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.