I'm partnering with a long-established UK engineering company in the power systems sector to appoint a Technical Director specialising in high-voltage (HV) and extra-high-voltage (EHV) substation testing and commissioning.
This is a senior leadership position acting as the technical authority across grid infrastructure projects, combining strategic oversight with deep, hands‑on expertise. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping engineering standards, leading commissioning activities, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex AIS and GIS substation projects across transmission and distribution (T&D) networks.
Key responsibilities
Technical Governance & Strategy
- Define and implement engineering strategies, protection philosophies, and commissioning procedures
- Ensure alignment with international standards and UK utility requirements (e.g. National Grid, SSE, Scottish Power)
- Act as the ultimate technical authority across HV/EHV projects
Project Oversight
- Provide leadership from FEED (Front End Engineering Design) through detailed design, construction, and final commissioning
- Oversee technical delivery across the full project lifecycle within transmission and distribution networks
- Lead and support complex testing and commissioning activities on HV/EHV substations
- Resolve critical site issues, technical queries, and design deviations
- Provide expert input on AIS (Air Insulated Switchgear) and GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) systems
Quality & Safety Assurance
- Ensure all Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) meet stringent quality, safety, and environmental standards
- Champion a "safety in design" and commissioning culture across all projects
- Mentor and develop engineering teams, including commissioning engineers and design staff
- Act as a subject matter expert in client and stakeholder engagements
- Drive continuous improvement in technical delivery and engineering excellence
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- Extensive experience in HV/EHV substation design, testing, and commissioning within T&D environments
- Deep knowledge of:
- Protection & Control (P&C) systems
- Primary plant (transformers, switchgear, CTs/VTs)
- Secondary systems and substation automation
- Strong experience with AIS and GIS substations
- Proven ability to develop test procedures, analyse protection relay settings, and lead commissioning teams on major infrastructure projects
- Demonstrated leadership experience in senior or principal engineering roles
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent
- Experience working with National Grid, SSE, Scottish Power, or similar utilities
- Familiarity with IEC standards and modern substation automation protocols (e.g. IEC 61850)
- Track record of leading large‑scale or multi‑site commissioning programmes
What’s on offer
- Executive‑level technical leadership role within a specialist engineering business
- Opportunity to shape and influence delivery of critical UK energy infrastructure
- High‑impact role combining strategy, leadership, and hands‑on engineering
- Flexible working with site exposure across major grid projects
The salary is £80,000 to £100,000 plus car allowance and an annual bonus.
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