Chief Engineer (HV) in London

Chief Engineer (HV) in London

London Full-Time 51750 - 63250 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Costain

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead high voltage projects, ensuring safety, compliance, and quality in design and construction.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to technical excellence in infrastructure.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with travel across the UK and a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Be the expert in HV transmission solutions and make a real impact on major projects.
  • Qualifications: Chartered Engineer with strong leadership and digital skills; experience in HV operations required.

The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.

This key role will be within our Technical Excellence team supporting Costain project delivery, with a focus on high voltage (HV) site construction operations, design oversight, assurance and compliance. This is a senior technical and compliance expert role working up to 400kV. You will be responsible for driving robust, safe, compliant and high-quality transmission designs and processes supporting substation construction and cabling development.

You will be the company’s expert for HV transmission solutions and compliance, leading on processes and technical responsibility for project delivery. You will ensure technical assurance, safe by designs, compliance and stakeholder management throughout HV Infrastructure and Transmission projects. You will own processes, technical controls, assurance, and competencies across the whole project lifecycle – tender, design, construction, commissioning and handover.

Role Location: London or Manchester office but mainly project based, with hybrid working options to promote well-being. Travel expected to UK locations, such as suppliers, offices and similar.

Essential:

  • Broad knowledge of UK HV (up to 400kV) project/construction operations at all stages
  • Detailed knowledge and experience of National Grid standards and requirements, and UK Regulations
  • Forensic/investigation skills in their discipline
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Commercial/contractual awareness
  • Safety and quality focused
  • Risk and opportunity management
  • Digital skills relevant to requirements
  • UK Chartered Engineer Certified HV working skills/card and supporting CPD
  • Eligible for UK SC (Security Clearance)

Desirable:

  • Line management and people development (depending on role)
  • Connections to industry bodies/institutions
  • Commercial/contractual training
  • APM/project management/risk

Provide technical leadership across all HV projects, supporting client sales, tendering, design delivery, supplier selection, construction, quality, commissioning and handover. Act as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on HV Design matters including clients such as National Grid. Have a strong HV and wider infrastructure delivery safety and environmental focus.

Responsible for development and assurance of HV technical working procedures aligned to the project, Costain, client and Regulatory needs, ensuring these integrate with other disciplines. Responsible for their HV technical competency, both in discipline and for others involved in delivery, such as CDAE, LCDAE, PD and others on an HV site. Define training and competency needs for all roles on HV works, establish a career pathway in HV and succession plans.

Work with the design leaders to ensure all design output and scope is compliant with HV requirements including National Grid and other clients. Develop and maintain all HV and National Grid governance/Costain Way requirements so that they align with best practice, client needs and Regulatory requirements. Have an in-depth knowledge of the HV supply chain used in the UK, particularly National Grid.

Able to resolve complex and multifaceted technical challenges in their discipline and recognised and manage interfaces with others. Expert communicator and visible leader, supporting both on project and wider initiatives, expert in risk, value engineering and optioneering.

Driving quality control/assurance across the HV projects operations, focusing on achieving right first time and predictable delivery. Independently review commissioning plans for live projects. Own the Impressed Voltage Management Plans, appoint Earthing Control Person and Earthing Application Persons.

Collaborate with project leadership, procurement, commercial and supply chain to drive delivery. Expert in reporting status, including spend, risk, performance and similar. Participate in design audits, technical queries and cross-check with third party designers where required. Mentor, develop and lead HV design engineers and multidisciplinary teams. Promote a culture of continuous improvement; lessons learned, best practice, innovations.

Chief Engineer (HV) in London employer: Costain

As a leading employer in traffic management, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises safety and efficiency. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and support for professional development, ensuring that our team members thrive in their roles. Located in a vibrant area with access to essential resources, we offer a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact the success of our projects and the safety of the community.

Costain

Contact Details:

Costain Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer (HV) in London

Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Chief Engineer (HV) role you’re after at Costain.

Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Costain a taste of what you can bring to the table!

Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Costain.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Chief Engineer (HV) at Costain, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer (HV) in London

High Voltage (HV) Expertise
National Grid Standards Knowledge
Forensic Investigation Skills
Leadership Skills
Commercial Awareness
Contractual Awareness
Safety and Quality Focus

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Chief Engineer (HV), 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 Costain 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 Costain 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 Costain

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Costain, 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 Costain 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.