Primary Design Manager

GE Vernova; Stafford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Primary Design Engineer at GE Vernova leads the design and delivery of HV/EHV substations, coordinating with global teams to meet project milestones and regulatory standards.

You will develop integrated 3D models and layouts (AIS, GIS, HVDC where applicable), review vendor drawings, ensure CDM compliance, and provide technical leadership to junior engineers while liaising with clients and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical/Power/Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• 5–7 years HV substation design experience; 3+ years also considered.
• Strong knowledge of UK Transmission/Distribution standards.
• Proficiency in CAD; familiarity with BIM/3D tools (Revit, Navisworks).
• Experience in tender and execution phases of substation design.
• Familiarity with CDM regulations and safe-by-design principles.
• Excellent communication skills to engage clients and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate remote global engineering teams within GE Vernova's Global Engineering Centre.
• Ensure high-quality and timely delivery of engineering outputs.
• Lead and deliver primary plant designs for HV/EHV substations (AIS, GIS, HVDC as applicable).
• Develop and review a fully integrated 3D model, GA drawings, section drawings and layouts.
• Review and approve vendor drawings and specifications per project requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations including UK CDM 2015.
• Apply design-for-safety and QA best practices throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with civil, protection & control, system studies, valves, and building services teams.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and support to junior engineers.
• Liaise with clients, stakeholders, and suppliers to resolve technical queries.
• Maintain design governance and QA across the lifecycle.

Skills

Communication

HV Substation Design

Regulatory Compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Power/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

Revit

Navisworks

Job description

Job Description Summary

Become part of a winning team and help to deliver the Green Energy transition.

Become part of a winning team and help to deliver the Green Energy transition. 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.

About The Role

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

Job Description

• 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, example for 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 & Experience

• Degree in Electrical /Power/ Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Preferred: 5–7 years’ experience in HV substation design. Applicants with 3+ years of strong technical experience are also encouraged to apply.
• Strong knowledge of UK Transmission (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.

The North Europe Grid System Integration (GSI) team delivers a wide range of turnkey high voltage AC and DC transmission projects to its Customers in the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavia. Grid Solutions, a GE Vernova business, serves customers globally with over 20,000 employees. We provide power utilities and industries worldwide with equipment, systems and services to bring power reliably and efficiently from the point of generation to end power consumers. Grid Solutions is focused on addressing the challenges of the energy transition by enabling the safe and reliable connection of renewable and distributed energy resources to the grid. We electrify the world with advanced grid technologies and accelerate the energy transition.

About GE Grid Solutions

At GE Grid Solutions we are electrifying the world with advanced grid technologies. As leaders in the energy space our goal is to accelerate the transition for a more energy efficient grid to full fill the needs of tomorrow. With a focus on growth and sustainability GE Grid Solutions plays a pivotable role in integrating Renewables onto the grid to drive to carbon neutral. In Grid Solutions we help enable the transition for a greener more reliable Grid. GE Grid Solutions has the most advanced and comprehensive product and solutions portfolio within the energy sector.

Why We Come To Work

At GE Vernova, our engineers are always up for the challenge - and we’re always driven to find the best solution. Our projects are unique and interesting, and you’ll need to bring a solution-focused, positive approach to each one to do your best. Surrounded by committed, loyal colleagues, if you can dare to bring your ingenuity and desire to make an impact, you’ll be exposed to game-changing, diverse projects that truly allow you to play your part in the energy transition

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No