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- Tasks: Lead HV Primary Design for substations, guiding a team to create safe, high-quality designs.
- Company: Join a leading power T&D company with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility, optional office visits, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the energy sector while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic role.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering, 10+ years in HV design, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with top UK utility clients and advance your career as a Chartered Engineer.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Remote (with optional offices in Leeds, Newcastle, or Westhill)
Function: Power T&D – Design
Grade: D | Hours: 37.5 per week
Role Overview
Lead the delivery of HV Primary Design for AIS and GIS substations up to 400kV. You will guide a team of engineers to produce safe, compliant, and high-quality designs—working remotely with flexibility to visit offices or sites as needed. Act as a key technical authority supporting design, planning, and project execution.
Key Responsibilities
- Design Leadership
- Oversee substation primary plant design deliverables: SLDs, layouts, earthing, SC force calcs, etc.
- Act as TP137 CDAE / SR188 LCDAE on National Grid and similar projects.
- Ensure all designs meet customer specs, safety (CDM 2015), and industry standards.
- Integrate BIM best practices and manage supplier/subcontractor technical compliance.
- Support Design Managers in leading and mentoring engineers and technicians.
- Manage team workload, review outputs, and contribute to PDRs and training plans.
- Coordinate with civil, protection, cable, and OHL engineering teams.
- Develop and manage Design and Engineering Management Plans (DEMP).
- Track progress, identify risks, and ensure design aligns with project timelines and budgets.
- Support cost estimating, early warnings, and design variation tracking.
- Liaise with internal teams, suppliers, and customers for design clarifications and validations.
- Review equipment specifications, validate supplier offers, and support procurement.
- Lead design reviews, technical close-outs, and support construction/commissioning teams.
Candidate Profile
Qualifications
- Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
- Chartered Engineer or actively working toward it.
- Member of IET (MIET).
Experience
- 10+ years in HV substation primary plant design (up to 400kV).
- Strong background with National Grid or similar UK utility clients.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD, BIM 360, and MS Office tools.
- Knowledge of CDM regulations, design risk assessments, and TP141 certification (preferred).
Personal Attributes
- Clear communicator and confident leader.
- Results-focused with strong problem-solving and planning skills.
- Proactive, adaptable, and committed to safety and quality in design.
If you are interested in the role of Principal Primary Design Engineer, please apply now and we will be in touch shortly.
Primary Principal Design Engineer employer: VGC
Contact Detail:
VGC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Primary Principal Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience with HV substation primary plant design, especially if you've worked on projects for National Grid or similar clients. This will show that you have the relevant background and expertise needed for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest BIM practices and tools like AutoCAD and BIM 360. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas during discussions can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership and mentoring experiences. Since the role involves guiding a team of engineers, showcasing your ability to manage workloads and support team development will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with current trends and regulations in the industry, particularly CDM regulations and design risk assessments. Being knowledgeable about these topics will demonstrate your commitment to safety and compliance in design.
We think you need these skills to ace Primary Principal Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in HV substation primary plant design, particularly any projects involving National Grid or similar clients. Emphasise your technical skills with AutoCAD and BIM 360.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for electrical engineering and your leadership experience. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree in Electrical Engineering and your status as a Chartered Engineer or your progress towards it. Include your membership with IET to demonstrate your commitment to professional standards.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples in your application that showcase your problem-solving abilities and your proactive approach to design challenges. This will resonate well with the role's requirements for a results-focused leader.
How to prepare for a job interview at VGC
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with HV substation primary plant design, especially up to 400kV. Highlight specific projects you've worked on, focusing on your role in ensuring compliance with safety standards and industry regulations.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves guiding a team of engineers, share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Discuss your approach to mentoring and managing workloads, as well as how you handle project challenges.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools
Make sure you can talk confidently about your experience with AutoCAD, BIM 360, and MS Office tools. Be ready to explain how you've used these tools in your previous roles to enhance design processes and project delivery.
✨Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would liaise with clients and suppliers. Prepare to discuss your communication style and provide examples of how you've successfully navigated design clarifications and validations in past projects.
