Lead Design Engineer

I''m supporting a long-established UK engineering company specialising in power systems and grid infrastructure to recruit a Lead Design Engineer with strong expertise in high-voltage (HV) substation design.

This is a senior, hands-on technical role where you''ll lead the design and delivery of complex transmission and distribution (T&D) projects. You''ll play a critical role in shaping engineering solutions across AIS and GIS substations, ensuring designs are robust, compliant, and fit for purpose from concept through to commissioning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end design of HV substations (typically 11kV-400kV) across transmission and distribution networks

• Deliver detailed design for both AIS (Air Insulated Substations) and GIS (Gas Insulated Substations)

• Perform and review busbar design and calculations, including thermal rating, fault level withstand, and mechanical forces

• Produce and approve key design deliverables:

  • Single Line Diagrams (SLDs)

  • Protection & Control schematics

  • General Arrangements (GA) and layout drawings

  • Cable schedules and interconnection diagrams

• Undertake primary and secondary design coordination, ensuring full system integration

• Carry out power system studies (load flow, short circuit, protection coordination where applicable)

• Ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g. IEC, BS EN, National Grid, DNO specifications)

• Provide technical leadership, design assurance, and peer review across projects

• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and commissioning activities

• Act as a key technical interface with clients, contractors, and equipment suppliers

Requirements:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)

• Significant experience in HV/EHV substation design within T&D environments

• Strong knowledge of:

  • Substation layouts and equipment (transformers, switchgear, CTs/VTs, circuit breakers)

  • AIS and GIS technologies

  • Busbar systems and associated calculations

  • Protection & control principles

• Experience leading design packages or full project lifecycle delivery

• Proficiency in engineering design tools (e.g. AutoCAD, EPLAN, or equivalent)

• Strong understanding of UK grid codes, safety standards, and industry best practice

Desirable:

• Experience with National Grid/DNO projects

• Familiarity with IEC 61850 and substation automation systems (SCADA)

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards

• Experience with power system analysis software (e.g. ETAP, DIgSILENT, SKM)

What''s on offer

• Senior technical leadership role within a specialist engineering business

• Opportunity to work on critical UK energy infrastructure projects

• Exposure to a wide range of HV substation designs across T&D networks

• Flexible/hybrid working environment

• Ongoing professional development and support toward chartership

• Competitive salary and benefits package

The salary is -60,000 to -80,000 plus benefits and they work to a hybrid model of 3x days per week in the office.