At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of electricity networks with innovative EHV connection solutions.
- Company: Join Northern Powergrid, powering 8 million lives across the North East and Yorkshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, flexi-time, and a paid volunteering day.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong mentorship and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major projects while driving a low-carbon, digital future.
- Qualifications: HNC in Electrical Engineering or equivalent; experience in connections process preferred.
The predicted salary is between 53711 - 73451 € per year.
Do you want to help shape the electricity network of the future? Northern Powergrid powers everyday life for 8 million people across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire. We are transforming our electricity distribution network to become smarter, more flexible and more resilient - enabling decarbonisation, economic growth and the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure.
As an Engineer - Connections Business Development, you will develop technically robust and commercially sound EHV connection solutions for major customers and strategic national projects. You will play a central role in strengthening network capability and supporting the future growth of the Northern Powergrid licence areas. We are seeking driven individuals with a passion for engineering, innovation and enabling a low‑carbon, digital future.
Along with a competitive salary of between £53,711 up to £73,451, we also offer great benefits such as:
- 25 days annual leave (rising with service) + bank holidays
- Competency based structured pay progression within the specified salary range
- One paid volunteering day each year to support a local community, environmental or social initiative during work time
- Flexi-time
- Eye Care and Safety vouchers
- Loyal Service Awards
- Opportunity to work on nationally significant digital‑infrastructure and energy‑system projects.
- A collaborative, forward‑thinking engineering and commercial environment
- Support from experienced mentors and technical specialists.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the full EHV customer journey from initial enquiry to final connection, delivering a high quality, customer focused experience.
- Act as the primary technical and commercial interface for AI, data centres, industrial, renewable and public sector major connection schemes.
- Develop safe, viable and cost effective EHV engineering solutions by interpreting detailed technical, capacity, security and operability requirements.
- Integrate technical, commercial and regulatory considerations to ensure balanced engineering decisions that meet customer needs and system constraints.
- Produce accurate, compliant connection offers by applying DUoS, cost apportionment, contestable scope rules and relevant Ofgem aligned charging methodologies.
- Identify, assess and communicate commercial and technical risks arising from engineering design choices, reinforcement drivers or policy changes.
- Support delivery of nationally significant projects (AI, data centres, industrial and public sector), ensuring alignment with UK capacity, resilience and digital infrastructure priorities.
- Build strong working relationships with customers, ICPs, IDNOs, consultants, contractors, regulators, planners and internal NPg teams.
- Represent NPg in technical and commercial forums, including Government departments, local authorities and industry partners, providing clear and professional communication.
- Prepare high quality engineering reports, commercial analyses and senior level presentations to support internal decision making and customer engagement.
- Ensure strict compliance with standards and regulations, including NPg Engineering Standards, ENA TS, ESQCR, CDM Regulations and internal governance controls.
- Drive continuous improvement and support project delivery routines, including financial governance, closure activities and consistent delivery of safe, resilient and future proof connection solutions.
- First class written and spoken communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical and commercial information.
- Proven ability to produce high quality documentation suitable for commercial, regulatory and engineering environments.
- Ability to establish, build and maintain exceptional customer relationships, ensuring trust and long term engagement.
- Demonstrate strong oversight to ensure timely issue resolution and effective management of escalated complaints, supported by sound, evidence based decision making that balances technical, commercial, and operational considerations.
- Effective team working skills, collaborating confidently across multidisciplinary engineering, commercial and project delivery teams.
- Experience managing engineering deliverables and tracking key project milestones.
- Previous experience of the connections process and awareness of queue management rules (CUSC, licence conditions, CCCM etc).
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- HNC in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
- Full UK driving licence
- Sound commercial judgement
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- A recognised engineering qualification (HNC/HND, BEng/BSc, MEng/MSc) in Electrical, Electronic or a related Mechanical discipline, with experience across transmission or distribution networks, EHV design, or regulated‑energy environments.
- Industry exposure working with ICPs, IDNOs or major industrial/data‑centre customers, supported by strong commercial judgement and an understanding of regulation, legal considerations and contract requirements.
- Technical capability in electrical‑design engineering, supported by familiarity with power‑system modelling tools (such as IPSA, DigSILENT or PSS/E) and solid data‑analytics/visualisation skills.
- Confident customer‑relationship management, along with effective project or programme‑management experience.
Applicants are considered on the basis of their suitability for the post irrespective of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender re‑assignment, race, age or disability, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Major Connections Engineer – EHV Networks employer: Northern Powergrid
At Northern Powergrid, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and opportunities for professional growth while contributing to nationally significant projects that shape the future of energy distribution. Located in Sunderland or Castleford, our team enjoys a supportive environment with experienced mentors, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to community engagement through paid volunteering days.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Major Connections Engineer – EHV Networks
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and local meetups to connect with professionals in the EHV networks field. Don't be shy—introduce yourself and share your passion for engineering and innovation!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Northern Powergrid and their projects. Understand their vision for a low-carbon future and think about how your skills can contribute. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your technical skills! Bring examples of your previous work or projects that demonstrate your ability to develop robust EHV connection solutions. Visual aids can really help make your case during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Northern Powergrid team and contributing to their exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Major Connections Engineer – EHV Networks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Major Connections Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in EHV design and connections processes, and show us how your skills align with our mission to shape the electricity network of the future.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical prowess! Include specific examples of projects where you've developed engineering solutions or managed deliverables. Mention any familiarity with power-system modelling tools, as this will definitely catch our eye.
Communicate Clearly:First-class communication is key for this role. Ensure your written application is clear and professional. Use straightforward language to articulate your technical and commercial insights, as we value clarity in our team interactions.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Northern Powergrid!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Powergrid
✨Know Your EHV Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Extra High Voltage (EHV) systems. Understand the technical requirements and challenges associated with EHV connections, as well as the regulatory frameworks that govern them. This will show your potential employer that you're not just interested in the role, but that you have a solid grasp of the technical aspects involved.
✨Showcase Your Customer Focus
Since this role involves leading the customer journey, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed customer relationships in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve gone above and beyond to meet customer needs, especially in technical or engineering contexts. Highlighting your ability to communicate complex information clearly will also be a plus.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face questions that test your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Review common scenarios related to EHV connections and think through how you would approach them. Being able to articulate your thought process will demonstrate your analytical skills and your ability to make sound engineering decisions under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
This position requires effective teamwork across various disciplines. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with different teams in previous roles. Discuss any experience you have working with stakeholders like ICPs or IDNOs, and how you’ve navigated challenges in a multidisciplinary environment. This will show that you can thrive in a collaborative setting.
