Primary / HV Plant Design Engineer

The Abbey; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Abbey in Manchester is seeking a Primary / HV Plant Design Engineer to deliver high-voltage substation plant designs for transmission and distribution projects up to 400kV, in line with National Grid SR188.

The role covers FEED to commissioning, coordination with Civil, Protection & Control, and other interfaces, with emphasis on safety, quality and on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Membership of a professional institution (IET preferred).
• Working towards or holding Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Responsibilities

• Produce HV substation plant designs for transmission voltage levels up to 400kV.
• Develop substation layouts in compliance with National Grid SR188 requirements.
• Prepare and review general arrangement drawings, substation layouts, equipment installation drawings, and electrical clearance studies.
• Ensure designs comply with National Grid Standards, IEC/BS EN, and CDM Regulations.
• Provide technical guidance and review vendor drawings.

Skills

HV design

Substation design

Project leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

IET membership

Chartered Engineer status

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

CYMCAP

CDEGS

Job description

Job ref: 260909Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester, EnglandContract: PermanentSalary: 60,000 - 80,000 per yearSector: ["Power", "Nuclear and Utilities"]Posted: 2026-09-02

Job Purpose

The Primary / HV Plant Design Engineer is responsible for the design, engineering, and technical delivery of high-voltage substation plant systems for transmission and distribution projects. The role involves developing compliant designs in accordance with National Grid standards, particularly SR188 (Substation Layout Design Guidance), ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for new-build, refurbishment, and extension projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Engineering
  • Produce HV substation plant designs for transmission voltage levels up to 400kV.
  • Develop substation layouts in compliance with National Grid SR188 requirements.
  • Prepare and review:
    • General arrangement drawings
    • Substation layouts
    • Equipment installation drawings
    • Electrical clearance studies
    • Earthing layouts
    • Busbar arrangements
    • Cable routing drawings
    • Design layouts for AIS and GIS substations.
  • Ensure plant designs comply with:
    • National Grid Technical Specifications
    • Electricity Transmission standards IEC, BS EN, and industry regulations
    • CDM Regulations
• Technical Leadership
  • Provide technical guidance to engineers and designers.
  • Participate in design reviews, HAZID, HAZOP, and constructability assessments.
  • Resolve technical queries during engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
  • Review vendor drawings and equipment data for compliance.
• Project Delivery
  • Support project teams through FEED, detailed design, construction, and commissioning stages.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering interfaces (Civil, Protection & Control, Mechanical, and Primary Design).
  • Ensure deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to required quality standards.
• Stakeholder Management
  • Liaise with National Grid, DNOs, consultants, contractors, and equipment manufacturers.
  • Attend technical meetings and client design review workshops.
  • Support project approvals and design submissions.

Essential Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent engineering discipline.
• Membership of a professional institution (IET preferred).
• Working towards or holding Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in HV substation primary plant design.
• Proven experience on National Grid transmission projects.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of National Grid SR188 Substation Layout Design Guidance.
• Experience designing substations within 132kV 275kV 400kV transmission networks.
• Experience with AIS and GIS substations.
• Familiarity with National Grid design standards and policies.
• Experience reviewing supplier and contractor designs.

Technical Skills

• National Grid Standards SR188 Substation Layout Design Engineering
• Technical Specifications (ETS) National Grid Transmission procedures
• Electrical safety clearances and insulation coordination
• Design Knowledge Primary plant design
• Busbar configurations
• Switchgear layouts
• Power transformers
• Reactors CTs, VTs, CVTs
• Disconnectors and circuit breakers
• Surge arresters
• Earthing systems
• Software AutoCAD MicroStation (preferred)
• Autodesk products CYMCAP (desirable)
• CDEGS (desirable)
• MS Office Suite

Key Competencies

Strong analytical and engineering problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities. Ability to work independently and lead technical work packages. Strong understanding of safety-by-design principles. Attention to detail and commitment to engineering quality.

Desirable Experience

• National Grid EPC or framework projects.
• Offshore or renewable grid connection projects.
• Protection and Control interface knowledge.
• BIM and digital engineering experience.
• Experience supporting construction and commissioning activities.

Typical Deliverables

• Substation General Arrangement Drawings
• SR188-Compliant Layouts
• Equipment Clearance Studies
• Earthing Layouts
• Design Risk Assessments
• Technical Specifications
• Bill of Materials
• Design Reports
• Construction Support Documentation