Lead Primary Engineer

Progressive Recruitment; Gayton; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks a Primary Design Engineer specializing in high voltage substations (132kV-400kV). This hybrid position in Staffordshire involves leading design activities, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The ideal candidate has a degree in Electrical Engineering and proven experience in substation design. Proficiency in CAD tools and understanding of IEC standards is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in high-voltage substation design (AIS/GIS up to 420kV).
• Strong understanding of IEC standards and other international codes.
• Effective communicator and team collaborator across engineering disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead primary design activities for AIS and GIS substations up to 420kV.
• Produce and review primary layouts, including structure designs and grounding systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive project delivery.

Skills

High-voltage substation design

CAD tools proficiency (AutoCAD, Revit)

IEC standards knowledge

Grounding systems understanding

BIM experience

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Overview

Primary Design Engineer - High Voltage Substations (132kV-400kV)

Location: Hybrid - Staffordshire Office

Employment Type: Inside IR35 Contract

Responsibilities

• Lead the primary design activities for AIS and GIS substations up to 420kV.
• Produce and review primary layouts, including structure designs and grounding systems.
• Participate in project safety reviews and ensure designs meet safety and regulatory standards.
• Interface with internal teams and external suppliers, including protection and control (P&C) vendors.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (civil, secondary, protection) to ensure cohesive project delivery.
• Validate back-office designs and ensure alignment with project specifications.
• Support BIM workflows and contribute to digital design integration.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in high-voltage substation design (AIS/GIS up to 420kV).
• Proficiency in CAD tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of IEC standards and other international codes.
• Solid knowledge of grounding systems, busbar configurations, and layout optimization.
• Demonstrated experience with BIM in substation design workflows.
• Effective communicator and team collaborator across engineering disciplines.

Additional Information

• Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of National Grid specifications.
• Familiarity with protection relays from GE, Siemens, and Hitachi.
• TP141 certification is advantageous.
• HVDC experience is a plus.

Please note that the documents provided contain generic information. If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement.