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 make a difference in the renewable energy sector.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in power systems engineering and leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About the Company
The business is 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. With a strong UK presence and international reach, the company combines local expertise with global capability, offering engineers the chance to work on complex and impactful projects worldwide.
The Opportunity
We are supporting a well-established engineering and technical advisory consultancy in their search for a Senior Power Systems Design Consultant to join a growing Power Systems Engineering team based in Manchester. 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. Please note: This role requires on-site attendance in Manchester at least 3 days per week and candidates must already hold full UK right to work.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver electro-mechanical design of substations across distribution, transmission, and industrial networks.
- Managing 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 Warrington employer: JD Ross Energy
As a Principal Engineer at our global engineering and consulting organisation based in Manchester, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering innovative solutions in the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth through mentorship and involvement in complex projects, while also offering flexible working arrangements that support a healthy work-life balance. Join us to make a meaningful impact on sustainable energy initiatives both locally and internationally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Principal Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to power systems design. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along a portfolio of your past projects and designs to discuss during interviews. This will help us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply 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 the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer in Warrington
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 leadership, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
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 team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story that showcases your journey.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your technical expertise, especially in high-voltage substations and power systems. Mention specific tools or methodologies you’ve used, as this will help us understand your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to upload all your documents in one go. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at JD Ross Energy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of power systems design, especially high-voltage substations. Familiarise yourself with UK electrical engineering standards and regulations, as well as the specific projects the company has worked on. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership experience. Think of specific examples where you've mentored junior engineers or led a project. Highlight how you foster collaboration and support within your team, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to electro-mechanical design and protection & control systems. Brush up on your CT/VT selection and system calculations. Practising these concepts will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare some thoughtful questions about the company's projects, team dynamics, and future goals. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your understanding of the industry.
