Principal Substation Design Engineer

Scantec Personnel Limited; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal Electrical Substation Design Engineer (P&C) to deliver Front-End Engineering Design and detailed design solutions for major transmission projects. You will lead design activities, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to business development. The ideal candidate has a degree in Electrical Engineering and proven substation design experience. The role offers excellent opportunities for professional growth and client exposure.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Protection & Control design for substations.
• Working towards Chartered Engineer status or committed to achieving it.
• UK substation design experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead P&C FEED and detailed design activities for major transmission projects.
• Prepare technical bids, resource plans, and cost estimates.
• Support and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Protection & Control design

Stakeholder communication

Teamwork

Electrical codes and standards knowledge

Education

HND or Degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Location: Offices in Birmingham, Glasgow, Epsom, or Leeds
Sector: Power Grids / Transmission & Distribution (UK)
Employment Type: Permanent

Overview

We are working with a leading engineering consultancy operating at the forefront of the UK energy transition. The Power Grids team supports a range of Transmission and Distribution projects nationwide, helping deliver reliable, sustainable power systems for the future.

As a Principal Electrical Substation Design Engineer (P&C), you’ll be part of a growing team delivering Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and detailed design solutions for major transmission-scale projects. The role offers excellent opportunities for professional growth, client exposure, and involvement in high-profile energy infrastructure programmes.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and support P&C FEED and detailed design activities for major transmission projects.

Contribute to business development by identifying opportunities and supporting growth initiatives.

Prepare technical bids, resource plans, and cost estimates for project proposals.

Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams (Primary, Civil, Structural, and Project Management).

Support and mentor junior engineers, encouraging professional development.

Coordinate with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure technical and delivery requirements are met.

Attend site visits, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) as needed.

Maintain strong communication and client relationship skills, representing the company professionally.

Requirements

HND or Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).

Working towards Chartered Engineer status (IET) or committed to achieving it.

Proven experience in Protection & Control design for substations (transmission or distribution level).

Experience preparing bids, proposals, and cost estimates for FEED or detailed design work.

Strong understanding of relevant electrical codes and standards (IEC, IEEE).

Excellent stakeholder communication and teamwork skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

Willingness to travel to client sites when required.

Right to work in the UK.

Commissioning experience on transmission or EHV-scale projects (desirable).

UK substation design experience is essential.