Principal Primary Substation Engineer - UK Grid Network

Jacobs; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Principal Primary Substation Engineer to support high‑profile projects across their Power & Energy portfolio. Responsibilities include leading design workstreams for National Grid clients, ensuring quality in design delivery, and providing technical leadership to junior engineers. Candidates should have a degree in Electrical Engineering and proven HV substation design experience. The firm offers a competitive salary, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonus package

Free single medical cover

Enhanced parental leave pay

Reimbursement for professional development

Employee assistance programmes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in HV substation design within UK transmission environments.
• Familiarity with National Grid and DNO standards and processes.
• Ability to contribute to strategic project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead FEED and detailed design workstreams for clients.
• Ensure quality assurance and timely delivery of design packages.
• Coordinate with engineers, suppliers, and subcontractors.

Skills

HV substation design experience (132kV-400kV)

Strong communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Technical leadership

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Principal Primary Substation Engineer – UK Grid Network. Jacobs is playing a leading role in the global energy transition. We are seeking a Principal Primary Substation Engineer to support high‑profile projects across our Power & Energy portfolio, including high voltage AIS and GIS Substations, transmission system assets, HVDC interconnectors and energy storage systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead FEED and detailed design workstreams for National Grid and DNO clients.
• Ensure quality assurance and timely delivery of design packages and bids.
• Review HV plant aspects including layouts, earthing, interlocking, busbar calculations and specifications.
• Coordinate with back‑office engineers, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Attend and contribute to design reviews, hazard reviews, FAT and SAT.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers.
• Support tendering activities and contribute to technical offers.
• Maintain strong client relationships and support business development.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Proven experience in HV substation design (132kV‑400kV), ideally within UK transmission and distribution environments.
• Familiarity with National Grid and DNO standards and processes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical workstreams and contribute to strategic project delivery.

Why Jacobs?

People are Jacobs’ greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. In addition to the benefits you’d expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family‑friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, plus reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. We also give back to our communities through our Collectively programme which incorporates matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus package.
• Free single medical cover and digital GP service.
• Enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes.
• Reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships.
• Collectively programme with matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.

Flex Working

Work‑life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for Jacobs. We’re happy to discuss hybrid, part‑time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Jacobs is a disability confident employer. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role. We interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy and provide reasonable adjustments where required.