Principal Design Engineer

Overview
We are seeking a Principal Design Engineer to lead and work within a skilled engineering team delivering transmission substation projects across the UK.

This role focuses on project and tender engineering activities associated with HV substation design and construction.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership across electro-mechanical design, ensuring compliance with customer requirements, legislative standards, and industry best practice.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage all engineering activities from early project engagement through to As-Built stage

Ensure adherence to project specifications, QA/QC processes, HSSE and integrity standards

Act as technical lead on complex EHV/HV AIS & GIS substation projects

Supervise and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams (internal, external, civil, secondary and supplier interfaces)

Manage engineering budgets, schedules, forecasting, risk and change control

Support technical claim management and collaborate with Project/Commercial teams

Develop substation technical solutions including single line diagrams, layouts, detailed drawings and associated documentation

Prepare technical specifications, equipment selection and material specifications

Perform technical calculations and produce equipment schedules for projects and tenders

Prepare bills of quantities, cost estimates, technical deviations and clarifications

Review supplier designs and FAT documentation; attend factory and site testing as required

Support tender development and technical scope documentation

Coordinate interfaces across civil, structural steel, protection & control, auxiliary systems and equipment suppliers

Experience Required

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent)

Proven experience in transmission substation engineering (detailed design, tendering and site support)

Knowledge of SSEN & SPEN standards and requirements

Skills & Competencies

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards

Strong technical expertise in:

Substation layouts & primary design

Grounding & lightning protection design

Steel structure design inputs

Transformers, HV & MV switchgear systems

Load flow & short circuit calculations

CT/VT calculations & auxiliary power systems

Power cables and single line diagrams

Secondary engineering & protection/control systems

Experience with installation & commissioning (advantageous)

Proficient in MS Office; MicroStation and AutoCAD required

Strong communication skills in multi-disciplinary environments

Fluent in English (written and spoken)

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for Principal Design Engineer looking for new employment.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.