potential employers. A strong portfolio highlights relevant projects, demonstrates your technical skills, and reflects your professional approach to problem-solving. Here’s how to craft one that stands out.

1. Focus on Relevant Projects

Include projects that are directly related to the type of engineering roles you’re applying for. Employers want to see your experience aligns with their needs.

  • Highlight projects that solve problems similar to those in the role you’re targeting.
  • For each project, include a clear description, objectives, and outcomes.
  • Quantify your results wherever possible (e.g., “Reduced system downtime by 25%”).

2. Demonstrate Technical Skills

Your portfolio should showcase your technical expertise through the tools, techniques, and methodologies you’ve used.

  • List specific technologies, programming languages, or equipment used in each project.
  • Include diagrams, CAD models, or screenshots that illustrate your work.
  • If applicable, link to a GitHub repository or other digital platform where employers can explore your code or designs.

Top 5 In-Demand Engineering Skills 2025

3. Use Visuals Effectively

Clear and professional visuals can make your portfolio more engaging and easier to understand.

  • Use images of completed projects, prototypes, or test setups.
  • Incorporate annotated diagrams to explain complex concepts.
  • Keep visuals consistent in style and quality throughout.

4. Tailor It for Each Application

Different roles may require different emphases. Tailor your portfolio to showcase the most relevant skills and projects for each position.

  • For example, for a structural engineering role, focus on projects with load analysis and construction documentation. For an electronics position, emphasise circuit design and testing.
  • Adjust the order of your portfolio to feature the most impactful projects first.

Crafting a Standout CV | Engineering Career Advice | Advance TRS

5. Presentation Tips

How you present your portfolio matters as much as its content.

  • Organise your portfolio into clear sections (e.g., About Me, Key Projects, Skills).
  • Include a brief introduction for context. For example, “I specialise in renewable energy systems, focusing on efficiency and sustainability.”
  • Use a professional, clean layout to ensure it’s easy to read.

Bonus Tip: Keep It Up-to-Date

Your portfolio should reflect your latest experience and skills. Regularly update it with new projects and remove outdated or less relevant ones.

Why Your Portfolio Matters

A well-crafted engineering portfolio does more than just show your skills—it sets you apart from other candidates. It gives employers confidence in your abilities and provides concrete evidence of your expertise. Take the time to create a portfolio that leaves a lasting impression.

Looking to advance your career? Check out our jobs available, here.

23rd June 2022 marks International Women in Engineering Day, giving women engineers around the world a profile in an under-represented profession. As of June 2021, figures show that 16.5% of engineers are women. It’s an important day to recognise those paving the way and encourage young women to take up engineering careers.

Why do we need more women in engineering?

There are many answers to this question, but ultimately studies have shown that diverse teams tend to perform better. With different approaches to tasks, various skillsets and ways of thinking, diverse teams can strike a great balance. Men and women often have different strengths, which can create a powerful result when combined.

With quickly developing technology and the 21st century advancing quicker than ever before, we need engineers with a wide range of skills and abilities. There are countless options, fields, and industries available to an engineer. From the built environment which encompasses roads, waterworks, railways and much more, to tackling climate change.

What can be done?

There are a number of organisations promoting the education and development of women or young girls to fulfil their potential and pursue engineering careers.

It’s important to shake the bias that girls can’t be or are not good in science and mathematics. From a young age, we can encourage girls to develop these skills. Such as learning code, carrying out science experiments (safely!) and taking these subjects through to further education.

STEM Women run graduate careers events and promote jobs aimed at university students and recent graduates who identify as women or non-binary, and study a STEM-related subject; science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

At the start of the year, they published a Whitepaper exploring students’ and graduates’ attitudes towards gender issues prevalent within STEM.

As a society, we should be shining the light on the contributions of women in engineering and encourage female innovators. Films such as Hidden Figures, Engima, Gravity and even Big Hero 6 are a great representation of women in STEM. We should also improve the images used when talking about science and engineering. A quick search online will often show images of men on a construction site and very few women. Imagine getting to a point where you don’t have to specifically search for “women engineer”.

The Women’s Engineering Society is a charitable company founded to support women in engineering. They were the ones who founded International Women in Engineering Day. Their vision is to see an engineering industry that employs the diversity of the society it serves, solving the biggest societal issues of our time. It is their mission to support women in engineering careers to fulfil their potential and support the industry to be inclusive.

We’re Hiring

At Advance TRS, we believe everyone deserves the same opportunities, regardless of age, race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. The diversity of our workforce is an essential part of our success. As such, we are committed to supporting contractors and staff to work in an environment that is free from discrimination and promotes equal opportunities for all.

We are currently recruiting for a number of positions across our Guildford and Port Solent offices. Check out our latest opportunities.