Technical Principal (Secondary Design, Transmission) 1

Location/s: Glasgow, Brighton, Newcastle, York, Croydon, Bristol; UK

Mott Mac Donald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices.

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Whether you want to grow as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience with roles across our international community, you're surrounded by global specialists who want to combine their expertise and champion you to be your best. As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating the right space for everyone to feel empowered, included, and valued.

Whatever your ambition, Mott Mac Donald is where people come to be brilliant.

The Energy unit delivers services to clients globally across several sectors including hydropower, nuclear, waste, renewable generation and transmission & distribution networks. Together we provide integrated engineering and project management services across the project lifecycle – from concept and design to construction and operations, to decommissioning or repowering and life extension. Together with our clients, we're helping to deliver the energy transition globally.

The Technical principal will support a wide range of client projects from early inception and master planning through concept design, detailed design, commissioning and final completion. The role sits within the Energy Unit's Transmission & Distribution division and covers diverse sectors including renewable energy, aviation, data centres, healthcare, nuclear, defence and estate planning.

The position involves developing electrical designs for 11kV–33kV networks, renewable generation connections and associated HV/LV infrastructure. The role also includes project leadership, bid support, stakeholder engagement, and mentoring junior staff.

Key responsibilities and duties include:

• Front-End & Optioneering
  • Capture and agree stakeholder requirements
  • Assess network configuration and resilience
  • Evaluate operational scenarios and their impacts
  • Lead site surveys
  • Produce clear reports enabling client decision-making
• Detailed Design (Typically to RIBA Stage
  4)
  • Electrical network design for 11kV–33kV systems
  • Power system cable sizing, routing and termination
  • Substation layout development and main equipment specifications
  • Design of control and protection schemes, including G99 compliance
  • Multicore and fibre optic cable design
  • Interpretation of client/DNO standards and regulations
  • Earthing system design
  • Substation LVAC and DC system design
  • Production and issue of high-quality design deliverables
• Commissioning Support
  • Respond to construction and commissioning queries
  • Attend workshops, design reviews, and site meetings
  • Resolve technical issues while considering commercial impacts
• Project Leadership
  • Ensure understanding of project scope and deliverables
  • Coordinate multi-disciplinary design interfaces
  • Conduct design reviews and maintain quality against contract and programme requirements
  • Act as key client interface, leading progress meetings and workshops
• Additional Skills & Duties
  • Provide significant input during bid stage (resourcing, capability statements, methodologies, programmes)
  • Help build and develop the electrical design team
  • Oversee technical management and resolve design challenges
  • Ensure compliance with all client, safety, and environmental standards
  • Use Microsoft Office applications confidently
  • Travel within the UK or internationally as required
  • Demonstrate initiative, self-motivation and sound decision-making

Essential:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering
• Professional registration:
  Chartered Engineer (or equivalent status)
• Extensive experience in electrical project engineering
• Strong knowledge of 11kV–33kV network…