Lead Design Engineer

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I'm supporting a long-established UK engineering company specialising in power systems and grid infrastructure to recruit a Lead Design Engineer with strong expertise in high-voltage (HV) substation design.

This is a senior, hands-on technical role where you'll lead the design and delivery of complex transmission and distribution (T&D) projects. You'll play a critical role in shaping engineering solutions across AIS and GIS substations, ensuring designs are robust, compliant, and fit for purpose from concept through to commissioning.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the end-to-end design of HV substations (typically 11kV-400kV) across transmission and distribution networks

Deliver detailed design for both AIS (Air Insulated Substations) and GIS (Gas Insulated Substations)

Perform and review busbar design and calculations, including thermal rating, fault level withstand, and mechanical forces

Produce and approve key design deliverables:

Single Line Diagrams (SLDs)

Protection & Control schematics

General Arrangements (GA) and layout drawings

Cable schedules and interconnection diagrams

Undertake primary and secondary design coordination, ensuring full system integration

Carry out power system studies (load flow, short circuit, protection coordination where applicable)

Ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g. IEC, BS EN, National Grid, DNO specifications)

Provide technical leadership, design assurance, and peer review across projects

Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and commissioning activities

Act as a key technical interface with clients, contractors, and equipment suppliers

Requirements:

Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)

Significant experience in HV/EHV substation design within T&D environments

Strong knowledge of:

Substation layouts and equipment (transformers, switchgear, CTs/VTs, circuit breakers)

AIS and GIS technologies

Busbar systems and associated calculations

Protection & control principles

Experience leading design packages or full project lifecycle delivery

Proficiency in engineering design tools (e.g. AutoCAD, EPLAN, or equivalent)

Strong understanding of UK grid codes, safety standards, and industry best practice

Desirable:

Experience with National Grid/DNO projects

Familiarity with IEC 61850 and substation automation systems (SCADA)

Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards

Experience with power system analysis software (e.g. ETAP, DIgSILENT, SKM)

What's on offer

Senior technical leadership role within a specialist engineering business

Opportunity to work on critical UK energy infrastructure projects

Exposure to a wide range of HV substation designs across T&D networks

Flexible/hybrid working environment

Ongoing professional development and support toward chartership

Competitive salary and benefits package

The salary is £60,000 to £80,000 plus benefits and they work to a hybrid model of 3x days per week in the office
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Location:
Newcastle-Under-Lyme
Salary:
£60,000 - £80,000 /annum
Job Type:
FullTime
Category:
Other

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