Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer - Substations Blantyre

At SP Energy Networks, we’re building the electricity network of the future. Through technology, innovation and major investment in our transmission network, we’re helping enable the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy system. Our Strategic Projects team is at the heart of this transformation, delivering the critical infrastructure needed to support Scotland and the UK’s future energy ambitions. We are recruiting a Principal Engineer to join the SP Transmission Strategic Projects team, leading the engineering design of transmission substations across our Strategic Projects portfolio.

You’ll provide technical leadership and oversight of substation design and engineering outputs, working closely with EPC contractors, OEMs and internal engineering teams to ensure designs are safe, innovative, compliant and deliverable.

• Lead the engineering design delivery of 33kV to 400kV transmission substations, establishing a consistent design strategy and approach across Strategic Projects.
• Lead pre-contract technical design, including main plant, auxiliary systems, switch gear, transformers, reactive power equipment, specifications and feasibility layouts.
• Act as the key technical interface with EPC contractors and OEM partners, ensuring high-quality and standardised design deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership and support to Project Development and Project Delivery teams throughout the design, construction and operation of transmission substations.
• Lead and support engineers undertaking technical assurance of EPC design submissions, ensuring alignment with SPT standards, policies and operational requirements.
• Lead engineering reviews, governance, assurance and approval of design calculations, models, reports and regulatory submissions.
• Engage with EPC contractors early in the design process to improve constructability and reduce delivery risk.
• Manage engineering interfaces with Asset Management, Engineering Standards, Network Planning and other technical teams.
• Collaborate with Principal Engineers, Section Heads and industry specialists to share expertise and resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Lead technical innovation across Strategic Projects, including BIM, new engineering tools, systems and contractor-led solutions.
• Represent SPT Strategic Projects on technical matters with senior industry, regulatory and external stakeholders.
• Develop and champion advanced engineering solutions that support the accelerated delivery of Strategic Projects.

• Expert knowledge and proven experience in the design of 33kV to 400kV substations and associated plant.
• Strong understanding of transmission network health, safety, technical and compliance requirements.
• Proven experience delivering engineering outputs within a complex, fast-paced project environment.
• Strong technical leadership skills, with experience managing or supporting engineering teams.
• Experience working across internal teams, EPC contractors, OEMs and other external stakeholders.
• Ability to make sound engineering decisions where information may be incomplete or requirements are evolving.
• Strong communication, influencing and presentation skills, with the ability to use engineering analysis to support senior‑level decisions.
• A collaborative approach with the ability to drive technical improvement and transformational change.

• Degree-level engineering qualification (BSc/BEng) and/or relevant postgraduate qualification (MEng/MSc) or equivalent relevant experience.
• Chartered Engineer status is preferred.
• Experience working within an engineering/EPC environment, supporting multiple large-scale strategic projects.
• Minimum…