Principal Cable System Design Engineer
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Employment type: Full-time
Seniority level: Associate
Job function: Production, Distribution, and Engineering
Job Description
We are seeking a Principal Cable System Design Engineer to join our expanding Transmission & Distribution (T&D) team within AECOM. This senior role involves driving technical excellence, leading complex projects, and supporting strategic client engagement across a broad portfolio of high‑voltage infrastructure schemes. You will play a critical role in the planning, design, and delivery of cable systems across multiple voltage levels for Transmission System Operators, Distribution Network Operators, private developers, and international energy majors in the UK and globally.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the technical 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, cathodic protection design, and system integration in challenging environments.
* Guide and validate complex calculations such as ampacity, short‑circuit forces, EMC, induced voltages, and thermomechanical forces to meet compliance with National Grid TPs, IEC, and CIGRÉ standards.
* Lead client and stakeholder engagement, providing technical assurance, strategic direction, and value‑engineered solutions on high‑profile infrastructure programmes.
* Coordinate between disciplines (civil, structural, OHL, substation, marine engineering) 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.
* Champions mentorship, knowledge‑sharing, and technical development within the wider team.
* Support business development activities, including proposals, bid reviews, and client presentations.
Qualifications
* Demonstrated experience as a technical leader in HV/EHV cable system design.
* Proven track record in design, specification, and installation of complex cable systems in 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.
Desirable Certifications & Qualifications
* Degree‑qualified in Electrical Engineering or a 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.
Benefits
* Career development opportunities and AECOM University.
* Hybrid working model for work‑life balance.
* Technical practice networks and volunteering days.
* Competitive base salary and a range of well‑being programmes.
Additional Information
If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you. Feel free to reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn, Francesca Siddle.
About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. Our work spans transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, helping public‑ and private‑sector clients solve their most complex challenges.
Equal Opportunity Statement
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer interview opportunities to applicants with disabilities, ensuring a Fair and inclusive recruitment process.
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