Primary Electrical Engineer

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Primary Electrical & Plant Engineer for one of our clients, a leading engineering organisation delivering high-voltage electrical infrastructure and renewable energy projects across the UK. They specialise in the design of 11kV-132kV substations, grid connections, and Balance of Plant (BoP) packages for major utilities, developers, and renewable energy operators.

They are looking for someone to take technical ownership of primary electrical design and earthing engineering across a range of HV/EHV projects. This includes producing substation layouts, cable route designs, AIS/GIS arrangements, earthing studies, and associated technical documentation to high industry standards.

Working closely with the wider electrical, structural, and planning teams, as well as external suppliers and client stakeholders, you will deliver safe, compliant, and efficient designs throughout the full project lifecycle. You will support tender assessments, develop design deliverables, ensure compliance with British and International standards, and lead technical coordination across multiple disciplines.

This position is ideal for an engineer with strong substation primary design experience who enjoys leading complex HV projects and contributing to the UK's energy transition across renewable and utility sectors.

• Primary Substation Design:
  Produce fully compliant layouts for 11kV, 22kV, 33kV, 66kV and 132kV AIS/GIS substations
• Develop switch room and control room layouts, elevations, and cable management drawings
• Create BoP/EPC site layouts for renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, and battery storage
• Generate plan/elevation drawings for HV/EHV compounds and busbar arrangements
• Prepare busbar calculations, support requirements, clamp schedules, and outline steelwork designs
• Earthing Engineering:
  Design earthing systems for substations, power plants, BESS, and grid connections
• Complete soil resistivity testing, EPR studies, touch/step voltage assessments
• Model earthing systems using CDEGS and produce corresponding design reports
• Undertake lightning risk assessments and EMC considerations
• Produce earthing layouts, above-ground earthing details, and materials schedules
• Conduct fall-of-potential testing and produce test reports
• Technical Leadership & Compliance:
  Ensure all designs comply with relevant standards including BS7671, ENATS, NGTS, G81 and CDM 2015
• Review tender and contract documentation to define scope and produce design deliverables
• Coordinate with internal teams (CAD, structural, electrical) and external suppliers
• Produce specifications for primary plant such as disconnectors, and contribute to major equipment specs
• Approve cable data sheets, ensure documentation is controlled, and maintain design quality
• Support procurement with technical input and supplier assessments
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team training needs
• Lead resolution of technical issues and support multi-discipline design integration

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple HV design packages
• Confident communicator able to collaborate with clients, suppliers, DNOs and internal teams
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver within programme and quality expectations
• Excellent understanding of HV/EHV primary design principles from 11kV to 132kV
• Knowledge of substation installation standards, HV equipment, cable installation parameters

• Significant experience in HV/EHV primary electrical design within utilities, contractors, or consultancies
• Experience delivering AIS/GIS substation layouts, earthing design, and HV BoP engineering
• Working knowledge of British Standards, ENA/ENATS specifications and NGTS requirements