Primary Design Engineer - Senior / Associate / Director (Energy)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Wellbeing program

Gymflex and health support

Flexible hours

Training and chartership opportunities

Job summary

WSP is expanding its Primary Substation capability in the UK and Ireland, seeking Engineers, Senior Engineers, Associates and Associate Directors to design HV/EHV substations from 11 kV up to 132 kV as part of nationally significant projects like the Great Grid Upgrade.

You will produce design drawings, write technical specs, review supplier designs, and ensure adherence to safety, efficiency and client requirements across projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification: HNC Electrical Engineering.
• Exposure to substation cable design, protection and control.
• Experience of small, medium and technically complex new substation, retrofit or network reinforcement projects.
• Proven experience in HV and EHV substation design (AIS & GIS) from 11 kV up to and including 132 kV.
• Knowledge of engineering standards and technical policies for HV and EHV plant, substations (including earthing and electrical clearances).
• Ability to interpret technical documentation relating to the design of electrical substations.
• Experience in design cost estimation.
• Ability to travel as per project needs.

Responsibilities

• Produce a comprehensive suite of design drawings for Grid and Primary substations.
• Prepare technical specifications for electrical plant and provide associated electrical designs for substation upgrades and new substation projects from 11 kV up to and including 132 kV.
• Produce substation design feasibility reports, cost estimates, layouts, GA’s, and plant specifications that include transformers, switchgear and battery systems.
• Review designs produced by suppliers and clients to ensure technical compliance and alignment with current legislation and policies.
• Ensure designs are delivered in accordance with the contract to the satisfaction of the client and the specifications.
• Undertake the role of CDM Designer and/or Principal Designer for developed HV and EHV projects.
• Identify, communicate and manage relevant health and safety risks and hazards.
• Attend site meetings to support any design or requirement changes during project build.
• Align project design works with programme, quality and margin targets.
• Actively develop external and internal client relationships.
• Demonstrate experience of HV and EHV plant specification up to 132 kV, design, load calculations and rating studies.
• Prepare specifications for HV and EHV substation equipment, including evaluation and identification of plant accessories such as CTs, battery systems and terminations.

Skills

HV & EHV substation design

Design drawings

Project coordination

CDM Designer knowledge

Stakeholder management

Education

HNC Electrical Engineering

Job description

Job Overview

WSP is at the forefront of delivering the next generation of electricity network infrastructure. We are expanding our Primary Substation capability and are looking for Engineers, Senior Engineers, Associates, and Associate Directors to join us. Working on nationally significant projects such as the Great Grid Upgrade, you will contribute to the design and delivery of high‑voltage substations that support the UK’s net zero ambitions.

Responsibilities

• Produce a comprehensive suite of design drawings for Grid and Primary substations.
• Prepare technical specifications for electrical plant and provide associated electrical designs for substation upgrades and new substation projects from 11 kV up to and including 132 kV.
• Produce substation design feasibility reports, cost estimates, layouts, GA’s, and plant specifications that include transformers, switchgear and battery systems.
• Review designs produced by suppliers and clients to ensure technical compliance and alignment with current legislation and policies.
• Ensure designs are delivered in accordance with the contract to the satisfaction of the client and the specifications.
• Undertake the role of CDM Designer and/or Principal Designer for developed HV and EHV projects.
• Identify, communicate and manage relevant health and safety risks and hazards.
• Attend site meetings to support any design or requirement changes during project build.
• Align project design works with programme, quality and margin targets.
• Actively develop external and internal client relationships.
• Demonstrate experience of HV and EHV plant specification up to 132 kV, design, load calculations and rating studies.
• Prepare specifications for HV and EHV substation equipment, including evaluation and identification of plant accessories such as CTs, battery systems and terminations.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification: HNC Electrical Engineering.
• Exposure to substation cable design, protection and control.
• Experience of small, medium and technically complex new substation, retrofit or network reinforcement projects.
• Proven experience in HV and EHV substation design (both AIS & GIS) from 11 kV up to and including 132 kV.
• Knowledge of engineering standards and technical policies for HV and EHV plant, substations (including earthing and electrical clearances).
• Ability to interpret technical documentation relating to the design of electrical substations.
• Experience in design cost estimation.
• Ability to travel as per project needs.

Benefits

• Work‑life balance: hybrid working policy with two days a week from home and modern office collaboration.
• Inclusivity and belonging: supportive culture that encourages authenticity and diversity.
• Health & wellbeing: access to a virtual GP service, comprehensive wellness program, gymflex scheme, menopause support and reasonable workplace adjustments.
• Flexible hours: “WSP My Hour” for personal activities and part‑time/flexible arrangements.
• Development: training, mentoring and chartership opportunities.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.