Lead Design Engineer - Substation Auxiliary Systems

Scottishpower; Cambuslang; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Pension scheme

Private medical

Employee discounts

Cycle to work

Healthcare options

Job summary

SP Energy Networks, part of the ScottishPower group, is recruiting a Lead Design Engineer to guide the development and delivery of Substation Auxiliary Power Systems across Scotland's transmission network. The role is based in Cambuslang with a hybrid pattern and involves leading design, calculations, and technical standards for critical assets worth tens of millions.

You will work within the Main Plant Design team, shaping technical specifications, coordinating with internal and external

Qualifications

• Degree or HND in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• 10+ years electrical engineering experience, with at least 5 years in electricity transmission or similar utility infrastructure.
• UK experience, ideally with a TO or EPC contractor on UK projects.
• Expert knowledge of 33kV to 400kV substation projects from concept through commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Define technical requirements and shape system construction documentation for substation auxiliary systems.
• Design and specify LVAC distribution, standby diesel generators, and building electrical services.
• Prepare design calculations including load, cable sizing, voltage drop, short‑circuit, and protection studies.
• Assess submissions and approve designs internally and by external design partners.
• Support construction, testing, and commissioning while resolving on-site technical issues.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Power system studies

Project leadership

UK experience

Technical communication

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

HND in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Trimble Electrical Designer

ETAP

DIALux

Job description

Lead Design Engineer - Substation Auxiliary Systems Location - Cambuslang Office (with hybrid working pattern) Salary from £63,200 - £79,000 + extensive benefits package Full-time | Permanent – 37 hours per week Closing date – 24th September 2026

Help us create a better future, quicker! At SP Energy Networks, we're helping shape the future of energy. As we deliver one of the UK's largest electricity network transformation programmes, investing over £12bn in our transmission infrastructure over the next five years, we're creating the network that will power Scotland's journey to Net Zero and support generations to come. To help drive this transformation, we're looking for a skilled Lead Design Engineer to lead the development and delivery of Substation Auxiliary Power Systems across our transmission network.

Joining our Main Plant Design team, you'll play a pivotal role in delivering major infrastructure projects worth in excess of £75m, providing technical expertise throughout the project lifecycle.

You'll be responsible for developing detailed engineering designs, calculations, specifications and technical standards covering auxiliary AC power systems, standby generation, building electrical services and associated infrastructure, ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient operation of critical network assets that keep electricity flowing to homes, businesses and communities across Scotland.

What you'll be doing

• Define technical requirements - Shape System Construction Authorisation documents, project specifications, and procurement documentation for substation auxiliary systems
• Design and specify - Prepare detailed engineering specifications and designs for LVAC distribution systems, standby diesel generators, AC and DC distribution boards, marshalling kiosks, building electrical services, and lighting systems
• Calculate and validate - Prepare, review, and approve design calculations including load assessments, cable sizing, voltage drop studies, short‑circuit calculations, LV protection coordination studies, and lighting studies
• Assess and approve - Undertake technical assessment of submissions and provide oversight and approval of designs produced both internally and by external design partners
• Resolve technical issues - Support construction, testing, and commissioning activities while taking the initiative to resolve technical issues that arise on site
• Ensure compliance - Work across multi‑disciplinary engineering teams to ensure all designs, equipment, and components meet current legislation, policies, and operational requirements
• Develop capability - Contribute to training needs assessment and help develop technical, operational, and safety packages for new equipment
• Drive innovation - Stay ahead of technological advances and industry best practice, evaluating innovative ideas and alternative methods to deliver cost savings, improved efficiencies, and enhanced safety outcomes

What you'll bring Essential qualifications and experience:

• Degree or HND in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
• 10+ years of electrical engineering experience, with at least 5 years in electricity transmission, distribution, or similar utility infrastructure
• UK experience, ideally gained with a TO or EPC contractor working on UK projects
• Expert knowledge of 33kV to 400kV substation projects from concept through to commissioning

