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

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

Manchester Full-Time 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design projects for high voltage substations and energy systems.
  • Company: Join Jacobs, a leader in innovative engineering solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health cover, flexible working, and professional growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on critical energy projects while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience in HV substation design required.
  • Other info: Embrace a supportive culture with a focus on work-life balance and community engagement.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 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, and cutting‑edge manufacturing.

Your impact: As part of our UK and Continental Europe team, you will support a range of high‑profile projects across our Power & Energy portfolio, including 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.
Requirements
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
  • Proven experience in HV substation design (132 kV–400 kV), 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; we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. As a UK employee you’ll receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family‑friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay, free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, and reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. We also give back to our communities through our Collectively programme, which incorporates matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.

Work‑life balance and flexibility are a key focus area. We’re happy to discuss hybrid, part‑time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: As a disability confident employer, we invite all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all listed requirements. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regard to the recruitment process, please contact careers support.

Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer - UK Grid Network in Manchester employer: Jacobs

At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Manchester location provides employees with access to high-profile projects in the Power & Energy sector, alongside comprehensive benefits such as enhanced parental leave, professional development support, and a strong commitment to work-life balance. We are dedicated to nurturing talent through mentorship opportunities and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within our teams.
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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 Manchester

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.

✨Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in HV substation design and your familiarity with National Grid standards. We want to see you shine, so prepare some examples of your past projects that showcase your technical leadership and problem-solving skills.

✨Be Ready for Interviews

Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable with common interview questions related to electrical engineering and project management. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence before the big day.

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out our careers page at Jacobs! Applying directly through our website not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed. We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you to join our team!

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

Electrical Engineering
HV Substation Design
High Voltage Systems (132 kV–400 kV)
National Grid Standards
DNO Standards
Quality Assurance
Design Package Delivery
Stakeholder Engagement
Technical Leadership
Mentoring
Hazard Reviews
Communication Skills
Business Development

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 match 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 this role and how you can contribute to our team at Jacobs. Be sure to mention your familiarity with National Grid standards and your leadership experience.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Strong communication is key in this role, so make sure to demonstrate your stakeholder engagement skills in your application. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, let us know how you've successfully collaborated with clients and teams in the past.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. 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 UK context. Familiarise yourself with National Grid and DNO standards, as well as any recent projects Jacobs has been involved in. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also invested in the company’s work.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves leading technical workstreams, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in mentoring junior engineers or leading projects. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully managed teams and contributed to project delivery.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Communication is key! Think about how you've effectively engaged with clients and stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve built strong relationships and navigated challenges in a collaborative environment.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how Jacobs approaches innovation in the energy sector. It shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.

Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer - UK Grid Network in Manchester
Jacobs
Location: Manchester
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  • Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer - UK Grid Network in Manchester

    Manchester
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.)
  • J

    Jacobs

    10000+
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