Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer - UK Grid Network

Jacobs; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Glasgow is seeking a Principal Substation Engineer to lead design work for high-profile projects in the Power & Energy sector. The ideal candidate should hold a degree in Electrical Engineering and have significant HV substation design experience. Responsibilities include ensuring quality design packages, leading technical teams, and maintaining client relationships. Flexible working options are available.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in HV substation design (132 kV–400 kV).
• Familiarity with National Grid and DNO standards.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to lead technical workstreams and contribute to strategic project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead FEED and detailed design workstreams.
• Ensure quality assurance and timely delivery.
• Provide technical leadership to junior engineers.
• 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.

Skills

HV substation design

Electrical Engineering

Stakeholder engagement

Technical leadership

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer - UK Grid Network

Jacobs is playing a leading role in the global energy transition. As our UK and Continental Europe team continues to expand, we are seeking a Principal Primary Substation Engineer to support a range of 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

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
• Proven experience in HV substation design (132 kV–400 kV), 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

As a disability‑confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.