Primary Design Manager

GE Vernova; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy solutions company is seeking an experienced Senior Primary Design Engineer to play a pivotal role in delivering high‑voltage substation projects. This position requires strong expertise in HV substation design, compliance with UK regulations, and proficiency in CAD and BIM tools. The ideal candidate will lead global engineering teams, ensuring the timely delivery and high quality of engineering outputs while mentoring junior engineers. An exciting opportunity for engineers passionate about innovative energy solutions.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in HV substation design preferred.
• Strong knowledge of UK transmission and distribution standards.
• Familiarity with CDM regulations and safe-by-design principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate remote global engineering teams.
• Ensure high-quality and timely delivery of engineering outputs.
• Develop and review primary plant designs for HV/EHV substations.

Skills

HV substation design

Design compliance

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Electrical / Power / Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

Revit

Navisworks

Job description

Play a pivotal role in delivering cutting‑edge HV/EHV substation projects across the globe. We're looking for an experienced Senior Primary Design Engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about engineering excellence. As a Senior Primary Design Engineer, you will take a leading role in the design and delivery of high‑voltage (HV/EHV) substation projects. You'll ensure compliance with customer and regulatory standards while coordinating with global teams to meet project milestones.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate remote global engineering teams within the GE Vernova Global Engineering Centre
• Ensure high‑quality and timely delivery of engineering outputs.
• Lead and deliver primary plant designs for HV/EHV substations (AIS, GIS, and HVDC as applicable) in accordance with standards.
• Develop and review a fully integrated 3D model, general arrangement drawings, section drawings, and layout designs.
• Review and approve vendor drawings and specifications, ensuring alignment with project requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable national regulations, e.g. UK Health & Safety regulations (CDM 2015).
• Apply best practices in design for safety and quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Work closely with other functions including civil, protection & control, and system studies, valves, building services teams for fully integrated substation design.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and support to junior engineers.
• Liaise with clients, stakeholders, and suppliers to resolve technical queries.
• Ensure quality assurance and design governance throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical / Power / Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Preferred: 7–10 years of experience in HV substation design. Applicants with 3+ years of strong technical experience are also encouraged to apply.
• Strong knowledge of UK transmission standards (NG, SSE, SPEN, NGED, UKPN, etc.) and distribution standards.
• Proficiency in CAD and awareness of BIM/3D tools (Revit, Navisworks) advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in substation design covering both tender and execution phases.
• Familiarity with CDM regulations and safe‑by‑design principles.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage clients and stakeholders.

Grid Solutions, a GE Vernova business, serves global customers with power solutions and drives the energy transition by enabling the safe and reliable connection of renewable and distributed energy resources to the grid.