Principal Substation Primary Design Engineer & Team Lead

-; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering services firm based in Glasgow is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead a high-performing team within their Electrical Engineering group. The candidate will manage a team, oversee electrical design projects, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Suitable applicants will have a degree in Electrical Engineering and experience in substation design. Flexible working and a competitive salary package are offered, supporting a diverse and inclusive work culture.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in managing technical teams.
• Chartered Engineer or working towards it.
• Proven experience in primary plant design of substations.

Responsibilities

• Line manage a team providing mentorship and career development support.
• Lead FEED and detailed design workstreams for electricity transmission.
• Ensure technical integrity and compliance with specifications.

Skills

Team Leadership & Line Management

Technical Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Project Coordination

Client Focus & Business Development

Education

HND or Degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Overview

Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It's a diverse and inclusive work environment where world‑class talent knows no distinctions.

We know that different people have different priorities, which is why we're here to support you. Flexible and remote working is a central part of our culture. So talk to us about what's ideal for you – from reduced weeks to buying more leave over school holidays. And if you're returning from a career break, ask us how we can help you transition back into work with us.

AtkinsRéalis are proud to be working at the heart of the challenges in the energy industry and within our Power Grids team we are continually developing and growing within this area. Our team is currently delivering work across the Transmission and Distribution sectors across the UK as well as supporting other Energy and infrastructure business sectors.

Your role

• AtkinsRéalis offers a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative environment where you can advance your career at the forefront of engineering. As a Principal Electrical Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our technical excellence and leading a high‑performing team within our Electrical Engineering group. This position provides exposure to a diverse range of projects and technologies, with outstanding opportunities for both technical and leadership development.
• You will be based in our Glasgow office, working closely with clients and internal teams to deliver best‑in‑class solutions. Building strong, trusted relationships is central to this role, and you'll thrive in a mix of office‑based and client‑facing environments.
• You will be accountable for the following tasks including but not limited to:
• Team Leadership & Line Management:
• Line manage a team of engineers, providing mentorship, performance management, and career development support.
• Support the Electrical Group Lead with recruitment, resourcing, and workforce planning.
• Drive training initiatives and technical development programmes for junior engineers.
• Technical Leadership: Lead FEED and detailed design workstreams for electricity transmission substation projects, ensuring technical integrity and compliance with client specifications.
• Quality Assurance: Oversee and assure the delivery of FEED, detailed design, and bid submissions to the highest standards.
• Design Review: Provide expert review of HV plant aspects, including layouts, earthing design, interlocking schemes, busbar calculations, and technical specifications for HV equipment.
• Project Coordination: Manage interfaces with back‑office engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure seamless delivery.
• Tender Management: Act as tender manager for HV plant packages, reviewing technical offers and ensuring competitive, compliant submissions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Chair design and hazard review meetings, attend site visits, FAT and SAT as required.
• Client Focus & Business Development: Maintain and grow client relationships, identifying opportunities for future work and contributing to business development activities.

About you

• Experience in managing technical teams
• HND or Degree qualified in Electrical Engineering or equivalent qualifications and experience.
• Chartered Engineer or working towards it.
• Proven experience in primary plant design of substations in UK (National Grid, Scottish and Southern Energy Networks, Scottish Power)
• Experience in preparing bids and cost estimates for FEED and detailed design work.
• Good knowledge of electrical codes and standards (IEC, IEEE).
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Flexibility to travel to client sites when required.
• Capability to work under tight deadlines while achieving objectives with the ability to deal with competing priorities and manage time appropriately.
• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to be based in Glasgow.

Reward & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organisation. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Additional information

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong – a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular