Lead Design Engineer

AWC STAFF SERVICES LTD; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking an experienced engineer specializing in high-voltage protection and control systems. You will oversee the full design process and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the efficient delivery of projects. With a degree in Electrical Engineering and over 8 years of relevant experience, you will have a significant impact on the UK’s energy infrastructure. The company offers a competitive benefits package, including a company car, private health care, and generous annual leave.

Benefits

Company car and fuel card

Private health care

Discretionary bonus scheme

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• 8+ years in electrical design, with 4+ years on UK transmission projects.
• Deep knowledge of HV substations (132kV–400kV) and UK standards.
• Hands-on experience with protection relays, CT / VT sizing, and AC / DC drawings.

Responsibilities

• Own the full P&C design process from concept to construction-ready.
• Collaborate with HV plant, cables, civils, and project managers.
• Plan resources and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

High-voltage protection and control systems

Electrical design

Collaboration

Leadership

Safety mindset

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering or similar

Tools

ETAP

DIgSILENT

IEC 61850

DNP3

Modbus

Job description

Our client are enabling the energy essential to support our lives. We provide an end-to-end service, delivering solutions in electricity transmission, distribution, renewable energy, EV, metering and home decarbonisation. They design, build and commission substations at voltages up to and including 400kV. Their teams construct and maintain transmission lines and substations, ensuring the efficient and reliable delivery of electricity.

They are looking for an experienced engineer to help shape the future of the UK’s energy infrastructure. If you have a strong background in high-voltage protection and control systems, and enjoy working on complex, multidisciplinary projects, this could be your next big move!

What You’ll Be Doing

• Own the full P&C design process - from concept to construction-ready.
• Collaborate with HV plant, cables, civils, and project managers to streamline delivery.
• Build strong relationships with clients and internal teams.
• Plan resources and mentor junior engineers.
• Ensure designs meet quality standards and client expectations.
• Create and review tender specs, AC / DC schematics, and protection diagrams.
• Approve detailed drawings and third-party designs.
• Specify relays, CTs, VTs, and other key equipment.
• Run protection grading studies and generate relay settings.
• Support commissioning plans and attend panel meetings.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Electrical Engineering (or similar).
• 8+ years in electrical design, with 4+ years on UK transmission projects (NGET, SSEN).
• Deep knowledge of HV substations (132kV–400kV) and UK standards.
• Hands‑on experience with protection relays, CT / VT sizing, and AC / DC drawings.
• Skilled in ETAP, DIgSILENT, and familiar with IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus.
• Strong leadership, safety mindset, and attention to detail.
• Able to juggle multiple projects and thrive in a team environment.

Want to work on impactful projects and grow your expertise in a fast‑moving sector? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

What’s in it for you?

• They offer a range of benefits designed to support your life in and out of work, some of which include;
• Company car and fuel card with a range of EV and hybrid vehicles to choose from
• My Car Choice our salary sacrifice EV / Hybrid car scheme Company van / vehicle and fuel card for business use
• Private health care and health care cash plan
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Recommend a friend – get rewarded for introducing people to us