Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer - UK Grid Network in London
Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer - UK Grid Network

Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer - UK Grid Network in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design projects for high voltage substations and support energy transition initiatives.
  • Company: Join Jacobs, a leader in solving critical global challenges.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, medical cover, family-friendly perks, and professional development support.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy with innovative projects.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience in HV substation design.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and strong community engagement through volunteering.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.

At Jacobs, we are challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Jacobs is playing a leading role in the global energy transition. As our UK and Continental Europe team continues to expand, we are seeking a Principal Primary Substation Engineer to support a range of high‑profile projects across our Power & Energy portfolio. This includes high voltage AIS and GIS Substations, transmission system assets, HVDC interconnectors, and energy storage systems.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead FEED and detailed design workstreams for National Grid and DNO clients
  • Ensure quality assurance and timely delivery of design packages and bids
  • Review HV plant aspects including layouts, earthing, interlocking, busbar calculations, and specifications
  • Coordinate with back‑office engineers, suppliers, and subcontractors
  • Attend and contribute to design reviews, hazard reviews, FAT and SAT
  • Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers
  • Support tendering activities and contribute to technical offers
  • Maintain strong client relationships and support business development

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
  • Proven experience in HV substation design (132kV–400kV), ideally within UK transmission and distribution environments
  • Familiarity with National Grid and DNO standards and processes
  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical workstreams and contribute to strategic project delivery

Why Jacobs?

People are Jacobs’ greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. In addition to the benefits you’d expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family‑friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, plus reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. We also give back to our communities through our Collectively program which incorporates matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations. We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work. As a disability‑confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer - UK Grid Network in London employer: Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive benefits package, which includes free medical cover, enhanced parental leave, and support for professional development. With a focus on community engagement and a flexible hybrid working policy, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful projects in the energy sector.
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

Contact Detail:

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer - UK Grid Network in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their work in high voltage substation design and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine when you get that chance to impress!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills through practical examples. When discussing your experience, use specific projects or challenges you've tackled in HV substation design. This will help potential employers see the value you bring to the table.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer - UK Grid Network in London

Electrical Engineering
HV Substation Design
High Voltage Systems (132kV–400kV)
National Grid Standards
DNO Standards
Quality Assurance
Design Package Delivery
Stakeholder Engagement
Technical Leadership
Mentoring
Tendering Activities
Client Relationship Management
Project Delivery
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Substation Engineer role. Highlight your experience in HV substation design and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the energy sector and how you can contribute to our team at Jacobs. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that relate to the job description.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise, especially in areas like layouts, earthing, and busbar calculations. We’re looking for someone who can lead design workstreams, so make sure we see that in your application!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Jacobs!

How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HV substation design, especially within the UK context. Familiarise yourself with National Grid and DNO standards, as well as any recent projects Jacobs has undertaken. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also invested in the company’s mission.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Engineer, you'll be expected to lead technical workstreams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight how you mentored junior engineers and contributed to strategic project delivery, as this aligns perfectly with what Jacobs is looking for.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills are key for this role. Think about times when you've effectively communicated complex ideas to clients or team members. Be ready to discuss how you maintain client relationships and support business development, as this will resonate well with Jacobs’ values.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about Jacobs' projects, their approach to the energy transition, or their hybrid working policy. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.

Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer - UK Grid Network in London
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
Location: London

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

>