Primary Design Engineer (Energy)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Naas; Hybrid; EUR 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gymflex scheme

Virtual GP service

Disability confident recruitment

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Primary Design Engineer to join its UK & Ireland Energy team, delivering HV and EHV substation designs from 132 kV to 400 kV. You will contribute to multidisciplinary projects, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with safety, standards, and client requirements.

The role offers development opportunities through mentoring, chartership support, and exposure to landmark energy projects across the UK & Ireland. Hybrid working and a supportive culture are emphasized.

Qualifications

• Minimum HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering.
• Experience on HV/EHV substation design (132–400 kV) including AIS & GIS.
• Knowledge of HV/EHV plant standards and policies; earthing and clearances.
• Experience or capability as CDM Designer/Principal Designer.

Responsibilities

• Produce a comprehensive suite of design drawings for Grid and Primary substations.
• Prepare technical specifications for electrical plant and associated designs for substation upgrades and new substations (132kV–400kV).
• Produce substation design feasibility reports, cost estimates, layouts, GA’s and plant specifications (transformers, switchgear, battery systems).
• Review designs from suppliers and clients for technical compliance with legislation and policies.
• Ensure designs are delivered in accordance with contract specifications.
• Undertake the role of CDM Designer and/or Principal Designer for HV/EHV projects.
• Identify and manage health and safety risks; communicate them to the project team.

Skills

HV/EHV substation design

CDM Designer knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A Little More About Your Role…

As a Primary Design Engineer working within WSP's UK & Ireland Energy business, you will be responsible for working as part of a multidisciplinary team delivering the power transmission infrastructure that will deliver Net Zero to the UK & Ireland Energy System. WSP has a significant workload that will offer the opportunity to develop yourself and others over the next decade.

As Part Of This, You Will Be Responsible For

• Innovative Projects: Work on ground breaking projects that make a difference. As a Primary Design Engineer, you’ll have the opportunity to tackle complex engineering challenges and spearhead initiatives that drive our technology forward.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team that values creativity and collaboration. We foster an environment where every idea counts, and teamwork is at the heart of our success.
• Career Growth: We believe in investing in our people. You’ll have access to professional development opportunities, mentorship, and clear pathways for career advancement.
• Impactful Leadership: Work as part of a team of engineers and play a crucial role in shaping the future of our colleagues, products and services. Your expertise will directly influence our success.
• State-of-the-Art Resources: Work with the latest tools and technologies you need to innovate and excel in your role.
• Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and therefore you will be part of a team that will include colleagues from across the world. Your unique perspectives will help us drive innovation and foster an inclusive environment.

This is an excellent opportunity to…

• Produce a comprehensive suite of design drawings for Grid and Primary substations.
• Prepare technical specifications for Electrical plant and providing associated electrical designs for the substation upgrades, and new substations projects from 132kV up to an including 400kV.
• Produce substation design feasibility reports, cost estimate, layouts, GA’s as well as the preparation of plant specifications that include transformers, switchgear and battery systems.
• Review designs produced by suppliers and client to ensure designs are technically compliant and in line with current legislation and policies.
• Ensure designs are delivered in accordance with the contract to the satisfaction of the client and the specifications.
• Undertake the role of CDM Designer and/or Principal Designer for developed HV and EHV projects.
• Ensure that relevant Health and Safety risks and hazards are identified, made known to the project team and properly managed.
• Attend site meetings to support any design or requirement change during project build

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…

• Minimum HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering
• Experience of small, medium and technically complex new substation, retrofit or network reinforcement projects.
• Proven experience in HV and EHV substation design (both AIS & GIS), from 132kV up to and including 400kV.
• Knowledge of engineering standards and technical policies for HV and EHV plant, substations (including earthing and electrical clearances).
• Exposure to substation cable design and protection and control.
• Excellent understanding of the H&S and CDM requirements and an ability to undertake the role of ‘Designer’ and ‘Principal Designer’ under the CDM regulations.
• Preferable – Attained / working towards chartered engineer

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can.

About Us: We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.