At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative offshore substation design projects and drive engineering excellence.
- Company: Join AtkinsRéalis, a global leader in engineering and energy transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, and tailored benefits for your lifestyle.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of renewable energy and offshore wind.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in offshore engineering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55200 £ per year.
Overview
Shape the future of offshore energy. We are seeking a Design & Engineering Manager (EM) to lead the delivery of Offshore Substation Topside projects across concept, FEED and detailed design phases. This is a senior leadership role at the heart of offshore wind project execution, where you will drive engineering excellence, integration, and delivery performance for complex, multidisciplinary topside platforms. You will play a critical role in enabling the energy transition by leading the design and integration of HV substations offshore, ensuring safe, efficient, and buildable solutions aligned with client and project requirements.
Your role
- Engineering Leadership & Delivery
- Lead the end-to-end engineering delivery of offshore substation topsides (OSS), from concept through FEED to detailed design.
- Act as the single point of accountability for engineering scope, quality, and technical assurance.
- Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams (structural, electrical, process, layout, safety, etc.).
- Ensure delivery in line with programme, budget, and project KPIs.
- Topside Design & Integration
- Oversee the design and integration of primary and secondary steel structures (deck, modules, support frames).
- HV/MV electrical equipment layouts and interfaces.
- Weight control and centre of gravity management.
- Lifting, transportation, and installation strategies.
- Drive modularisation strategies to optimise fabrication and offshore installation.
- Ensure alignment between topside, jacket/foundation, and export systems.
- Technical Governance & Assurance
- Maintain compliance with codes, standards (DNV, IEC, ISO) and project specifications.
- Lead design reviews, HAZIDs, HAZOPs, and constructability assessments.
- Ensure all engineering deliverables are checked, approved, and fit for purpose.
- Stakeholder & Commercial Interface
- Act as the primary engineering interface with clients, fabricators, certifying bodies, and installation contractors.
- Support procurement activities, including technical bid evaluations and vendor management.
- Contribute to commercial strategy, risk management, and change control.
- Team Leadership & Capability Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team.
- Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Support development of digital engineering and advanced analysis capabilities.
About you
- You are a highly experienced offshore engineering leader with strong topside expertise and delivery mindset.
- Proven experience delivering Offshore Substation Topside (OSS) design within offshore wind projects.
- Strong background in structural engineering (primary or secondary steel for topsides or similar offshore facilities).
- Experience in multidisciplinary integration, especially structural–electrical interfaces.
- Demonstrated experience leading FEED and detailed design phases.
- Strong knowledge of offshore design standards and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience with fabrication, transport & installation (T&I) considerations.
Technical Expertise
- Deep understanding of structural systems for offshore platforms.
- Load cases including wave, wind, lifting, and transportation.
- Weight management and constructability.
- Familiarity with engineering tools such as SESAM, SACS, STAAD, ANSYS.
- Understanding of HV substation systems integration is highly desirable.
Leadership & Professional Skills
- Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) preferred.
- Strong leadership and team management experience.
- Excellent stakeholder communication and client-facing skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in complex, fast-paced project environments.
Rewards & benefits
Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.
Additional information
This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer.
We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.
Offshore Substation Topside Layout Design Lead in Bristol employer: AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the offshore energy sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits, and a flexible working culture, we empower our team to thrive both professionally and personally while contributing to the vital energy transition. Join us in shaping a sustainable future and enjoy the unique advantages of working in a leading engineering services organisation located at the forefront of renewable energy projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Offshore Substation Topside Layout Design Lead in Bristol
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
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We think you need these skills to ace Offshore Substation Topside Layout Design Lead in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Offshore Substation Topside Layout Design Lead, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at AtkinsRéalis a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to AtkinsRéalis specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsRéalis
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with AtkinsRéalis, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like AtkinsRéalis want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.