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- Tasks: Lead design projects for high voltage substations and energy systems.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a leader in the global energy transition.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, medical cover, flexible working, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy solutions while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience in HV substation design.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with strong community support and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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. Work-life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for Jacobs. We’re happy to discuss hybrid, part-time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business.
Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.
With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.
We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging.
Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. For greater online accessibility please visit to view and access our roles.
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.
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.
Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via.
Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer - UK Grid Network in London employer: Jacobs
Contact Detail:
Jacobs 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 energy sector, especially those who work at Jacobs or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Jacobs' projects and values. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with their mission of transforming the world through energy solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on. Highlight your experience with HV substation design and how it relates to the role you're applying for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates directly from Jacobs.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer - UK Grid Network in London
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 transition and how your background makes you a great fit for Jacobs. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
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 technical workstreams, so make sure to demonstrate your leadership experience 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, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HV substation design, especially within the 132kV–400kV range. Familiarise yourself with National Grid and DNO standards, as these will likely come up during the interview. Being able to discuss specific projects or experiences related to these standards will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also practical.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves leading technical workstreams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your mentoring experience with junior engineers and how you've contributed to strategic project delivery. This will demonstrate your capability to take charge and guide others.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills are key for this position. Think of instances where 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 show your understanding of the bigger picture.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about Jacobs' approach to energy transition and their projects. This not only shows your interest in the company but also gives you a chance to assess if their values align with yours. Asking about their hybrid working policy or community initiatives can also highlight your interest in their culture.
