Principal Cables Engineer - T&D

AECOM; North East; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global infrastructure consulting firm is seeking a Principal Cables Engineer in North East England. This senior role involves leading technical delivery of HV/EHV cable projects, overseeing design, and ensuring quality across high-profile infrastructure schemes. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in cable system design and client engagement, with a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Hybrid work options, competitive compensation, and career development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Hybrid work options

Competitive compensation

Benefits and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience as a technical leader in HV/EHV cable system design across projects.
• Proven track record in design and installation of complex cable systems.
• In-depth understanding of UK-specific standards like National Grid TPs.
• Experience working in regulated, quality-assured environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of HV/EHV cable system projects.
• Develop and oversee cable system designs.
• Provide expert input into cable system ratings and methodologies.
• Manage coordination between disciplines for integrated design solutions.

Skills

Technical leadership in HV/EHV cable system design

Client engagement

Multidisciplinary coordination

Technical assurance

Strong communication skills

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards

Tools

CYMCAP

WinCable

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Principal Cables Engineer to join our expanding Transmission & Distribution (T&D) team within AECOM. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for driving technical excellence, leading complex projects, and supporting strategic client engagement across a broad portfolio of high-voltage infrastructure schemes. You will lead multidisciplinary project teams, 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. This is a fantastic opportunity to be at the forefront of energy transition, delivering world-class solutions for projects that are shaping the grid of tomorrow.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of large-scale HV/EHV cable system projects from concept to completion, ensuring quality, safety, and innovation throughout the lifecycle.
• Develop and oversee HVAC and HVDC 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 (e.g., subsea, tunnel, urban).
• 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.
• Lead 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.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated readiness to push the limits of what's possible with experience as a technical leader in HV/EHV cable system design across onshore and offshore projects, AC and DC.
• Proven track record in design, specification, and installation of complex cable systems including subsea, 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 skills.
• Commitment to fostering innovation, digital delivery, and sustainability in design.
• 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.
• Offshore project delivery certifications (e.g., GWO/BOSIET) beneficial but not essential.

You will also be self-motivated with an ability to work both autonomously where required, with a strong sense of commitment, a willingness to learn and a desire to work in a dynamic deadline-driven team environment.

About AECOM

At AECOM, we are a global infrastructure consulting firm delivering professional services across the project lifecycle. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and environmental, social and governance priorities. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we value the contributions of all employees and strive to create a safe, respectful workplace. We offer hybrid work options, competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for career development, technical practice networks, and volunteering days. Join us to collaborate with a dynamic T&D team and work on challenging, impactful projects from concept to completion.