Primary Sub Station Layout Engineer

Electricity North West Construction & Maintenance Limited (ENWCML) is the specialist engineering arm of the Electricity North West Group. We deliver high and low voltage infrastructure services across the UK, operating independently from the regulated network business. Our expertise spans the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of private electrical networks for commercial and industrial clients. With a growing national footprint and a reputation for technical excellence, ENWCML plays a vital role in supporting the UK’s energy transition and infrastructure resilience.

To enable us to fully deliver our projects we are looking for an innovative and passionate Primary Substation Layout Engineer to work client side on projects from initial concept and feasibility through to procurement specification, construction and commissioning. The successful candidates will have the chance to work on a wide variety of EHV (up to 132kV) substation design aspects and our project program facilitates the roll‑out of substation construction works from 11kV up to 132kV, along with providing support for increasing customer connection activity.

In this role, you’ll lead the preparation of concept substation designs at pre‑sanction stage, evaluating alternative scheme options and their engineering merits. You’ll work collaboratively with engineering designers and cross‑functional teams, managing your own workload while guiding team members on project‑specific design tasks. You’ll play a key part throughout the project lifecycle—from responding swiftly to construction‑phase site queries to ensuring all outputs adhere to DNO policies and safety requirements.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Producing detailed physical designs for indoor and open terminal substations.
• Delivering protection & control panel and scheme designs from 11kV to 132kV.
• Developing comprehensive drawing suites for grid and primary substations.
• Preparing technical specifications, feasibility reports, layouts, and plant specifications.
• Reviewing supplier and client designs for compliance.
• Identifying and managing H&S risks.
• Attending site meetings to support design changes.
• Ensuring all design work aligns with programme schedules and quality standards.
• Writing and maintaining technical specifications and guidance notes covering substation design, transmission interfaces, auxiliary systems, and earthing systems.

What we’re looking for:

• The successful candidate must, at the start of employment, have permission to work in the UK without sponsorship.
• HNC in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Proven experience in electrical design, specification, and application of transmission voltage substations.
• Ability to technically assess and solve issues, with a thorough understanding of the technical requirements for the design, planning, operation, and development of the transmission substations.
• In‑depth knowledge of ENA Standards, National Grid, British and European Standards for substation design.
• Experience in the design, manufacturing, testing, installation, or maintenance of transmission voltage plant and equipment is advantageous.
• Experience in preparing and manipulating engineering drawings, using computer‑aided design tools (e.g. AutoCAD) is preferred; however, for a promising candidate who is able and willing to gain these skills rapidly, this may not be a barrier.
• Applicants should hold a full UK driving licence and be willing to travel and participate in site meetings throughout the UK when necessary.

What we’re offering:

• An annual bonus scheme.
• 25 days annual leave increasing with length of service.
• Car allowance or company vehicle.
• Private healthcare.
• An employee rewards portal offering discounts on several well‑known brands.
• A market‑leading contributory pension scheme.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Opportunity for professional development through our L&D function.

Our Commitment to Inclusion: We’re proud to foster a workplace where everyone can thrive. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that embracing our differences makes us stronger.