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, professional development, and support towards chartership.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for career growth and technical leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of UK energy infrastructure with innovative substation designs.
- 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 Stoke-on-Trent employer: JAM
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 have the opportunity to lead critical HV substation projects while enjoying a flexible hybrid working environment and robust professional development support, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the energy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Design Engineer in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry professionals! Attend engineering events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that Lead Design Engineer role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work in HV substation design. Include detailed designs, calculations, and any projects you've led. This is your chance to visually demonstrate your expertise and make a lasting impression when you meet potential employers.
✨Ace the Interview
When you get that interview, be ready to discuss your experience with AIS and GIS technologies in detail. We recommend practising common interview questions related to power systems and being prepared to explain your design process. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only gives you access to exclusive roles but also shows your commitment to joining our team. Let’s get you that Lead Design Engineer position!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Design Engineer in Stoke-on-Trent
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!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical expertise! Mention specific tools like AutoCAD or EPLAN, and any experience with IEC 61850 or power system analysis software. This is your chance to shine, so let us know what you can bring to the table.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for engineering and how your background aligns with our needs. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at JAM
✨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 projects and teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed design packages or full project lifecycles, 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. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous work and how you approach design assurance and peer reviews.
✨Engage with Technical Interfaces
Since you'll be acting as a key technical interface with clients and contractors, think about how you can effectively communicate complex engineering concepts. Prepare to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders to deliver robust engineering solutions.
