At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-voltage substation design projects and collaborate with specialists.
- Company: Cundall, a global engineering consultancy focused on innovative energy solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a diverse, inclusive culture.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for career growth and mentorship.
- Why this job: Tackle challenging projects that shape the future of energy systems.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience in HV substation design.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
The Team
Cundall is a global engineering consultancy known for innovative and sustainable design across energy, infrastructure and the built environment. With a 50-year history, we deliver projects that shape the future of energy systems, from grid transmission and distribution to renewable energy and critical infrastructure. Our Power Systems team specialises in high-voltage design, protection and control systems, power system studies and technical advisory services, delivering technically demanding projects in the UK and internationally.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Senior Power Systems Engineer to strengthen our primary substation design capability, with particular emphasis on high-voltage transmission and grid infrastructure. The role will focus on technically complex AIS/GIS substations and grid connections, from concept and FEED through detailed design and delivery support. You will take a leading role in primary and HV plant design, working closely with protection and control, power system studies, civil, structural, cable and earthing specialists. Experience at transmission voltages, particularly 275kV and 400kV, is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- Primary and HV plant design
- Lead and undertake primary plant design for new substations, extensions and upgrades, including AIS/GIS schemes.
- Develop and review single-line diagrams, substation layouts, equipment plans, design calculations, technical specifications and design reports.
- Specify and assess HV plant including transformers, switchgear, busbars, circuit breakers, disconnectors, CTs/VTs and associated auxiliary systems.
- Coordination and delivery
- Coordinate interfaces with P&C, studies, HV cables, earthing, civil and structural design.
- Lead technical discussions with clients, utilities, EPC contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders.
- Support project delivery against scope, programme, quality and commercial requirements, including site visits and constructability reviews.
- Quality and development
- Apply UK utility, client and applicable industry standards, managing design risks and CDM requirements.
- Review technical deliverables and provide mentoring and technical guidance to less experienced engineers.
The Skills
Essential Experience and Capabilities
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering or a related discipline.
- Strong relevant experience in HV substation primary / plant design, including projects at 132kV or above.
- Demonstrable experience producing and reviewing primary substation design deliverables.
- Good understanding of interfaces between primary plant, P&C, studies, civils, structures, cables and earthing.
- Experience working to UK transmission or distribution utility requirements and standards.
- Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to lead defined technical work packages.
Desirable Experience
- Direct design experience at 275kV and/or 400kV.
- Experience delivering projects for, or interfacing with, National Grid Electricity Transmission and/or UK DNOs.
- Understanding of NESO requirements where relevant to grid connection and transmission projects.
- Chartered Engineer status, or demonstrable progress towards chartership.
- Experience across BESS, renewable generation, data-centre grid connections or major energy infrastructure.
What Success Looks Like
- Primary design packages are technically robust, coordinated and delivered to programme.
- Interfaces with P&C, studies, civils, structures, cables and earthing are identified and actively managed.
- Clients and project teams receive clear technical leadership and timely decisions.
- Less experienced engineers receive effective technical guidance and coaching.
Why Join Us?
Work on technically challenging power and grid infrastructure projects. Develop Cundall’s growing substation design capability while working alongside specialists in primary design, P&C and studies. Work within an integrated multidisciplinary consultancy across energy, BESS, data centres and critical infrastructure. Access flexible working arrangements and structured professional development.
Your career at Cundall: We know that to be the best at what we do we need a diverse workforce underpinned by an inclusive culture. Creating environments where everyone can find joy doing their best work is also great for everyone. That’s why we positively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and encourage, support, and celebrate the diverse voices of our people.
Senior Substation Design Engineer – Primary / HV Plant in Manchester employer: Cundall
Cundall is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. Our collaborative culture fosters professional growth through skill development and training opportunities, ensuring that every team member can contribute to exciting local and international projects while working towards our goal of Zero Carbon Design by 2030. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values creativity and inclusivity, making a meaningful impact in the built environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Substation Design Engineer – Primary / HV Plant in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Substation Design Engineer – Primary / HV Plant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Substation Design Engineer – Primary / HV Plant, 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 Cundall 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 Cundall 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 Cundall
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Cundall, 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 Cundall 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.
