At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative engineering solutions for high-voltage transmission projects.
- Company: Join a major utility driving the UK's energy future.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, accommodation support, and hybrid work model.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's net zero ambitions and grid resilience.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer or working towards it, with expertise in substation engineering.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
Job Title: Lead Design Engineer
Location: Glasgow, UK – Hybrid (2 days every 2 weeks in Glasgow)
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Posted by: Spencer Ogden
12m contract starting ASAP – Inside IR35
Day rate: £600 – £640 per day worked inside IR35 – plus client will help with accommodation costs while in Glasgow.
Lead the Future of Energy – Join a Key Player in Power Transmission
Spencer Ogden is proud to partner with a major utility to support their ongoing investment in the UK’s high-voltage transmission network. We are seeking an experienced Lead Design Engineer based in Glasgow to play a pivotal role in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects across 33kV to 400kV.
This is a fantastic opportunity to take technical ownership of complex electrical design work—from initial feasibility to detailed design—supporting the UK\’s net zero ambitions and future grid resilience.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Lead Design Engineer, you will:
- Deliver innovative engineering solutions across the full project lifecycle
- Lead technical design for transmission substations (132kV and above) including switchgear, transformers, and ancillary equipment
- Review and assess engineering documentation for feasibility, technical compliance, and regulatory alignment
- Define plant and equipment specifications for project development, procurement, and authorisation
- Lead tender evaluations and provide technical recommendations to clients
- Provide engineering support throughout construction and commissioning phases
- Ensure design compliance with CDM regulations, safety standards, and operational policies
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and provide input into national and international engineering standards
What We’re Looking For
✔ Chartered Engineer (or actively working towards chartership)
✔ Degree-qualified in electrical engineering or equivalent experience
✔ Expert knowledge of substation and plant engineering (33kV–400kV)
✔ Familiar with Transmission Network Operator design standards and health & safety regulations
✔ Proficient in AutoCAD, MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
✔ Experience with tender assessment and detailed design documentation
✔ Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
Lead Design Engineer 132KV - 400KV employer: Spencer Ogden
Contact Detail:
Spencer Ogden Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Design Engineer 132KV - 400KV
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Lead Design Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and project experiences. We recommend practising common interview questions related to electrical design and safety standards so you can showcase your expertise confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from the conversation to show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that job! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to employers looking for someone just like you.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Design Engineer 132KV - 400KV
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience with high-voltage transmission projects and any relevant technical skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about power transmission and how your expertise can contribute to our net zero ambitions. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your technical skills, especially in areas like AutoCAD and substation engineering. We’re keen to see how you’ve applied these skills in past projects, so give us some solid examples!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spencer Ogden
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of high-voltage transmission systems, especially the specifics around 132kV to 400kV. Be ready to discuss your previous projects and how they relate to the role, as well as any relevant engineering standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Design Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed design processes or led multidisciplinary teams in the past. Highlight your experience with tender evaluations and technical recommendations.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions about electrical design, compliance with CDM regulations, and safety standards. Practise articulating your thought process when solving complex engineering problems, as this will show your analytical skills and expertise.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's projects, their approach to net zero ambitions, and how they support their engineers' professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.