Principal cable system design engineer

Job Description

Start here. Grow here.

We are seeking a Principal Cable System Design Engineer to join our expanding Transmission & Distribution (T&D) team within AECOM. This is a senior role within the business, with responsibility for driving technical excellence, leading complex projects, and supporting strategic client engagement across a broad portfolio of high‑voltage infrastructure schemes.

As a Principal Engineer, you will play a critical role in the planning, design, and delivery of cable systems across multiple voltage levels. Our clients include Transmission System Operators, Distribution Network Operators, private developers, and international energy majors across the UK and globally.

You will act as a trusted advisor to clients, and contribute to developing our technical standards, innovation strategy, and digital delivery approach within the cable engineering space.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be at the forefront of energy transition, delivering world‑class solutions for projects that are shaping the grid of tomorrow.

Here’s what you will do:

• Assist with leading the delivery of large‑scale HV/EHV cable system projects from concept to completion, ensuring quality, safety, and innovation throughout the lifecycle.
• Develop and oversee HV cable system designs, including routing, burial risk assessments, thermal, electromagnetic, and mechanical performance modelling.
• Provide expert‑level input into cable system ratings, installation methodologies, jointing arrangements, cleating design, and system integration in challenging environments.
• Guide and validate complex calculations including ampacity, short circuit forces, EMC, induced voltages, and thermomechanical forces to meet compliance with National Grid TPs, IEC, and CIGRÉ standards.
• Undertake client and stakeholder engagement, providing technical assurance, strategic direction, and value‑engineered solutions on high‑profile infrastructure programmes.
• Manage coordination between disciplines, including civil, structural, OHL, substation, and marine engineering inputs, to ensure cohesive and integrated design solutions.
• Drive project execution, managing technical risks, interfaces, and quality reviews while supporting procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Conduct 3rd‑party inspections, FAT/SAT witnessing and vendor oversight for cable and ancillary equipment.
• Champion mentorship, knowledge‑sharing, and technical development within the wider team, supporting capability growth in cable systems engineering.
• Support business development activities, including proposals, bid reviews, and client presentations.

Come grow with us.

Become part of our dynamic T&D team, which boasts a team of leading and innovating industry experts. Collaborate with top‑tier civil, mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to deliver a variety of captivating projects, from small initiatives to large‑scale ventures, all the way from concept to completion. At AECOM, you’ll thrive in an inclusive and forward‑thinking environment where your contributions are valued.

Enjoy the Perks.

At AECOM, you’ll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well‑being, customised to fit your lifestyle. Take advantage of career development opportunities, our flexible hybrid working model to ensure a work‑life balance that suits your lifestyle, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days.

Qualifications

Desirable Certifications & Qualifications

• Degree‑qualified in Electrical Engineering or related field; MSc/MEng advantageous.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards.
• National Grid CDAE certification or similar.
• Experience with cable system software (e.g., CYMCAP, WinCable) and advanced analysis tools.

• Demonstrated experience as a technical leader in HV/EHV cable system design.
• Proven track record in design, specification, and installation of complex cable systems including tunnel, urban, and constrained environments.
• In‑depth understanding of international and UK‑specific standards, particularly National Grid TPs, IEC, and CIGRÉ guidelines.
• Experience working in regulated, quality‑assured environments—preferably with National Grid, SSE, EirGrid, or equivalent TSO/DNOs.
• Strong ability to coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams and engage with senior stakeholders across the project lifecycle.
• Excellent communication, client‑facing, and team leadership/mentorship skills.
• Commitment to fostering innovation, digital delivery, and sustainability in design.

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at ReasonableAccommodations@aecom.com. At AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long‑term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email address ReasonableAccommodationsUKI@aecom.com if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.