Principal Cable System Design Engineer

AECOM; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development opportunities

Flexible hybrid working model

Technical practice networks

Volunteering days

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Principal Cable System Design Engineer in Manchester, England. This role involves leading the delivery of large-scale HV cable system projects, ensuring technical excellence and compliance.

As a vital part of the Transmission & Distribution team, you will engage with clients, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to innovative design solutions. The position offers a flexible hybrid working model along with various career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in HV/EHV cable system design.
• Proven track record in cable system specification and installation.
• Strong ability to engage with stakeholders and coordinate teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of large-scale HV cable system projects.
• Develop and oversee HV cable system designs, ensuring compliance.
• Manage coordination between engineering disciplines for integrated solutions.

Skills

Technical leader in HV/EHV cable system design

Client engagement

Coordination with multidisciplinary teams

Sustainability in design

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Chartered Engineer status or working towards

Tools

CYMCAP

WinCable

Job description

We are seeking a Principal Cable System Design Engineer to join our expanding Transmission & Distribution (T&D) team. This senior role drives technical excellence, leads complex projects, and supports strategic client engagement across a broad portfolio of high‑voltage infrastructure schemes.

As a Principal Engineer, you will play a critical role in the planning, design, and delivery of cable systems across multiple voltage levels. Our clients include Transmission System Operators, Distribution Network Operators, private developers, and international energy majors across the UK and globally. You will act as a trusted advisor to clients, and contribute to developing our technical standards, innovation strategy, and digital delivery approach within the cable engineering space.

Responsibilities

• Assist with leading the delivery of large‑scale HV/EHV cable system projects from concept to completion, ensuring quality, safety, and innovation throughout the lifecycle.
• Develop and oversee HV cable system designs, including routing, burial risk assessments, thermal, electromagnetic, and mechanical performance modelling.
• Provide expert‑level input into cable system ratings, installation methodologies, jointing arrangements, cleating design, and system integration in challenging environments.
• Guide and validate complex calculations including ampacity, short‑circuit forces, EMC, induced voltages, and thermomechanical forces to meet compliance with National Grid TPs, IEC, and CIGRÉ standards.
• Undertake client and stakeholder engagement, providing technical assurance, strategic direction, and value‑engineered solutions on high‑profile infrastructure programmes.
• Manage coordination between disciplines, including civil, structural, OHL, substation, and marine engineering inputs, to ensure cohesive and integrated design solutions.
• Drive project execution, managing technical risks, interfaces, and quality reviews while supporting procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Conduct 3rd‑party inspections, FAT/SAT witnessing and vendor oversight for cable and ancillary equipment.
• Champion mentorship, knowledge‑sharing, and technical development within the wider team, supporting capability growth in cable systems engineering.
• Support business development activities, including proposals, bid reviews, and client presentations.

Team

Become part of our dynamic T&D team, collaborating with top‑tier civil, mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to deliver a variety of projects from small initiatives to large‑scale ventures, all from concept to completion.

Benefits

At AECOM, you’ll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits including career development opportunities, a flexible hybrid working model, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as a technical leader in HV/EHV cable system design.
• Proven track record in design, specification, and installation of complex cable systems including tunnel, urban, and constrained environments.
• In‑depth understanding of international and UK‑specific standards, particularly National Grid TPs, IEC, and CIGRÉ guidelines.
• Experience working in regulated, quality‑assured environments—preferably with National Grid, SSE, EirGrid, or equivalent TSO/DNOs.
• Strong ability to coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams and engage with senior stakeholders across the project lifecycle.
• Excellent communication, client‑facing, and team leadership/mentorship skills.
• Commitment to fostering innovation, digital delivery, and sustainability in design.

Desirable Certifications & Qualifications

• Degree‑qualified in Electrical Engineering or related field; MSc/MEng advantageous.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards.
• National Grid CDAE certification or similar.
• Experience with cable system software (e.g., CYMCAP, WinCable) and advanced analysis tools.

We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at [e-mail]. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.