Technical Principal (Secondary Design, Transmission) 1

Mott MacDonald; Brighton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Mott MacDonald is seeking a Technical Principal (Secondary Design, Transmission) to lead electrical design across 11kV–33kV networks and HV/LV infrastructure. You will support multiple client projects from concept through to completion, lead design reviews, and mentor junior engineers within the Energy unit.

Based in Brighton or other UK sites, this permanent, full-time role requires Chartered Engineer status and strong knowledge of G99, tender specs, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer (or equivalent status).
• Strong knowledge of 11kV–33kV network design, substation design and HV/LV systems.
• Experience producing tender specifications, calculations, designs and drawings.

Responsibilities

• Front-End & Optioneering: capture stakeholder requirements and assess network configuration.
• Detailed Design: electrical network design 11kV–33kV, substations, protection schemes.
• Respond to construction and commissioning queries and attend design reviews.
• Lead progress meetings, mentor staff, and coordinate multi-disciplinary interfaces.
• Ensure compliance with client, safety, and environmental standards.

Skills

11kV–33kV design

HV/LV systems design

G99 knowledge

Project leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring junior staff

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Chartered Engineer (or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Technical Principal (Secondary Design, Transmission) 1

Location(s): Brighton, GB Newcastle Upon Tyne, GB Glasgow, GB Bristol, GB York, GB Croydon, GB

Contract Type: Permanent

Work Pattern: Full Time

Market: Energy

Discipline: Electrical

Job Ref: 16053

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices.

We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. With countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual.

Whether you want to grow as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience with roles across our international community, you’re surrounded by global specialists who want to combine their expertise and champion you to be your best. As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating the right space for everyone to feel empowered, included, and valued. Whatever your ambition, Mott MacDonald is where people come to be brilliant.

About thebusinessunit

The Energy unit delivers services to clients globally across several sectors including hydropower, nuclear, waste, renewable generation and transmission & distribution networks. Together we provide integrated engineering and project management services across the project lifecycle – from concept and design to construction and operations, to decommissioning or repowering and life extension. Together with our clients, we’re helping to deliver the energy transition globally.

Overview of the role

The Technical principal will support a wide range of client projects from early inception and master planning through concept design, detailed design, commissioning and final completion. The role sits within the Energy Unit’s Transmission & Distribution division and covers diverse sectors including renewable energy, aviation, data centres, healthcare, nuclear, defence and estate planning.

The position involves developing electrical designs for 11kV–33kV networks, renewable generation connections and associated HV/LV infrastructure. The role also includes project leadership, bid support, stakeholder engagement, and mentoring junior staff.

Key responsibilities and duties include:

• Front-End & Optioneering
  • Capture and agree stakeholder requirements
  • Assess network configuration and resilience
  • Evaluate operational scenarios and their impacts
  • Lead site surveys
  • Produce clear reports enabling client decision-making
• Detailed Design (Typically to RIBA Stage 4)
  • Electrical network design for 11kV–33kV systems
  • Power system cable sizing, routing and termination
  • Substation layout development and main equipment specifications
  • Design of control and protection schemes, including G99 compliance
  • Multicore and fibre optic cable design
  • Interpretation of client/DNO standards and regulations
  • Earthing system design
  • Substation LVAC and DC system design
  • Production and issue of high-quality design deliverables
• Respond to construction and commissioning queries
• Attend workshops, design reviews, and site meetings
• Resolve technical issues while considering commercial impacts
• Ensure understanding of project scope and deliverables
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary design interfaces
• Conduct design reviews and maintain quality against contract and programme requirements
• Act as key client interface, leading progress meetings and workshops
• Additional Skills & Duties
  • Provide significant input during bid stage (resourcing, capability statements, methodologies, programmes)
  • Help build and develop the electrical design team
  • Oversee technical management and resolve design challenges
  • Ensure compliance with all client, safety, and environmental standards
  • Use Microsoft Office applications confidently
  • Travel within the UK or internationally as required
  • Demonstrate initiative, self-motivation and sound decision-making

Candidate Specification

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• Professional registration: Chartered Engineer (or equivalent status)
• Strong knowledge of 11kV–33kV network design, substation design and HV/LV systems
• Proven understanding of control and protection schemes (including G99)
• Experience producing tender specifications, calculations, designs and drawings