Design Engineer

Overview

SP Electricity North West manages and invests in the power network that supplies electricity to the 2.4m homes and businesses across the North West. Our 2,400 colleagues manage the 13,000km of overhead lines, 44,000km of underground cables and thousands of electricity substations to keep power flowing and supporting green growth. We’re one of six distribution network operators in the UK and are regulated by Ofgem.

We’re proud that in December 2024 we were named Utility of the Year by Utility Week magazine who said we punched above our weight and used innovation to solve some of the industry’s most difficult challenges. Come and be part of our team and make a difference.

Now part of the Iberdrola and Scottish Power group, we’re collectively building smarter, greener electricity networks that will get Britain growing by investing in a better future, quicker.

A Fantastic Opportunity:
Design Engineer As a senior member of the design function, you will lead and coordinate the design phase of a wide range of secondary network projects, including maintenance, refurbishment, reinforcement, and asset replacement schemes across low‑ and high‑voltage networks. You will work closely with construction teams, planners, technicians, and a broad range of internal and external stakeholders to ensure designs are practical, approved, and ready for delivery on site.

This role also includes mentoring and supporting less‑experienced engineers, helping to build capability within the team while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and compliance.

• Lead the design phase of secondary network projects, including overhead line maintenance, refurbishment, and reinforcement schemes
• Ensure all designs are policy‑compliant, financially approved, and aligned with CDM and health & safety regulations
• Produce and review design documentation and drawings, using mapping, data collection, and asset management systems
• Work collaboratively with Design Technicians, Work Planners, and Construction Engineers to ensure designs are feasible and deliverable
• Analyse asset and condition data to develop fully constructible work packages
• Engage with internal teams and external stakeholders, such as local authorities, utility providers, and third‑party asset owners
• Present schemes for approval and contribute to cost forecasting, reporting, and performance tracking
• Support line management activities, including mentoring, performance development, and succession planning where required

• Experience delivering secondary network designs (LV to 11kV) within a DNO or DSO environment, ideally in a lead or senior capacity
• A solid understanding of electrical distribution networks, design standards, and regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of health & safety legislation, including CDM regulations
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Confidence working with data, systems, and reporting tools, including Microsoft Excel
• An HNC qualification (or equivalent experience) in an engineering‑related discipline
• A proactive, organised approach with the ability to manage priorities and work collaboratively
• A full UK driving licence

We’re proud to foster a workplace where everyone can thrive. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that embracing our differences makes us stronger.

Should you require any additional support with your application, or any adjustments please contact our Recruitment team at  or on  (option
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Any offer made will remain conditional until pre-employment checks are complete to a level deemed satisfactory by Electricity North West. Due to the of this role, the following pre-employment checks will be required; references from previous employers, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and a Drug & Alcohol test.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

We don’t accept speculative CVs from agencies. Any received we will assert ownership of the candidate and no fee will be payable.