Principal Engineer

National Grid; Spalding; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

National Grid is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer for Viking Link on-site at Bicker Fen. You will lead maintenance, incident investigations, and major asset projects, acting as Senior Authorised Person and Project Leader to ensure safety and reliability of HV/LV systems.

You'll mentor engineers, manage contractor delivery, and drive continuous improvement while championing a positive safety culture in a key energy infrastructure asset in the UK.

Qualifications

• Current Senior Authorised Person (SAP) authorisation.
• Project Leader experience within a high-voltage operational environment.
• Strong knowledge of HV and LV systems, including electrical and mechanical disciplines.
• Experience commissioning and decommissioning plant and equipment.
• Proven leadership experience managing engineers, technicians and contractors.
• A full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance, fault investigations, refurbishment and commissioning activities across Viking Link assets.
• Act as a Senior Authorised Person (SAP) and Project Leader, ensuring operational safety.
• Manage delivery of key engineering projects and asset improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentoring to Engineers, Technicians and Apprentices.
• Supervise contractors and internal teams, driving safety, environmental and operational performance.
• Lead outage planning and maintenance delivery to maximise asset availability.
• Support incident investigations and continuous improvement activities.
• Represent Viking Link at technical and operational meetings with stakeholders.
• Champion a positive safety culture and ensure compliance with procedures.

Skills

Senior Authorised Person (SAP)

Project Leader experience

HV/LV systems knowledge

Leadership

Driving licence (UK)

Education

HNC in engineering

Tools

IAM certification

IET membership

Job description

About the role

Help power the future of energy.

At National Grid Ventures, we're connecting countries, enabling the energy transition and helping create a cleaner, more secure energy future. Viking Link is the world's longest land and subsea interconnector and plays a critical role in connecting the UK and Denmark's electricity networks.

We're looking for an experienced Principal Engineer to join our Operations & Maintenance team at Viking Link. This is a unique opportunity to take a leading role in the safe and efficient operation of one of the UK's most strategically important energy assets.

As a Senior Authorised Person and technical leader, you'll be at the forefront of maintaining and improving the performance of our converter station, cable systems, substation assets and operational technology. You'll lead critical projects, mentor engineering colleagues and help shape the future of interconnector operations.

Please note: The role is based on site at Vikinglink in Bicker Fen. There is a requirement to live within one hour of the site.

What You'll do

• Lead maintenance, fault investigations, refurbishment and commissioning activities across Viking Link assets.
• Act as a Senior Authorised Person (SAP) and Project Leader, ensuring the highest standards of operational safety.
• Manage the delivery of key engineering projects and asset improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentoring to Engineers, Technicians and Apprentices.
• Supervise contractors and internal teams, driving excellent safety, environmental and operational performance.
• Lead outage planning and maintenance delivery to maximise asset availability.
• Support incident investigations and continuous improvement activities.
• Represent Viking Link at technical and operational meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Champion a positive safety culture and ensure compliance with operational procedures and standards.

What you'll need

• Current Senior Authorised Person (SAP) authorisation.
• Project Leader experience within a high-voltage operational environment.
• Strong knowledge of HV and LV systems, including electrical and mechanical disciplines.
• Experience commissioning and decommissioning plant and equipment.
• Proven leadership experience managing engineers, technicians and contractors.
• A minimum HNC qualification in an engineering discipline or equivalent.
• IOSH, NEBOSH or equivalent health and safety qualification.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to make sound decisions in complex operational environments.
• A full UK driving licence.

It would be great if you also have;

• Experience within converter stations, transmission, utilities or major infrastructure environments.
• Commissioning Authorisation.
• Institute of Asset Management (IAM) certification.
• Membership of the IET or another relevant professional body.
• Knowledge of operational technology, protection and control systems, monitoring systems, HVAC or station power systems.

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £61,416.00 - £72,671.00 - dependent on capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

More Information

This role closes on 28th August 2026 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates - we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.