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- Tasks: Lead the design of high-voltage substation layouts and ensure technical excellence.
- Company: VINCI Building UK is a leader in engineering and design services.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for mentorship, innovation, and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team focused on impactful engineering solutions and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience in HV substation design required.
- Other info: Chartered Engineer status is a plus; remote work options may be available.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
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In brief
ENGINEERING/DESIGN STUDIES/METHODS \”_TS_72b5befa-c026-4c67-aa1d-3569afe46fea Glasgow, Scotland
Principal Design Engineer – Primary
Job Title: Principal Design Engineer – Primary
Location: Glasgow (Hamilton)
Reporting to: Section Lead – Primary
Business Unit: Omexom Design
Purpose of the Position
To lead the design of primary plant layouts and associated engineering for high-voltage (HV) substations, ensuring high technical standards, safety, and efficiency across the full design lifecycle. The Principal Design Engineer will act as a technical authority, supporting project delivery, mentoring design engineers, and ensuring that designs meet client, regulatory, and internal requirements.
Key Responsibilities And Duties
Including but not limited to:
- Technical Leadership Lead the development of substation primary layouts (typically 132kV to 400kV), including busbar arrangements, equipment spacing, plant orientation, and earthing zones.
- Design Delivery Oversee the production of general arrangements, layout plans, sections, cable routing plans, and associated deliverables across FEED, detailed design, and construction stages.
- Client and Stakeholder Interface Liaise directly with clients and internal stakeholders to develop and agree substation layouts in line with technical and operational requirements.
- Standards Compliance Ensure compliance with client specifications, industry standards, and statutory regulations, including ENA TS, NG TS, IEC, BS EN, and CDM 2015.
- Multi-Disciplinary Coordination Collaborate with civil, protection, control, and secondary design teams to ensure coordinated and constructible substation designs.
- Design Assurance Review and approve technical documents and drawings produced by design engineers. Participate in design reviews and hazard identification workshops.
- Mentoring and Development Provide technical guidance and support to junior engineers and graduate designers. Support skill development and technical leadership across the substation primary team.
- Innovation and Continuous Improvement Contribute to the development of internal design tools, processes, and standardisation initiatives. Drive innovation in plant layout optimisation and digital delivery.
- Construction Support Provide technical input during construction, including support for TQs, RFIs, site visits, and redlining of as-built documentation.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications And Experience
- Degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Experience in HV substation primary design, ideally including projects at 132kV to 400kV.
- Strong knowledge of substation equipment and layout design principles, including operational clearances, phase separation, and maintainability.
- Experience producing and reviewing general arrangement drawings, equipment layout plans, and plant positioning documentation.
- Familiarity with design and assurance requirements from clients such as National Grid, SPEN, or SSEN.
- Understanding of applicable UK and international standards (e.g. IEC 61936, NG TS 2.10, ENA TS 41-series).
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and familiarity with design tools such as Revit, BIM 360, or 3D plant layout software.
- Knowledge of CDM regulations and experience incorporating Safety by Design into layouts and access arrangements.
Desirable Attributes
- Chartered Engineer status (e.g. CEng MIET) or working towards professional registration.
- Experience contributing to multi-disciplinary project bids and tender design stages.
- Experience with Digital Twin concepts or integrated digital plant design.
- Understanding of temporary works and constructability considerations for primary plant.
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Seniority level
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
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Design Services
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Principal Design Engineer - Primary employer: VINCI Building UK
Contact Detail:
VINCI Building UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer - Primary
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific standards and regulations mentioned in the job description, such as ENA TS and NG TS. Being able to discuss these in detail during an interview will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to compliance.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the HV substation design field. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may have insights into VINCI Building UK and their hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your experience with AutoCAD and any other design tools mentioned, like Revit or BIM 360. Consider creating a portfolio of your previous work that highlights your skills in producing general arrangement drawings and layout plans.
✨Tip Number 4
Research VINCI Building UK’s recent projects and initiatives in the HV sector. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to tailor your discussions and show genuine interest in contributing to their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer - Primary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in high-voltage substation design. Focus on your technical leadership roles and any specific projects you've worked on that align with the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your qualifications, such as your degree in Electrical Engineering and experience with HV substations. Mention your familiarity with industry standards and your ability to mentor junior engineers.
Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly list your proficiency in AutoCAD and any other design tools like Revit or BIM 360. Provide examples of how you've used these tools in past projects to enhance your application.
Highlight Compliance Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of compliance with client specifications and statutory regulations. Mention any experience you have with ENA TS, NG TS, IEC, and BS EN standards to strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at VINCI Building UK
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Principal Design Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of high-voltage substation design. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, focusing on your role in developing layouts and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that assess your knowledge of relevant regulations and standards, such as ENA TS and IEC. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain how you've applied them in past projects.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
This role involves mentoring junior engineers and leading design teams. Share examples of how you've successfully guided others, resolved conflicts, or improved team performance in previous positions.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Approach
Collaboration with various teams is crucial in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've worked with civil, protection, and control teams to deliver coordinated designs, and provide examples of successful multi-disciplinary projects.
