HV Main Plant Design Engineer | Bellshill

Permanent position available with a considerable portfolio of works for the next 5+ years. To build your career by assisting in the delivery of ‘leading edge’ engineering projects. To work with a vibrant, agile and multi-functional team in delivering projects on time, safely, to budget and to the required quality standards. To benefit from Kirby’s Career Development Programmes that will enhance your leadership capability. Excellent package on offer with room for negotiations.

Kirby Group Engineering is an international multi-disciplinary engineering services contractor and leading provider of high-value engineering services to a number of ‘blue chip’ companies. Operating across Ireland, the UK, Europe and South Africa, Kirby has become the engineering service provider of choice in growth segments such as pharmaceuticals, data centres and power transmission and distribution. Our culture is innovative, collaborative and performance focused. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow and develop in a company committed to developing talent and rewarding performance.

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled HV Main Plant Design Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for the design and development of high-voltage (HV) substation primary plant systems. Your work will be essential to the successful delivery of substation projects that enable the reliable transmission and distribution of electrical power across the grid.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and deliver the primary plant design for high-voltage substations (typically 33kV to 400kV).
• Develop design drawings, layouts, and technical specifications for busbars, circuit breakers, disconnectors, instrument transformers, and associated steelwork and foundations.
• Produce detailed substation layouts including general arrangements, equipment elevations, and cable/conduit routing.
• Coordinate with civil, protection, control, and secondary systems teams to ensure an integrated and accurate design approach.
• Perform technical assessments and feasibility studies during early project phases.
• Support procurement by preparing technical specifications and evaluating vendor documentation.
• Participate in design reviews, HAZID/HAZOP workshops, and ensure designs comply with client specifications, national standards, and safety regulations.
• Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and handover phases.
• Interface with clients, project managers, and stakeholders to ensure clarity and alignment throughout project delivery.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in HV substation primary plant design.
• Solid understanding of the layout and operation of high-voltage substations, including AIS and GIS technologies.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Primtech) and other design tools.
• Familiarity with UK National Grid, IEC, or other relevant standards.
• Strong knowledge of electrical safety, grounding, clearances, and insulation coordination.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it) is preferred.

Additional Information: For more information on this role, or other Construction / Engineering opportunities across Ireland, the UK, Europe, or South Africa please review our careers page or contact the Talent Acquisition Team at Kirby Group in confidence.

Equal Opportunities: Kirby Group Engineering is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age.