132kV Commissioning Engineer

Hunter Philips; Greater London; On-site; GBP 101,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Hunter Philips Executive Search is seeking a 132kV Lead Commissioning Engineer for a Data Centre/UKPN 132kV Substation project in London. You will lead commissioning activities for the 132kV/33kV installation and coordinate with UKPN to ensure timely progress.

The role manages commissioning programmes, testing, energisation, and handover, with a 12-month contract and a mid-September 2026 start. On-site, Monday–Friday, 10-hour days; Outside IR35; excellent day rate.

Qualifications

• Lead commissioning engineer with proven experience commissioning 132kV substations.
• Strong HV commissioning of transformers, switchgear and protection systems.
• Experience leading commissioning teams on major infrastructure or utility projects.
• Excellent stakeholder management and interface coordination skills.
• Ability to manage commissioning documentation, testing and energisation activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead all commissioning activities on the client’s 132kV/33kV installation.
• Manage commissioning programmes, procedures and ITPs.
• Coordinate testing of transformers, switchgear, protection and control systems.
• Witness factory and site testing activities.
• Interface with UKPN commissioning teams throughout the grid connection programme.
• Ensure commissioning activities are delivered safely, efficiently and to programme.
• Support energisation and final handover.

Skills

132kV substations

HV commissioning

Transformers testing

Protection systems

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Job description

Job Ref: HP-3009London, United KingdomCompetitiveContract132kV Lead Commissioning Engineer - Data Centre/UKPN 132kV Substation Project - London, England, UK - £Excellent Day Rate - 12 Month Contract - Mid September Start Date - Monday to Friday (10 Hour Days) - Outside IR35We're currently supporting a leading high-voltage engineering contractor in the appointment of an experienced 132kV Lead Commissioning Engineer, in the appointment of an experienced 132kV Lead Commissioning Engineer for a major Data Centre infrastructure project in London. This is an opportunity to lead commissioning activities on a significant HV installation while interfacing with UKPN on the associated 132kV grid connection.The associated 132kV grid connection will be commissioned by UKPN, so UKPN authorisations are not required for this role.Key Details:Data Centre/UKPN 132kV Substation ProjectLondon, England, UKMid-September 2026 Start12-Month ContractMonday-Friday (10-hour days)Excellent Day Rate (Outside IR35)Responsibilities:Lead all commissioning activities on the client's 132kV/33kV installationManage commissioning programmes, procedures and ITPsCoordinate testing of transformers, switchgear, protection and control systemsWitness factory and site testing activitiesInterface with UKPN commissioning teams throughout the grid connection programmeEnsure commissioning activities are delivered safely, efficiently and to programmeSupport energisation and final handoverRequirements:Lead Commissioning Engineer with proven experience commissioning 132kV substationsStrong background in HV commissioning of transformers, switchgear and protection systemsExperience leading commissioning teams on major infrastructure or utility projects is beneficialExcellent stakeholder management and interface coordination skillsAbility to manage commissioning documentation, testing and energisation activitiesUKPN authorisations are not required.Interested? If you're an experienced 132kV Lead Commissioning Engineer looking for your next long-term contract, I'd be delighted to discuss the opportunity in confidence. Apply today or contact me directly for further information.Cian McLoughlinPrincipal Recruitment ConsultantHunter Philips Executive SearchLandline: [phone]Mobile: [phone]Email: [e-mail]: linkedin.com/in/cian-mcloughlin-628a72258Web: http://hunterphilips.com/Cian McloughlinRecruitment Consultant+44 161 240 [e-mail]