Technical Director

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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