Design Engineer Lead

Job Description

If you're an experienced Primary Plant Engineer looking for a role where you'll lead technically challenging transmission and distribution projects rather than simply contribute to them, this could be the opportunity you're looking for.

This is a senior engineering position where you'll take ownership of HV substation primary plant design, leading multidisciplinary engineering teams while acting as the technical authority across multiple projects. From concept design through procurement, construction support and commissioning, you'll play a pivotal role in delivering critical power infrastructure across the UK.You'll be responsible for the technical delivery of primary plant design for 33kV–400kV substations, ensuring designs are safe, efficient and fully compliant with UK National Grid, IEC and client standards. This is a hands-on engineering leadership position combining technical excellence with project coordination and mentoring responsibilities.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the design and delivery of HV primary plant packages across multiple transmission and distribution projects.
• Take ownership of substation layouts, equipment arrangements and overall primary plant design.
• Specify and coordinate major HV equipment including:
  • Circuit Breakers
  • Busbars
  • Disconnectors
  • Current & Voltage Transformers
  • Steelwork and equipment foundations
• Produce and review General Arrangements, equipment elevations and cable routing layouts.
• Coordinate closely with Civil, Protection & Control and Secondary Design teams to deliver integrated engineering solutions.
• Lead design reviews, technical assessments and feasibility studies.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Support procurement through technical evaluations, vendor reviews and equipment specifications.
• Participate in HAZID, HAZOP and design assurance activities.
• Provide engineering support during construction, commissioning and final handover.
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering standards and design processes.

What We're Looking For

• Degree qualified in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 8+ years' experience delivering HV Primary Plant Design projects.
• Strong knowledge of AIS and GIS substation design.
• Experience designing substations from 33kV up to 400kV.
• Excellent understanding of:
  • Earthing systems
  • Electrical clearances
  • Insulation coordination
  • UK National Grid and IEC standards
• Experience using AutoCAD, Bentley Substation or similar design software.
• Previous experience leading engineering teams and taking technical ownership of projects.
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it) would be advantageous.

Why Apply?

• Permanent role with a strong pipeline of secured Power & Renewables projects.
• Opportunity to lead major transmission and substation developments across the UK.
• High level of technical autonomy and project ownership.
• Clear pathway into senior technical and engineering management positions.
• Collaborative engineering environment with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Competitive salary, benefits package and genuine scope for career progression.

If you're looking to move into a role where your technical expertise genuinely influences project outcomes while developing the next generation of engineers, this is an excellent opportunity to do so.

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