Principal Primary Design Engineer
Principal Primary Design Engineer

Principal Primary Design Engineer

Birmingham Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Progressive

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of high-voltage substations and ensure compliance with technical standards.
  • Company: Join SSE, a leader in energy solutions focused on sustainability and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility and opportunities for professional development.
  • Why this job: Be part of impactful projects that shape the future of energy while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering required; experience in high-voltage substation design preferred.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work with cutting-edge digital design tools and contribute to sustainability initiatives.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Job Description

Role Overview:

We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Principal Primary Design Engineer to lead the design and delivery of high-voltage substation projects within the SSE portfolio. This role is critical to ensuring that all primary design outputs meet SSE's technical standards, safety requirements, and project delivery expectations.

(Remote)

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the primary electrical design of HV substations (typically 132kV and above) for SSE projects, including layout development, equipment selection, and integration.
  • Ensure all designs comply with SSE Engineering Governance, including SSE Design Standards, SHE Transmission specifications, and CDM regulations.
  • Produce and review key design deliverables such as:
    • Single Line Diagrams (SLDs)
    • General Arrangement Drawings (GAs)
    • Earthing and Bonding Layouts
    • Cable Routing and Interconnection Diagrams
  • Collaborate closely with SSE project managers, civil engineers, protection & control teams, and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated and efficient design delivery.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers and design teams working on SSE frameworks.
  • Participate in design reviews, HAZID/HAZOP workshops, and technical assurance processes.
  • Support project planning, cost estimation, and risk management from a design perspective.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of SSE's evolving technical requirements, including sustainability and digital engineering initiatives.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

  • Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline (Chartered Engineer status preferred).
  • Significant experience in primary design of high-voltage substations (132kV-400kV), specifically on SSE projects.
  • Strong understanding of SSE's technical standards, governance processes, and design assurance procedures.
  • Proficient in design tools such as AutoCAD, Bentley Substation, or similar.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary design teams and manage interfaces with SSE stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Desirable Skills:

  • Experience with SHE Transmission's digital design platforms and BIM workflows.
  • Knowledge of environmental and sustainability considerations in SSE project delivery.
  • Familiarity with offshore or rural substation design challenges specific to SSE's network.

Please click here to find out more about our Key Information Documents. Please note that the documents provided contain generic information. If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement.

To find out more about Progressive please visit www.progressiverecruitment.com

Progressive Recruitment, a trading division of SThree Partnership LLP is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy | Registered office | 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom | Partnership Number | OC387148 England and Wales

Principal Primary Design Engineer employer: Progressive

At SSE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. As a Principal Primary Design Engineer, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and the flexibility of remote working, all while contributing to impactful high-voltage substation projects that support sustainable energy solutions. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values safety, technical excellence, and environmental stewardship.
Progressive

Contact Detail:

Progressive Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Primary Design Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with SSE's technical standards and governance processes. Understanding these will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to aligning with their expectations.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former SSE employees on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and specific challenges they face, which you can address during your discussions.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on the latest trends in high-voltage substation design and digital engineering initiatives. Being knowledgeable about current technologies and sustainability practices will set you apart as a candidate.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing project interfaces. Highlighting specific examples of successful collaboration will showcase your leadership skills and fit for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Primary Design Engineer

High-Voltage Substation Design
Electrical Engineering
AutoCAD Proficiency
Bentley Substation Expertise
Single Line Diagrams (SLDs) Development
General Arrangement Drawings (GAs) Creation
Earthing and Bonding Layouts Design
Cable Routing and Interconnection Diagrams
Project Management
Technical Leadership
Mentoring Junior Engineers
Design Governance Compliance
HAZID/HAZOP Workshop Participation
Risk Management
Cost Estimation
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of Sustainability in Engineering
Familiarity with BIM Workflows
Understanding of SHE Transmission Specifications

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in high-voltage substation design, particularly focusing on projects similar to those at SSE. Include specific examples of your work with Single Line Diagrams and General Arrangement Drawings.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and detail how your qualifications align with SSE's requirements. Mention your leadership experience and ability to mentor junior engineers, as this is crucial for the position.

Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in design tools like AutoCAD and Bentley Substation. Highlight any experience you have with SHE Transmission’s digital design platforms and BIM workflows, as these are desirable skills for the role.

Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate technical questions related to high-voltage substations and SSE's engineering governance. Be ready to discuss your approach to design challenges and how you ensure compliance with safety and technical standards.

How to prepare for a job interview at Progressive

✨Know Your Technical Standards

Familiarise yourself with SSE's technical standards and governance processes. Be prepared to discuss how your previous experience aligns with these standards, especially in high-voltage substation design.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects and mentored junior engineers in the past.

✨Prepare for Design Reviews

Understand the importance of design reviews and technical assurance processes. Be ready to discuss your approach to participating in HAZID/HAZOP workshops and how you ensure compliance with safety regulations.

✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends

Keep abreast of the latest developments in sustainability and digital engineering initiatives within the industry. Showing that you are proactive about learning can set you apart from other candidates.

Principal Primary Design Engineer
Progressive
Location: Birmingham
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