Senior Engineering Manager - Digital Substations (IEC 6185) in Warrington

We are seeking an experienced and driven Senior Engineering Manager (Digital Substations) to join our team on the PTC1–PTNO Framework, supporting the delivery of a portfolio of complex, high‑profile schemes for a major regulated client within the UK utilities and energy sector. This is a pivotal leadership role within the business, offering the opportunity to operate at senior project level and make a meaningful contribution to the delivery of nationally significant infrastructure.

Reporting to the Project Director, you will play a key role in shaping successful project outcomes within a large‑scale, multi‑disciplinary delivery environment. The role supports a major infrastructure programme delivered through a complex supply chain, requiring strong leadership, long‑term continuity, and consistency of delivery. It offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional looking to further develop their career within a leading infrastructure organisation.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering delivery of Digital and Hybrid Substation projects (132kV–400kV), managing multidisciplinary teams across primary plant, protection and control, telecommunications, and SCADA.
• Ensure engineering solutions are not only technically robust but practical, safe, and deliverable on site, aligning design intent with construction and commissioning requirements.
• Define, develop, and manage IEC 61850‑based system architectures, including station bus (GOOSE, MMS) and process bus (Sampled Values, merging units), supporting informed decisions between digital, hybrid, and conventional substation solutions.
• Take a lead role in system integration, coordinating protection and control systems, SCADA, HMI, and communications networks across complex multi‑vendor environments.
• Manage interfaces between OEMs (including Siemens and GE), system integrators, and design consultancies, ensuring interoperability and reliable end‑to‑end system performance.
• Own the testing and commissioning strategy, covering Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), System Integration Testing (SIT), and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Ensure the correct validation of IEC 61850 configurations, including GOOSE messaging, Sampled Values, and SCD/CID files, managing risks associated with system‑level testing in digital substation environments.
• Ensure compliance with IEC 61850 (Edition 2 or later), IEC 62351 cyber security requirements, and relevant UK standards including National Grid TS 3.24.025 and TS 3.24.101, supporting Type Registration and client approval processes.
• Proactively manage engineering and delivery risks, including system integration complexity, multi‑vendor interoperability challenges, and commissioning constraints.
• Provide clear and authoritative technical input into programme planning, cost management, and overall delivery strategy.
• Function as the senior technical interface with clients and key stakeholders, communicating complex technical concepts clearly and supporting bid development, technical submissions, and early‑stage solution definition.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Practical experience or strong working knowledge of testing and integration tools used in digital substations, including OMICRON systems (CMC, StationScout, Test Universe).
• Experience using IEC 61850 engineering and configuration tools, such as HELINKS or equivalent platforms.
• A solid understanding of IEC 61850 communication and validation, including monitoring and testing of GOOSE messaging and Sampled Values.
• Familiarity with substation communication protocols, including IEC 60870‑5‑104 and DNP3.
• Good working knowledge of substation network architectures, including Ethernet‑based systems, VLANs, PRP, and HSR for resilient communications.
• Strong appreciation of the challenges associated with system integration, interoperability, and testing within complex digital substation environments.

What is in it for you?

• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy five days.
• Flexible and adaptable working.
• Family friendly policies and work/life approach.
• Mentoring programmes and continuous learning support.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Annual bonus scheme.
• Recognition scheme and long service awards.
• Car scheme and Private Medical Insurance (if applicable to role).
• We also provide the option to participate in our share‑save scheme; discounts including cycle to work and gym membership; a support and advice service for colleagues and their families, and more.

About the Energy Business Unit

We have extensive experience in upgrading and replacing energy networks, delivering asset management for major UK energy companies and network operators. Our transmission and distribution services involve the upgrading and replacement of electricity assets both above and below ground. Within the electricity sector we install and maintain assets, including excavation, laying, and jointing of cables, (fluid filled and XLPe), substations and overhead line, new build, repair, and refurbishment services. We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team where you will have the opportunity to progress in your career. We are looking for people who share our passion on delivering great customer service whilst also being able to work within an enjoyable and hardworking team environment. Talented people are the key to our success, so if this sounds like you, apply now.

Morgan Sindall is an equal opportunities employer and has been accredited with the Positive About Disabled People ‘Two Ticks’ accreditation. We are also an Investors in People company. Morgan Sindall is unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to live and work in the UK.