Primary Electrical Engineer in Leeds

Internal applicants are welcome. Mott MacDonald Bentley is a fully integrated design and build business combining the design expertise of Mott MacDonald with the contracting experience of JN Bentley. Operating across the energy, water, and environment sectors throughout the UK, the company’s annual turnover exceeds £500 million, creating an ideal environment for career growth. The company is seeking a Primary Electrical Design Engineer to join its growing battery energy storage system (BESS) team. The role will provide subject‑matter expertise, collaborate with an experienced team of engineers and designers, and support and mentor junior members. Working across site, office, and remote environments, the primary responsibility is to lead the production of electrical layouts for high‑voltage substations, cable route drawings, LV layouts, switch rooms, control rooms, and site earthing layouts.

Responsibilities

• Determine base electrical site layouts for projects covering adoptable and private assets, ensuring external services and connections meet DNO/IDNO/client requirements.
• Co‑ordinate systems studies, compile and communicate information, and incorporate outputs into detailed design and equipment specifications.
• Contribute to the production of specifications for major plant and equipment (disconnectors, CTs, VTs, SAs, PIs) and complex items (circuit breakers, transformers), including approval of manufacturer information.
• Design support structures for AIS electrical equipment from 66 kV to 400 kV, convey requirements to manufacturers, and approve manufacturer details.
• Lead electrical design integration of inverters, BESS enclosures, PCS units, transformers, and auxiliary systems to grid connection points.
• Produce site‑wide ducting and cabling layout drawings, coordinating requirements with other engineering disciplines; requires working knowledge of cable types and installation techniques up to 400 kV.
• Develop earthing layouts for all voltage levels from first principles, verifiable by an earthing designer.
• Liaise with and support installation and commissioning teams to ensure installation and testing align with design.
• Contribute to the development of standardised systems, processes, designs, and specifications.

Qualifications

• Degree/HND/HNC in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems electrical preferred).
• Previous experience of primary electrical design with a consultancy, contractor, or utility in the power industry.
• Experience in designing HV AC power systems and producing electrical layout drawings for substations, switch rooms, control rooms, and balance‑of‑plant projects.
• Proficient with 11 kV, 22 kV, 33 kV, and 66 kV‑400 kV AIS substation networks.
• Understanding of industry HV and EHV substation installation standards and specifications, including TO/DNO specifications.
• Knowledge of cable installation types, requirements, and installation parameters.
• Strong initiative and proactive approach to activities and problem solving.

Benefits

• Financial Well‑being: MMB matches employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%. Annual bonus schemes based on business performance (as an independently owned business). Annual professional institution subscription costs covered.
• Health and Well‑being: Minimum of 33 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays, with options to buy, sell, or carry over leave through a flexible benefits programme. Life assurance, private medical insurance, critical illness insurance, and health screening options. Flexible working arrangements to support responsibilities beyond the workplace. Participation in Advanced Employee Networks supporting LGBTQ+, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, and family communities.
• Enhanced Family and Carers Leave: 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave; two weeks paid paternity/partner leave and optional shared parental leave. Up to 2 additional paid days for those with significant caring responsibilities.
• Learning and Development: Structured development schemes supporting progression toward professional chartership, including mentorship, hands‑on experience, and tailored training opportunities from day one.

Other Information

MMB does not currently offer sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route. Candidates eligible for alternative immigration routes are welcomed. Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management and development consultancy dedicated to improving society through excellence and digital innovation. The company values progress, respect, integrity, drive, and excellence, and fosters an inclusive workplace that supports talent development and well‑being.

Location & Contract

Location: Leeds, GB
Contract Type: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time
Market: Water
Discipline: Electrical
Job Ref: 13502
Recruiter Contact: Lauren.hutchinson@jnbentley.co.uk