Lead Substation Primary (HV Plant) Design Engineer

Are you a Senior or Lead HV Design Engineer ready to take technical ownership of flagship Power & Renewables infrastructure projects across the UK? We are partnering with a premier, international multi-disciplinary engineering services contractor known for delivering high-value engineering solutions to blue-chip clients. Due to a massive, secured 5+ year pipeline of works in the power transmission and distribution sectors, they are seeking an experienced Lead HV Main Plant Engineer to join their vibrant team in Glasgow. This is a permanent, full-time role offering a highly competitive, negotiable package, a performance-focused culture, and dedicated Career Development Programmes to fast-track your leadership capability.

Position Overview

As the Lead HV Substation Primary Plant Design Engineer, you will act as the technical authority across multiple high-voltage substation projects (typically 33kV to 400kV). You will combine deep electrical engineering expertise with strong project leadership, taking ownership of the design, coordination, and delivery of substation primary plant systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Ownership: Lead, supervise, and deliver primary plant design packages, ensuring all layouts, general arrangements, and equipment elevations meet client requirements.
• Component Specification: Oversee specifications for core substation components including busbars, circuit breakers, disconnectors, instrument transformers, associated steelwork, and foundations.
• Team Leadership: Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and leadership to junior and intermediate engineers within an agile, multi-functional team.
• Cross-Discipline Coordination: Interface closely with civil, protection, control, and secondary design teams to deliver optimized, integrated solutions.
• Safety & Compliance: Lead design reviews and HAZID/HAZOP workshops; ensure absolute compliance with safety, regulatory, and UK National Grid standards.
• Project Lifecycle Support: Act as the trusted technical interface for clients and stakeholders, supporting procurement, construction, commissioning, and project handover phases.

What We Are Looking For

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience: Typically 8–10+ years of experience in HV substation primary plant design, with a proven track record in a lead or senior capacity.
• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of HV substation design and operation, encompassing both AIS and GIS technologies.
• Standards & Tools: Proficiency in CAD platforms (e.g., AutoCAD, Bentley Substation) and a robust working knowledge of UK National Grid and IEC standards.
• Skills: Excellent understanding of electrical safety, earthing, clearances, and insulation coordination.
• Professional Status: Chartered Engineer status (or actively working towards it) is strongly preferred.

What’s on Offer?

• Stability: A permanent position backed by a substantial, secure portfolio of works for the next 5+ years.
• Career Growth: Access to structured internal development programs designed to enhance your leadership and technical capability.
• Culture: Join an innovative, collaborative environment that empowers responsibility and actively rewards high performance.
• Remuneration: Excellent, highly competitive base salary and benefits package, with open room for negotiation based on experience.

To Apply or Discuss Confidentially: If you are a driven engineering professional looking to work with the best in the industry and elevate your career, let's talk. Apply directly to this advert for a confidential discussion.