At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of high-voltage substations and mentor junior engineers.
- Company: Global engineering consultancy with a focus on renewable energy and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and impactful projects.
- Other info: On-site role in Manchester, offering excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of energy solutions.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in power systems engineering and leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A global engineering and consulting organisation with a long-standing heritage in delivering technical advisory, design, and assurance services across the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. They support developers, utilities, investors, and lenders through the full project lifecycle—ranging from early‐stage feasibility through to detailed design, construction, and commissioning.
This is a senior‐level role focused on the design of high‐voltage substations and power systems, working across a diverse portfolio of UK and international renewable energy, infrastructure, and utility projects. You will play a key part in delivering technically robust solutions while mentoring junior engineers and contributing to complex, multi‐disciplinary projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver electro‐mechanical design of substations across distribution, transmission, and industrial networks
- Manage a team of consultants
- Produce and review primary substation designs, including layouts and single‐line diagrams
- Design and specify Protection & Control systems, including SCADA interfaces
- Undertake CT/VT selection and system calculations
- Design auxiliary AC/DC power systems
- Ensure designs comply with UK legislation, safety requirements, and industry standards
- Collaborate with multi‐disciplinary internal teams and external stakeholders
- Support and mentor graduate and junior engineers
- Contribute to technical reports, client documentation, and design reviews
Required Experience & Background
- 8+ years experience in Transmission & Distribution engineering (or 7+ years with MSc / PhD in Electrical Engineering or similar)
- Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience, with at least 7 direct reports
- Strong power systems design experience up to 132 kV (experience to 400 kV highly desirable)
- Proven background in utility‐scale substation engineering
- In‐depth understanding of UK electrical engineering standards and regulations
- Experience delivering engineering solutions across industrial, distribution, and transmission networks
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desirable / Advantageous
- Professional registration (e.g. IEng, or working towards)
- Formal Health & Safety qualifications (IOSH, NEBOSH, NVQ, etc.)
- Substation safety & access training (e.g. NSI 30, BESC / AIM)
- Knowledge of CDM 2015 and construction safety
- Prior involvement in installation and commissioning activities
- Exposure to technical consultancy or business development support
Full UK working rights required – no sponsorship available.
Principal Engineer in Manchester employer: JD Ross Energy
As a global engineering and consulting organisation, this company offers an exceptional work environment for Principal Engineers in Manchester, where you can engage in impactful projects within the renewable energy sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, mentorship opportunities, and a collaborative culture, you will be part of a team that values innovation and technical excellence while enjoying the benefits of a flexible work schedule. The company's commitment to local expertise combined with international reach ensures that your contributions will resonate on a global scale.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer 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 land you that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in power systems design and leadership. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on and how you’ve mentored others. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research the company’s recent projects and challenges in the renewable energy sector. We recommend preparing some thoughtful questions to ask them too—this shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your experience in power systems design and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about renewable energy and how your skills can contribute to our projects. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to mention your experience with high-voltage substations.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills relevant to the role. Mention specific projects where you’ve designed substations or worked on power systems. We love seeing real-world examples of your expertise!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at JD Ross Energy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of high-voltage substations and power systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with designs, layouts, and safety regulations in detail. This role is all about technical expertise, so showing that you’re well-versed in the specifics will definitely impress.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since this position involves managing a team, be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored junior engineers or led projects in the past. Highlighting your ability to guide others will demonstrate that you're not just a technical expert but also a great team player.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges in power systems design or project management. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and have structured responses ready. This shows that you can think critically and apply your knowledge to real-world situations.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key in this role, especially when collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Whether it’s discussing technical reports or client documentation, being able to convey complex ideas simply will set you apart.
