At a Glance
- Tasks: Design high-voltage substation systems and ensure compliance with National Grid standards.
- Company: Join a leading engineering firm in the power sector, shaping the future of energy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities to work on innovative renewable projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy projects while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience in HV substation design required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
The Primary / HV Plant Design Engineer is responsible for the design, engineering, and technical delivery of high-voltage substation plant systems for transmission and distribution projects. The role involves developing compliant designs in accordance with National Grid standards, particularly SR188 (Substation Layout Design Guidance), ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for new-build, refurbishment, and extension projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce HV substation plant designs for transmission voltage levels up to 400kV.
- Develop substation layouts in compliance with National Grid SR188 requirements.
- Prepare and review:
- General arrangement drawings
- Substation layouts
- Equipment installation drawings
- Electrical clearance studies
- Earthing layouts
- Busbar arrangements
- Cable routing drawings
- Design layouts for AIS and GIS substations.
- Ensure plant designs comply with National Grid Technical Specifications, Electricity Transmission standards, IEC, BS EN, and industry regulations, and CDM Regulations.
Technical Leadership
- Provide technical guidance to engineers and designers.
- Participate in design reviews, HAZID, HAZOP, and constructability assessments.
- Resolve technical queries during engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
- Review vendor drawings and equipment data for compliance.
Project Delivery
- Support project teams through FEED, detailed design, construction, and commissioning stages.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering interfaces (Civil, Protection & Control, Mechanical, and Primary Design).
- Ensure deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to required quality standards.
Stakeholder Management
- Liaise with National Grid, DNOs, consultants, contractors, and equipment manufacturers.
- Attend technical meetings and client design review workshops.
- Support project approvals and design submissions.
Essential Qualifications
- Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent engineering discipline.
- Membership of a professional institution (IET preferred).
- Working towards or holding Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Essential Experience
- Significant experience in HV substation primary plant design.
- Proven experience on National Grid transmission projects.
- Strong knowledge and practical application of National Grid SR188 Substation Layout Design Guidance.
- Experience designing substations within: 132kV, 275kV, 400kV transmission networks.
- Experience with AIS and GIS substations.
- Familiarity with National Grid design standards and policies.
- Experience reviewing supplier and contractor designs.
Technical Skills
- National Grid Standards
- SR188 Substation Layout Design
- Engineering Technical Specifications (ETS)
- National Grid Transmission procedures
- Electrical safety clearances and insulation coordination
Design Knowledge
- Primary plant design
- Busbar configurations
- Switchgear layouts
- Power transformers
- Reactors
- CTs, VTs, CVTs
- Disconnectors and circuit breakers
- Surge arresters
- Earthing systems
Software
- AutoCAD
- MicroStation (preferred)
- Autodesk products
- CYMCAP (desirable)
- CDEGS (desirable)
- MS Office Suite
Key Competencies
- Strong analytical and engineering problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Ability to work independently and lead technical work packages.
- Strong understanding of safety-by-design principles.
- Attention to detail and commitment to engineering quality.
Desirable Experience
- National Grid EPC or framework projects.
- Offshore or renewable grid connection projects.
- Protection and Control interface knowledge.
- BIM and digital engineering experience.
- Experience supporting construction and commissioning activities.
Typical Deliverables
- Substation General Arrangement Drawings
- SR188-Compliant Layouts
- Equipment Clearance Studies
- Earthing Layouts
- Design Risk Assessments
- Technical Specifications
- Bill of Materials
- Design Reports
- Construction Support Documentation
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester, England
Salary: Market related
Category: Engineering
Sector: Power, Nuclear and Utilities
Contract type: Permanent
Consultant: Julie Linegar
Primary / HV Plant Design Engineer employer: Morson International
Morson is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in the thriving renewable energy sector. As an Accounts Assistant, you will benefit from competitive pay, a collaborative team culture, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to meaningful projects that promote sustainability. Located in Chorley, the company provides free on-site parking and a comprehensive health and wellbeing programme, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding employment.
