Principal Design Engineer

First Recruitment Group; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Principal Design Engineer to lead a skilled engineering team focused on HV substation projects across the UK. This role involves managing engineering activities, ensuring compliance with standards, and providing technical leadership. Candidates should hold a degree in Electrical Engineering, possess relevant experience, and be proficient in tools like AutoCAD. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams are essential for this opportunity.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in transmission substation engineering.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all engineering activities for projects.
• Ensure adherence to project specifications and integrity standards.
• Supervise multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Skills

Technical expertise in substation layouts & primary design

Strong communication skills

Knowledge of SSEN & SPEN standards

Proficient in MS Office

MicroStation and AutoCAD

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Principal Design Engineer to lead and work within a skilled engineering team delivering transmission substation projects across the UK. This role focuses on project and tender engineering activities associated with HV substation design and construction. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership across electro‑mechanical design, ensuring compliance with customer requirements, legislative standards, and industry best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all engineering activities from early project engagement through to As‑Built stage
• Ensure adherence to project specifications, QA/QC processes, HSSE and integrity standards
• Act as technical lead on complex EHV/HV AIS & GIS substation projects
• Supervise and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams (internal, external, civil, secondary and supplier interfaces)
• Manage engineering budgets, schedules, forecasting, risk and change control
• Support technical claim management and collaborate with Project/Commercial teams
• Develop substation technical solutions including single line diagrams, layouts, detailed drawings and associated documentation
• Prepare technical specifications, equipment selection and material specifications
• Perform technical calculations and produce equipment schedules for projects and tenders
• Prepare bills of quantities, cost estimates, technical deviations and clarifications
• Review supplier designs and FAT documentation; attend factory and site testing as required
• Support tender development and technical scope documentation
• Coordinate interfaces across civil, structural steel, protection & control, auxiliary systems and equipment suppliers

Experience Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent)
• Proven experience in transmission substation engineering (detailed design, tendering and site support)
• Knowledge of SSEN & SPEN standards and requirements
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards
  • Strong technical expertise in:
  • Substation layouts & primary design
  • Grounding & lightning protection design
  • Steel structure design inputs
  • Transformers, HV & MV switchgear systems
  • Load flow & short circuit calculations
  • CT/VT calculations & auxiliary power systems
  • Power cables and single line diagrams
  • Secondary engineering & protection/control systems
• Experience with installation & commissioning (advantageous)
• Proficient in MS Office; MicroStation and AutoCAD required
• Strong communication skills in multi‑disciplinary environments
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. Our Recruitment Consultants take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Principal Design Engineer looking for new employment.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.

Sector: Commercial, Admin & Office Support