Senior HV Substation Design Lead — Hybrid & Strategic Impact

Jacobs; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible working hours

Professional development

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking an Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) to lead FEED and detailed design workstreams for HV substations (132kV–400kV) across National Grid and DNO projects in the UK. You will guide multi-disciplinary teams, ensure technical assurance, and drive business development.

You will mentor engineers, oversee QA, and maintain strong client relationships while contributing to industry standards and best practices. Hybrid/flexible work options may be available.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in HV substation engineering (132kV–400kV), including AIS/GIS and HVDC systems.
• Proven leadership in delivering complex, multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of UK transmission and distribution standards and client expectations.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership on FEED and detailed design workstreams for National Grid and DNO clients.
• Oversee quality assurance, resource planning, and capability development across multiple projects.
• Lead technical reviews of HV plant aspects including layouts, earthing design and reports, mechanical interlocking, HV busbar calculations, and equipment specifications.
• Coordinate with back-office engineers, sub-contractors, and suppliers to ensure seamless delivery.
• Manage and contribute to tender packages, including technical and commercial submissions.
• Chair design and hazard review meetings and ensure technical assurance of HV plant design.
• Attend site visits, FAT and SAT as required.
• Mentor senior engineers and contribute to succession planning and capability growth.
• Maintain and grow client relationships, supporting strategic business development and market positioning.
• Represent Jacobs in industry forums and contribute to shaping technical standards and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

HV Substation Design

Stakeholder Engagement

Project Management

UK Standards

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Jacobs is seeking an Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) to lead FEED and detailed design workstreams for HV substations (132kV–400kV) across National Grid and DNO projects in the UK. You will guide multi-disciplinary teams, ensure technical assurance, and drive business development.

You will mentor engineers, oversee QA, and maintain strong client relationships while contributing to industry standards and best practices. Hybrid/flexible work options may be available.