Primary Design Engineer (CDAE)

Vallum Associates; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking an experienced electrical design professional to lead the engineering development of high-voltage infrastructure (up to 400kV). Responsibilities include managing detailed electrical designs for HV substations and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience and knowledge of UK transmission operator standards, along with proficiency in engineering software.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in HV substation systems design.
• Knowledge of UK transmission operator technical standards.
• Membership in a relevant professional institution (e.g., IET).

Responsibilities

• Manage detailed electrical designs for HV substations.
• Oversee production and validation of design outputs.
• Fulfil design authority obligations under CDM 2015.

Skills

High-voltage design expertise

Team coordination

Regulatory compliance

AutoCAD proficiency

Digital design platforms experience

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional registration (e.g., CEng)

Tools

BIM 360

Engineering and drafting software

Job description

Job description

(Hybrid)

Overview:

We’re looking for an experienced electrical design professional to lead the engineering development of high-voltage infrastructure (up to 400kV), focusing on substation schemes. This role involves overseeing technical outputs, reviewing critical documentation, supporting team coordination, and ensuring adherence to client specifications and regulatory frameworks.

Role Responsibilities:

• Manage and deliver detailed electrical designs for HV substations, ensuring conformity with statutory regulations and project-specific performance criteria.

• Oversee the production and validation of essential design outputs such as system schematics, general arrangements, earthing models, and short-circuit force calculations.

• Review and authorise design packages as a formally appointed approver under relevant client-side design governance procedures.

• Fulfil design authority obligations under CDM 2015 regulations, including representation as Principal Designer when required.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Degree-qualified in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent discipline); professional registration (e.g., CEng) or in progress.

• Membership in a relevant professional institution (e.g., IET).

• Substantial experience (10+ years) in the design and development of HV substation systems, including AIS and GIS configurations up to 400kV.

• Working knowledge of HV equipment specification, layout optimisation, and system performance requirements.

• Understanding of UK transmission operator technical standards (e.g., those applicable to Grid) and contractor approval procedures.

• Proficiency with engineering and drafting software (e.g., AutoCAD) and standard design tools for electrical system analysis.

• Familiarity with collaborative digital design platforms such as BIM 360 is advantageous.