HV Main Plant Design Engineer | Bellshill

Kirby Group Engineering; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Job summary

Kirby Group Engineering is seeking a highly skilled HV Main Plant Design Engineer to join our engineering team in the UK. You will be responsible for the design and development of high-voltage substation primary plant systems, enabling reliable transmission and distribution of electrical power.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, 5+ years in HV substation primary plant design, and familiarity with AIS/GIS, CAD tools, and UK standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in HV substation primary plant design.
• Solid understanding of AIS and GIS technologies and HV substation layouts.
• Proficiency in CAD software AutoCAD and Primtech.
• Familiarity with UK National Grid, IEC or other relevant standards.
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the primary plant design for high-voltage substations (33kV–400kV).
• Develop design drawings, layouts and technical specifications for busbars, breakers, disconnectors and foundations.
• Produce detailed substation layouts and routing for cables and conduits.
• Coordinate with civil, protection, control and secondary systems teams.
• Support procurement with technical specs and vendor documentation.
• Participate in design reviews and safety/regulatory compliance activities.
• Provide technical support during construction, commissioning and handover.

Skills

Communication

Coordination

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Chartered Engineer status (preferred)

Tools

AutoCAD

Primtech

Job description

• Permanent position available with a considerable portfolio of works for the next 5+ years
• To build your career by assisting in the delivery of ‘leading edge’ engineering projects.
• To work with a vibrant, agile and multi-functional team in delivering projects on time, safely, to budget and to the required quality standards.
• To benefit from Kirby’s Career Development Programmes that will enhance your leadership capability.
• To work with the best.
• Excellent package on offer with room for negotiations

Kirby Group Engineering is an international multi-disciplinary engineering services contractor and leading provider of high-value engineering services to a number of ‘blue chip’ companies. Operating across Ireland, the UK, Europe and South Africa, Kirby has become the engineering service provider of choice in growth segments such as pharmaceuticals, data centres and power transmission and distribution. Our culture is innovative, collaborative and performance focused. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow and develop in a company committed to developing talent and rewarding performance.

About Kirby Group Engineering

Kirby Group Engineering is an international multi-disciplinary engineering services contractor and leading provider of high-value engineering services to a number of ‘blue chip’ companies. Operating across Ireland, the UK and Europe, Kirby has become the engineering service provider of choice in growth segments such as pharmaceuticals, data centres and power transmission and distribution. Our culture is innovative, collaborative and performance focused. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow and develop in a company committed to developing talent and rewarding performance.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled HV Main Plant Design Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for the design and development of high-voltage (HV) substation primary plant systems. Your work will be essential to the successful delivery of substation projects that enable the reliable transmission and distribution of electrical power across the grid.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the primary plant design for high-voltage substations (typically 33kV to 400kV).
• Develop design drawings, layouts, and technical specifications for busbars, circuit breakers, disconnectors, instrument transformers, and associated steelwork and foundations.
• Produce detailed substation layouts including general arrangements, equipment elevations, and cable/conduit routing.
• Coordinate with civil, protection, control, and secondary systems teams to ensure an integrated and accurate design approach.
• Perform technical assessments and feasibility studies during early project phases.
• Support procurement by preparing technical specifications and evaluating vendor documentation.
• Participate in design reviews, HAZID/HAZOP workshops, and ensure designs comply with client specifications, national standards, and safety regulations.
• Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and handover phases.
• Interface with clients, project managers, and stakeholders to ensure clarity and alignment throughout project delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in HV substation primary plant design.
• Solid understanding of the layout and operation of high-voltage substations, including AIS and GIS technologies.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Primtech) and other design tools.
• Familiarity with UK National Grid, IEC, or other relevant standards.
• Strong knowledge of electrical safety, grounding, clearances, and insulation coordination.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it) is preferred.

Additional Information

For more information on this role, or other Construction / Engineering opportunities across Ireland, the UK, Europe, or South Africa please review our careers page (Vacancies - Kirby Group Careers) or contact the Talent Acquisition Team at Kirby Group in confidence on [phone].

Equal Opportunities

Kirby Group Engineering is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age.