Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer

Full-Time 41600 - 72671 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
National Grid

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead maintenance and improvement of critical energy assets at Viking Link.
  • Company: Join National Grid Ventures, a leader in the energy transition.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Senior Authorised Person status and leadership experience in high-voltage environments.

The predicted salary is between 41600 - 72671 £ per year.

About The Role

Help power the future of energy.

At National Grid Ventures, we're connecting countries, enabling the energy transition and helping create a cleaner, more secure energy future.

Viking Link is the world's longest land and subsea interconnector and plays a critical role in connecting the UK and Denmark's electricity networks.

We're looking for an experienced

Principal Engineer to join our Operations & Maintenance team at Viking Link.

This is a unique opportunity to take a leading role in the safe and efficient operation of one of the UK's most strategically important energy assets.

As a Senior Authorised Person and technical leader, you'll be at the forefront of maintaining and improving the performance of our converter station, cable systems, substation assets and operational technology.

You'll lead critical projects, mentor engineering colleagues and help shape the future of interconnector operations.

Please note: The role is based on site at Vikinglink in Bicker Fen. There is a requirement to live within one hour of the site.

  • What You’ll do
  • As Principal Engineer, You’ll
  • Lead maintenance, fault investigations, refurbishment and commissioning activities across Viking Link assets.
  • Act as a Senior Authorised Person (SAP) and Project Leader, ensuring the highest standards of operational safety.
  • Manage the delivery of key engineering projects and asset improvement initiatives.
  • Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentoring to Engineers, Technicians and Apprentices.
  • Supervise contractors and internal teams, driving excellent safety, environmental and operational performance.
  • Lead outage planning and maintenance delivery to maximise asset availability.
  • Support incident investigations and continuous improvement activities.
  • Represent Viking Link at technical and operational meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Champion a positive safety culture and ensure compliance with operational procedures and standards.
  • What you’ll need
  • Current Senior Authorised Person (SAP) authorisation.
  • Project Leader experience within a high-voltage operational environment.
  • Strong knowledge of HV and LV systems, including electrical and mechanical disciplines.
  • Experience commissioning and decommissioning plant and equipment.
  • Proven leadership experience managing engineers, technicians and contractors.
  • A minimum HNC qualification in an engineering discipline or equivalent.
  • IOSH, NEBOSH or equivalent health and safety qualification.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • The ability to make sound decisions in complex operational environments.
  • A full UK driving licence.
  • It would be great if you also have;
  • Experience within converter stations, transmission, utilities or major infrastructure environments.
  • Commissioning Authorisation.
  • Institute of Asset Management (IAM) certification.
  • Membership of the IET or another relevant professional body.
  • Knowledge of operational technology, protection and control systems, monitoring systems, HVAC or station power systems.
  • What you’ll get
  • A competitive salary between
  • £61,416.00 - £72,671.00
  • dependent on capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.

  • a share incentive plan
  • salary sacrifice car and technology schemes
  • support via employee assistance lines
  • matched charity giving to name a few
  • More Information
  • This role closes on

28th August 2026 at 23:59 , however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates – we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria.

We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system.

As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system.

However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship.

All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

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Principal Engineer employer: National Grid

Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration in the telecoms sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while providing opportunities for professional growth within the dynamic environment of the South West and South Wales. Our supportive culture encourages teamwork and ensures that you play a vital role in delivering secure and resilient communication solutions for the high-voltage electricity network.

National Grid

Contact Details:

National Grid Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer

Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal Engineer role you’re after at National Grid.

Show Off Your Projects!

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Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at National Grid.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Principal Engineer at National Grid, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer

Senior Authorised Person (SAP) authorisation
Project Leadership
High-Voltage (HV) Systems Knowledge
Low-Voltage (LV) Systems Knowledge
Commissioning and Decommissioning Experience
Leadership and Management Skills
HNC Qualification in Engineering or Equivalent

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at National Grid a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to National Grid specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with National Grid, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like National Grid want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.