Lead Electrical Engineer

ABB; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Private medical cover

Cycle to work

Hybrid working

Learning & development

Global career opportunities

Job summary

ABB in the United Kingdom is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to drive high‑voltage substation design (AIS/GIS) and lead major energy projects across renewables, oil, gas and chemicals.

You will act as the Electrical Technical Authority, oversee power system studies, grid code compliance and project risk while mentoring junior engineers. Hybrid working from St Neots or Aberdeen is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards registration.
• 7+ years in electrical engineering with HV substation design experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of eHouse solutions, AIS and GIS substations up to 400kV.
• Act as Electrical Technical Authority across project lifecycle.
• Lead power system studies and ensure grid code and installation compliance.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, clients and suppliers.
• Mentor junior engineers and support client relations.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Leadership

HV substations

AIS/GIS

Design software

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Power system study software

Electrical design tools

Job description

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

This position reports to:

Engineering Section Manager

We are seeking an experienced Lead Electrical Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in high-voltage substation design, including both air-insulated (AIS) and gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). This role requires a deep understanding of electrical engineering principles and the ability to lead complex projects from conception through to completion.

As a Lead Electrical Engineer within Process Automation Energy Industries, you will have the opportunity to act as the technical lead on projects within a dynamic team covering a wide variety of industries, including renewables (wind, hydrogen and hydro), oil, gas and chemicals, and Power-to-X.

Each day, you will ensure activities related to all engineering disciplines within your area of responsibility are executed in an efficient and cost-effective manner. You will also showcase your expertise by acting as a design authority for the electrical engineering discipline.

Our Team Dynamics

Our teams support each other, collaborate openly and never stop learning. Everyone brings something unique, and together we solve complex engineering challenges that help our customers improve performance, reliability and sustainability. By joining ABB, you will play a key role in delivering innovative energy solutions that support the global energy transition.

What's in it for you?

At ABB, you'll be empowered to grow professionally while working on technically challenging and meaningful projects. You'll collaborate with industry-leading experts, contribute to innovative technologies, and help shape the future of energy infrastructure across a range of sectors.

Your Role And Responsibilities

In this role, you'll help run what runs the world by providing technical leadership and delivering high-quality electrical engineering solutions across major energy projects.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Leading the design and implementation of eHouse solutions, substations, MV/HV/EHV AIS and GIS switchgear systems (up to 400kV), transformers and protection systems.
• Acting as the Electrical Technical Authority, providing technical leadership, expertise and support throughout all project phases.
• Leading power system studies and ensuring grid code compliance, installation compliance and successful integration of electrical systems.
• Managing technical deliverables, project risks, schedules and stakeholder interfaces to support successful project execution.
• Preparing, reviewing and approving engineering reports, specifications, calculations and project documentation.
• Conducting HAZOP, EHAZOP and technical risk assessments, developing and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
• Coordinating with multidisciplinary engineering teams, clients, contractors and suppliers to deliver integrated engineering solutions.
• Mentoring and developing junior engineers while supporting client relationship management and business development activities.

Work model: Hybrid () from either our St Neots or Aberdeen locations

Qualifications For The Role

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status, or actively working towards professional registration.
• Significant experience within the energy sector, particularly power generation, transmission or distribution.
• Minimum of 7 years' experience in electrical engineering, including substantial experience in high-voltage substation design.
• Strong knowledge of MV, HV and EHV systems, including AIS and GIS substations.
• Proficiency with electrical engineering design software, power system studies and associated engineering tools.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative and solution-focused approach.
• Excellent planning, prioritisation and commercial awareness skills within a project delivery environment.

Benefits

ABB offers a comprehensive range of benefits to support your wellbeing, professional development and work-life balance, including:

• Competitive salary and annual incentive opportunity.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Competitive contributory pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Flexible benefits scheme, including options such as private medical cover, dental insurance, health assessments, cycle to work scheme and technology purchase programmes.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Learning and development opportunities, mentoring and career progression within a global organisation.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Employee referral programme.
• Generous bonus scheme.

For the sixth consecutive year, ABB in the UK has been recognised as a Top Employer, demonstrating our commitment to creating an environment where our people can thrive and develop their careers.

More About Us

The Energy Industries Division serves a wide range of industrial sectors, including hydrocarbons, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, power generation and water. With its integrated solutions that automate, digitalize and electrify operations, the Division is committed to supporting traditional industries in their efforts to decarbonize. The Division also supports the development, integration and scaling up of new and renewable energy models. The Division’s goal is to help customers adapt and succeed in the rapidly changing global energy transition. Harnessing data, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), the Division brings over 50 years of domain expertise delivering solutions designed to improve energy, process and production efficiency, as well as reduce risk, operational cost and capital cost, while minimizing waste for customers, from project start-up and throughout the entire plant lifecycle.

Join us. Be part of the team where expertise makes a real difference every day.

Run What Runs the World.

#RunWithABB

Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.