Lead Design Engineer

Lead Design Engineer

Norwich Freelance 54000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Go Premium
T

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of Protection & Control systems for DNO substations across the UK.
  • Company: Join a top utility infrastructure contractor making waves in energy projects.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and competitive day rates between £450 - £600.
  • Why this job: Be part of high-profile projects while enjoying autonomy and long-term opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience with UK DNO standards required.
  • Other info: Remote/hybrid work available; perfect for those seeking freelance flexibility.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 72000 £ per year.

Location: London/Home Counties (Remote/Hybrid Options Available)

Contract Type: Freelance / Outside IR35

Initial duration: 6-12 months (with potential for extension)

Day Rate: £450 - £600

Turner Lovell are currently recruiting for a leading utility infrastructure contractor in their search for a Lead Design Engineer to deliver and review Protection & Control designs for DNO substation projects across the UK (11kV-132kV). This contract role offers flexible working, autonomy, and the opportunity to contribute to high-profile energy projects.

In this role, you will work on a DNO framework where there are a number of new substations and electricity infrastructure that need to be developed. This is an exciting time to join the team and secure long term work.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Deliver detailed Protection & Control designs for DNO substation networks, including schematics, wiring diagrams, and protection settings.
  • Review and approve third-party and internal designs to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, and constructability.
  • Act as the technical lead on Protection & Control aspects of substation projects, supporting project delivery teams and interfacing with clients.
  • Ensure all designs are aligned with current UK standards (ENA, BS, IEC) and individual DNO specifications.
  • Provide input into protection coordination studies and assist with the configuration of relays and protection schemes.
  • Participate in design reviews, provide technical feedback, and ensure timely delivery of design documentation.
  • Support QA processes and ensure documentation is complete, correct, and well-structured for handover.
Requirements:
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • Proven experience in Protection & Control design for UK DNO substations (11kV-132kV).
  • Strong understanding of UK DNO standards (UKPN, SSE, ENWL, WPD, SPEN).
  • Proficient in AutoCAD and protection system software (e.g., ETAP, DigSILENT).
  • Ability to work independently and manage design packages from concept through to delivery.
  • Previous experience operating on a freelance or contract basis is preferred.
  • Strong communication skills for interfacing with engineering teams and clients.

If this could be your next opportunity, please apply and contact Anusha Gopalan for more information.

T

Contact Detail:

Turner & Lovell Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Design Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the utility infrastructure sector. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and clients. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and specific projects they are working on.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest UK DNO standards and regulations. Being well-versed in these will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and quality in your designs.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your proficiency in AutoCAD and protection system software by preparing a portfolio of your previous work. Highlight specific projects where you successfully delivered Protection & Control designs, as this will give you an edge during discussions.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on common design challenges faced in DNO substation projects. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these issues, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Design Engineer

Protection & Control Design
Electrical Engineering Degree
AutoCAD Proficiency
ETAP Software Knowledge
DigSILENT Software Knowledge
Understanding of UK DNO Standards
Technical Leadership
Design Review and Approval
Protection Coordination Studies
Relay Configuration
Strong Communication Skills
Project Management
Quality Assurance Processes
Ability to Work Independently

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in Protection & Control design, especially for DNO substations. Include specific projects you've worked on and the software tools you are proficient in, such as AutoCAD and ETAP.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of UK DNO standards and your ability to deliver detailed designs. Mention your freelance experience and how it has prepared you for this role.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your technical skills, particularly in protection coordination studies and relay configuration. This will demonstrate your capability to act as a technical lead on projects.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any errors or inconsistencies. A well-structured and error-free application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Lead Design Engineer.

How to prepare for a job interview at Turner & Lovell Limited

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your experience with Protection & Control designs in detail. Highlight specific projects you've worked on, particularly those involving DNO substations, and be ready to explain the technical challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

✨Familiarise Yourself with UK Standards

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the relevant UK standards such as ENA, BS, and IEC. During the interview, reference these standards when discussing your design approach to demonstrate your compliance knowledge and technical proficiency.

✨Prepare for Design Review Scenarios

Anticipate questions about how you handle design reviews and approvals. Be ready to discuss your process for ensuring technical accuracy and compliance, as well as how you provide constructive feedback to team members and third-party designs.

✨Communicate Effectively

Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex technical concepts. This will help you convey your ideas effectively to both engineering teams and clients during the interview.

Lead Design Engineer
Turner & Lovell Limited
Location: Norwich
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

T
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>