Lead Design Engineer in Newcastle

Lead Design Engineer in Newcastle

Newcastle Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
JAM Recruitment Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of high-voltage substations and deliver complex energy projects.
  • Company: Established UK engineering firm specialising in power systems and grid infrastructure.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, ongoing professional development, and support towards chartership.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for technical leadership and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on critical UK energy infrastructure while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and significant HV substation design experience required.

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

I'm supporting a long-established UK engineering company specialising in power systems and grid infrastructure to recruit a Lead Design Engineer with strong expertise in high-voltage (HV) substation design. This is a senior, hands-on technical role where you'll lead the design and delivery of complex transmission and distribution (T&D) projects. You'll play a critical role in shaping engineering solutions across AIS and GIS substations, ensuring designs are robust, compliant, and fit for purpose from concept through to commissioning.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the end-to-end design of HV substations (typically 11kV-400kV) across transmission and distribution networks
  • Deliver detailed design for both AIS (Air Insulated Substations) and GIS (Gas Insulated Substations)
  • Perform and review busbar design and calculations, including thermal rating, fault level withstand, and mechanical forces
  • Produce and approve key design deliverables:
  • Single Line Diagrams (SLDs)
  • Protection & Control schematics
  • General Arrangements (GA) and layout drawings
  • Cable schedules and interconnection diagrams
  • Undertake primary and secondary design coordination, ensuring full system integration
  • Carry out power system studies (load flow, short circuit, protection coordination where applicable)
  • Ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g. IEC, BS EN, National Grid, DNO specifications)
  • Provide technical leadership, design assurance, and peer review across projects
  • Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and commissioning activities
  • Act as a key technical interface with clients, contractors, and equipment suppliers
  • Requirements:

    • Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
    • Significant experience in HV/EHV substation design within T&D environments
    • Strong knowledge of:
    • Substation layouts and equipment (transformers, switchgear, CTs/VTs, circuit breakers)
    • AIS and GIS technologies
    • Busbar systems and associated calculations
    • Protection & control principles
  • Experience leading design packages or full project lifecycle delivery
  • Proficiency in engineering design tools (e.g. AutoCAD, EPLAN, or equivalent)
  • Strong understanding of UK grid codes, safety standards, and industry best practice
  • Desirable:

    • Experience with National Grid/DNO projects
    • Familiarity with IEC 61850 and substation automation systems (SCADA)
    • Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards
    • Experience with power system analysis software (e.g. ETAP, DIgSILENT, SKM)

    What's on offer:

    • Senior technical leadership role within a specialist engineering business
    • Opportunity to work on critical UK energy infrastructure projects
    • Exposure to a wide range of HV substation designs across T&D networks
    • Flexible/hybrid working environment
    • Ongoing professional development and support toward chartership
    • Competitive salary and benefits package

    The salary is £60,000 to £80,000 plus benefits and they work to a hybrid model of 3x days per week in the office.

    Lead Design Engineer in Newcastle employer: JAM Recruitment Ltd

    Join a long-established UK engineering company that excels in power systems and grid infrastructure, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. As a Lead Design Engineer, you'll benefit from a flexible hybrid working environment, competitive salary, and ongoing professional development opportunities, all while contributing to critical energy infrastructure projects that shape the future of the UK's energy landscape.
    JAM Recruitment Ltd

    Contact Detail:

    JAM Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Lead Design Engineer in Newcastle

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local engineering events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best HV substation designs and projects. This will not only impress potential employers but also give you a chance to discuss your hands-on experience during interviews.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on key concepts related to AIS and GIS technologies. Be ready to discuss your design process and how you ensure compliance with standards like IEC and BS EN.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Plus, it’s super easy!

    We think you need these skills to ace Lead Design Engineer in Newcastle

    High-Voltage Substation Design
    Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Projects
    AIS (Air Insulated Substations) Design
    GIS (Gas Insulated Substations) Design
    Busbar Design and Calculations
    Single Line Diagrams (SLDs)
    Protection & Control Schematics
    Power System Studies
    Engineering Design Tools (e.g. AutoCAD, EPLAN)
    UK Grid Codes
    Safety Standards
    Substation Automation Systems (SCADA)
    Chartered Engineer (CEng) Status
    Power System Analysis Software (e.g. ETAP, DIgSILENT, SKM)
    Technical Leadership

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience with 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 your background makes you the perfect fit. Don't forget to mention your experience with AIS and GIS technologies!

    Showcase Your Technical Skills: Be sure to highlight your proficiency in engineering design tools like AutoCAD or EPLAN. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical expertise, especially in areas like busbar design and power system studies.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!

    How to prepare for a job interview at JAM Recruitment Ltd

    ✨Know Your HV Substation Stuff

    Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of high-voltage substation design, especially AIS and GIS technologies. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you tackled challenges in the design process.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

    As a Lead Design Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead design packages and manage project lifecycles. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, highlighting your technical leadership and decision-making skills.

    ✨Familiarise Yourself with Standards

    Get comfortable with relevant standards like IEC, BS EN, and National Grid specifications. During the interview, be prepared to explain how you've ensured compliance in your previous designs and how you stay updated with industry best practices.

    ✨Prepare for Technical Questions

    Expect some in-depth technical questions related to busbar design, power system studies, and protection & control principles. Brush up on your calculations and be ready to walk through your thought process when solving complex engineering problems.

    Lead Design Engineer in Newcastle
    JAM Recruitment Ltd
    Location: Newcastle

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