Senior Substation Primary; HV Plant Design Engineer

Job Title:

Senior Substation Primary (P&C) Design Engineer
IR35 Determination:
Inside
Office

Location:

Surrey, Birmingham, Leeds, or Glasgow (Hybrid)

Start Date:

ASAP
End Date:
Minimum 12 months (Likely to be long term)
Pay Rate (Per Hour): £60
Hours Per Week: 40
Notice Period for Termination: 4 week(s)
Vetting

Required:

Yes - C
Expenses:
Yes (For travel to sites)

Our client's team is looking for engineers with a strong understanding of electrical engineering, power systems, and energy markets, who are keen to develop their knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the energy sector. If you are passionate about shaping a sustainable future and are interested in how engineering supports the journey to Net Zero, we would like to hear from you.

This is an excellent long term contract opportunity that offers hybrid working.

In this role, you will work on substation design projects, focusing on electricity transmission and distribution networks. You will also have opportunities to support wider projects across the Power & Energy Solutions team. The clients include National Grid, SSEN, and other organisations across the UK and internationally. You will gain experience delivering multi‑disciplinary design projects from Front‑End Engineering Design (FEED) through to Detailed Design.

This role includes ongoing professional development, training, and support towards chartership, with opportunities to work on a wide range of impactful projects.

• Operate in a senior role within an Electrical Engineering team based in Epsom, Birmingham, Leeds, or Glasgow.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively both in‑office and on client sites.
• Interface directly with clients, understanding requirements and converting opportunities into successful project work streams.
• Provide technical leadership across FEED and Detailed Design projects for National Grid, SSEN Transmission, and other T&D clients.
• Ensure quality assurance and successful delivery of FEED studies, detailed designs, and bids.
• Support resource planning and training for effective project delivery.
• Review HV plant aspects including:
  • Layouts and elevations
  • Maintenance access drawings
  • Earthing design and reports
  • Mechanical interlocking
  • HV busbar calculations
  • Technical specifications for HV equipment
• Act as Principal Designer Representative when required.
• Coordinate with internal teams, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Manage tender packages and contribute to HV plant technical submissions.
• Lead and participate in design and hazard review meetings.
• Conduct site visits as required.
• Demonstrate strong communication, teamwork, and customer‑focused skills.
• Identify client needs and contribute to business development activities.

• Passion for working in a consultancy environment.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture.
• A curious mindset with a drive to develop innovative solutions.
• Strong desire for continuous professional development.
• Motivation to achieve professional accreditation (e.g., Chartership).
• Adaptability to agile working methods and new technologies.
• Willingness to spend a minimum of three days per week in the office or on‑site (project dependent).

• Experience in Electrical Engineering, with a focus on Primary Plant design.
• Experience up to 400kV is preferred, but not essential.
• Minimum of a 2:2 BEng in one of the following:
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Energy Systems
  • Renewable Energy