I'm supporting a long-established UK engineering company specialising in power systems and grid infrastructure to recruit a Lead Design Engineer with strong expertise in high-voltage (HV) substation design.
This is a senior, hands-on technical role where you’ll lead the design and delivery of complex transmission and distribution (T&D) projects. You’ll play a critical role in shaping engineering solutions across AIS and GIS substations, ensuring designs are robust, compliant, and fit for purpose from concept through to commissioning.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the end-to-end design of HV substations (typically 11kV–400kV) across transmission and distribution networks
- Deliver detailed design for both AIS (Air Insulated Substations) and GIS (Gas Insulated Substations)
- Perform and review busbar design and calculations, including thermal rating, fault level withstand, and mechanical forces
- Produce and approve key design deliverables:
- Single Line Diagrams (SLDs)
- Protection & Control schematics
- General Arrangements (GA) and layout drawings
- Cable schedules and interconnection diagrams
- Undertake primary and secondary design coordination, ensuring full system integration
- Carry out power system studies (load flow, short circuit, protection coordination where applicable)
- Ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g. IEC, BS EN, National Grid, DNO specifications)
- Provide technical leadership, design assurance, and peer review across projects
- Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and commissioning activities
- Act as a key technical interface with clients, contractors, and equipment suppliers
Requirements:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- Significant experience in HV/EHV substation design within T&D environments
- Strong knowledge of:
- Substation layouts and equipment (transformers, switchgear, CTs/VTs, circuit breakers)
- AIS and GIS technologies
- Busbar systems and associated calculations
- Protection & control principles
- Experience leading design packages or full project lifecycle delivery
- Proficiency in engineering design tools (e.g. AutoCAD, EPLAN, or equivalent)
- Strong understanding of UK grid codes, safety standards, and industry best practice
Desirable:
- Experience with National Grid/DNO projects
- Familiarity with IEC 61850 and substation automation systems (SCADA)
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards
- Experience with power system analysis software (e.g. ETAP, DIgSILENT, SKM)
What’s on offer
- Senior technical leadership role within a specialist engineering business
- Opportunity to work on critical UK energy infrastructure projects
- Exposure to a wide range of HV substation designs across T&D networks
- Flexible/hybrid working environment
- Ongoing professional development and support toward chartership
- Competitive salary and benefits package
The salary is £60,000 to £80,000 plus benefits and they work to a hybrid model of 3x days per week in the office.