Commissioning Engineer

Hunter Philips Executive Search; Greater London; On-site; GBP 129,150 - 166,050; Full time

Job summary

Hunter Philips Executive Search is seeking a 132kV Lead Commissioning Engineer for a major Data Centre infrastructure project in London. You will lead commissioning activities on the 132kV/33kV installation and coordinate with UKPN teams.

The role starts mid-September 2026 on a 12-month contract, with Monday to Friday 10-hour days, and is an outside IR35 opportunity. UKPN authorisations are not required for this assignment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience commissioning 132kV substations.
• Strong HV commissioning background.
• Experience leading commissioning teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management.
• Capable of managing documentation and energisation.
• UKPN authorisations not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead all commissioning activities on 132kV/33kV installation.
• Manage commissioning programmes, procedures and ITPs.
• Coordinate testing of transformers, switchgear, protection and control.
• Witness factory and site testing activities.
• Interface with UKPN commissioning teams.
• Deliver commissioning safely and to programme.
• Support energisation and handover.

Job description

132kV 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 IR35

We'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.

• DataCentre/UKPN 132kV Substation Project
• London, England, UK
• Mid-September 2026 Start
• 12-Month Contract

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

Requirements:

• Lead Commissioning Engineer with proven experience commissioning 132kV substations
• Strong background in HV commissioning of transformers, switchgear and protection systems
• Experience leading commissioning teams on major infrastructure or utility projects is beneficial
• Excellent stakeholder management and interface coordination skills
• Ability to manage commissioning documentation, testing and energisation activities
• UKPN authorisations are not required.