Technical expertise you'll have:

• Deep knowledge in auxiliary AC distribution systems, standby generation systems, low voltage power distribution, building electrical services, and lighting design
• Proficiency in power system studies, calculations, and power quality engineering
• Strong working knowledge of Trimble Electrical Designer, ETAP, and DIALux software
• Solid working knowledge of BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition), earthing systems, and low voltage power systems evaluation
• Experience with auxiliary power systems equipment, CDM and Health & Safety best practice in design environments
• Knowledge of battery technologies including Lead Acid and Lithium-ion applications
• Familiarity with operational resilience requirements for critical infrastructure power supplies
• Track record of implementing new technologies and engineering solutions to reduce project lifetime costs

Skills that will make you successful:

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to form effective working relationships across departments and businesses
• Capability to investigate and gain familiarity with technical characteristics of substation plant and associated equipment
• Strong planning and organisational skills to coordinate work across multiple complex, high‑value transmission projects
• Ability to engage in planning tasks from strategic capital investment level down to day‑to‑day coordination
• Required: UK driving licence
• Desirable: Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards it
• Membership of IET or equivalent professional institution
• Working knowledge of ENA TS 50-18, 50-19, and other relevant standards

What's in it for you

As well as an attractive salary which is reviewed annually, you can also enjoy a number of other benefits. With our pension scheme, we'll double match your contribution up to a company contribution of 10%. At ScottishPower, we believe it's the little things we do in life that make a big difference. From helping you look after your family's wellbeing, save for your future and take personal steps for climate action -- our benefits are designed to help you do just that - so that you have everything you need to take care of your world -- today and tomorrow.

Benefits include:

• 36 days annual leave
• Holiday Purchase - perfect your work/life balance with extra annual leave
• Equity Plans
• Payroll Giving and Charity Matched Funding
• Technology Vouchers - save more and spread the cost of your technology purchases
• Electric Vehicle Schemes - to help you transition to green/clean driving
• Cycle to Work scheme and Public Transport Season Ticket Loans
• Healthcare benefit options including: Dental Insurance, Private Medical Insurance, Health Cash Plan and annual Health Assessments
• Life Assurance (4x salary)
• Access to Savesmart financial wellbeing assistance
• Plus shopping, leisure, restaurant and gym discounts, and unique employee deals on travel insurance and more

Why SP Energy Networks

SP Energy Networks is part of the Iberdrola Group, one of the world's largest integrated utility companies and a world authority in wind energy. We keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses through Central and Southern Scotland, North Wales and in the North West of England. We operate over 4000km of cables and lines that make-up the transmission network - linking infrastructure like wind farms into the electricity system. It's a role that puts us right at the heart of Scotland's goal to be Net Zero by 2044. And we're taking it very seriously. We're investing £12 billion into our transmission network, directly enabling the rapid growth needed in renewable energy. With diverse opportunities across our businesses and a focus on investing in our own internal talent, ScottishPower can offer people real career opportunities that meet personal and professional goals, in a global organisation.

Inclusion, diversity, and a social purpose are at the heart of everything we do.

These values, along with our clear standards, bring us into a stronger, more sustainable business with direct links to the communities we serve.

It takes all types of people to build a large-scale business like ours, so whatever your background, you'll fit right in.

We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments or accommodations in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long term conditions, mental health conditions, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy‑related accommodations. If you need assistance, please reach out to [e-mail].

Mobility

Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country. If/when required, the Company will support the employee with the necessary Immigration requirements.

IMPORTANT Advert will close at 23:59 GMT the day before Job Posting End Date below September-24-2026.

We are one of the main energy companies in the world, a leader in renewables, which champions the energy transition towards a low-emissions economy. We supply energy to nearly 100 million people in dozens of countries and develops its renewable, network and commercial activities in Europe (Spain, the United Kingdom, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy and Greece), the United States, Brazil and Australia and maintains markets such as Japan and Poland, among others, as growth platforms.

Do you want to be part of the energy of the future?