Principal Substation Design Engineer

Overview

Principal Substation Design Engineer – UK-based | Hybrid working available | Up to £110k+ Excellent Benefits package

I am looking to speak within an experienced Principal-level Design Engineer to lead substation secondary system design for high-profile UK transmission projects with experience in Protection and Control design too. This is a key role supporting FEED and detailed design work for major clients including National Grid, Scottish Power, and SSE.

You'll join a growing engineering team delivering complex transmission-scale projects across the UK, working closely with multidisciplinary stakeholders and acting as the technical authority for P&C design.

• Lead and manage the P&C design team through all stages of FEED and detailed design.
• Review, approve, and sign off design deliverables in line with UK standards and client expectations.
• Support business development by contributing technical scope, cost estimates, and bid proposals.
• Act as primary point of contact for client engagement and external design interfaces.
• Ensure accurate risk identification and management, particularly relating to delays or design issues with potential commercial consequences.
• Mentor and develop team members, while also contributing to recruitment and capability growth.
• Collaborate with in-house disciplines (civil, primary, project management) and offshore design teams.
• Attend site visits, FAT, SAT, and client meetings as required.

• Minimum 10 years of UK-based P&C substation design experience.
• Proven leadership experience on transmission projects (ideally involving D4.3 or D4.4 standards).
• Strong familiarity with National Grid and other UK transmission operator requirements and authorization frameworks.
• Excellent communication skills, able to influence and operate at all levels.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of contractual and project delivery risk.
• Chartered status desirable; at least qualified to degree or HND level in Electrical Engineering.
• Based in the UK or with demonstrable experience delivering UK-specific projects from abroad.
• Must be eligible to work in the UK; sponsorship available for highly qualified individuals.

• Offices located across the UK with flexible hybrid arrangements.
• The wider team includes 40+ staff with further support from an established offshore engineering hub.
• This role is being hired to build UK-side detailed design expertise for key infrastructure projects.
• If you are a Principal or highly experienced Senior/Chief Engineer looking for an opportunity to influence the UK's energy future, I'd be happy to schedule a call.

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