Multinational design‑build firm delivering critical infrastructure through engineering, architecture and construction.
Lead substation design and technical authority for HV transmission projects
15 days ago ago
Intermediate (4-7 years)
Full Time
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Office Full-Time
Company Size
13,500 Employees
Service Specialisms
Engineering
Construction Services
Project Management
Consulting
Architecture
Design
Technical Services
Turnkey
Sector Specialisms
Aviation
Commercial, Retail & Institutional
Environmental
Government & Military
Manufacturing & Industrial
Mining & Minerals
Oil, Gas & Chemicals
Power
Role
Description
substation design
design approval
client meetings
tool development
safety design
technical qa
Act as Principal Designer representative, as defined by UK Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, where required.
Execute complex assignments requiring the use of advanced techniques, resulting in the development of new or improved processes, equipment, and/or technological methods.
Produce detailed electricity substation design packages, compliant to required client and national technical standards (ENA/BS/IEC/IEEE etc.).
Support nurturing of a safety and technical excellence culture through emphasis on staff competence, diligence, and responsible attitude.
providing guidance and mentorship to less experienced engineers with the engineering team, particularly those in the Substations Section.Responsibilities
Support or lead portions of section meetings.
Assist in determining section objectives and requirements, organise projects and develop standards and guidelines.
supporting the Substations Section Manager in growing and enhancing the Substations Section engineering capability in the UK business; and
Advance and develop department tools and workflows to increase efficiency of designs, specification development, and project execution.
Maintain project compliance to Burns & McDonnell’s UK Integrated Management System (IMS).
Prepare calculations and technical/equipment specification documentation.
Support the preparation of project proposals and tender presentations.
Be an ambassador for Burns & McDonnell at all times through acting in accordance with expected high ethical and moral standards, and in adherence to Burns & McDonnell Code of Conduct.
Plan and lead client meetings (or meeting sections) relating to substation engineering, as required.
Undertake technical quality assurance reviews and provide design approval/sign-off, as required, on substation-physical related designs and deliverables.
Be a lead technical role on substation design project deliverables, ranging from 11kV up to 400kV (with a particular emphasis on 132kV voltages and above), including undertaking the role of Lead Project Engineer on project teams, as required and when appropriate.
being a senior technical authority on substation engineering within the wider company;
Where appropriate and required relating the substation work, act as Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE), as defined by National Grid’s TP137 procedure, or equivalent role as defined by other clients.
Act as an industry technical leader in substation-physical design and contribute to relevant professional bodies and industry groups. Maintain Continued Professional Development (CPD).
Lead successful output of substation engineering deliverables in the UK business, working with the Substations Section Manager to determine suitable substation engineering personnel from across our global offices, as required.
Interpret and support with establishing policies, procedures, and strategic goals of the organisation.
Maintain technical compliance to applicable Burns & McDonnell and client design management standards, processes, and procedures on all work delivered.
Actively support marketing and business development activities, building relationships with client technical contacts to aid generating new business, and elevation of the Burns & McDonnell brand.
Identifying new skills and competencies required within the Burns & McDonnell team to meet business needs and actively supporting development and recruitment of talent, including candidate interviewing.
Assist with developing and implementing policies, processes, procedures, standards, and technical guidance, as required, to continually improve the engineering capability within the Substations Section.
Maintain compliance to CDM Regulations and all other legal and regulatory requirements associated with the nature of substation and electrical system design.
Drive ‘Safety by Design’ approach on all projects, at all times.
Provide support for continued professional development of less experienced engineers in team, including technical guidance, and recommending training needs to the Substations Section Manager.
Undertake consultancy role on FEED stage projects, including production of technical reports and presentations.
undertaking senior and lead technical roles on project specific multi-disciplinary engineering teams;
Work closely with other sections with the UK T&D Engineering Team, particularly the Protection & Control Section and Civil/Structural Section, to enable effective collaboration on multi-disciplinary projects and facilitate an optimal engineering function in the UK business.
Support nurturing of world-class customer service culture, to drive client success.
Requirements
chartered engineer
7+ years
cad/bim
cdm 2015
substation
negotiation skills
Good knowledge of National Grid’s procedures: TP106, TP131, TP135, TP137, TP141, TP153, TP163, TP183, TP184, TP188, TP189, TP191, TP211, TP215, TP235, TP241.
Professional registration as a Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council.
Understanding of the causes and consequences of Impressed Voltage.
Able to manage tasks on multiple projects and conflicting deadlines.
Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
Understanding of the general requirements of procedural control of Temporary Works, in accordance with British Standards.
Understanding wider industry best practices and client technical standards/procedures for construction, operations & maintenance, and decommissioning, in order to drive safety, constructability, and operability throughout whole asset lifecycles.
Experience fulfilling the role of Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE) and per National Grid’s TP137.
Understanding of the requirements of relevant UK Health & Safety legislation relating to design and construction work in the electricity supply industry.
Capability to coach and develop the team.
Ability to make an effective and collaborative contribution to the team through sharing knowledge, promoting ideas, and valuing the contribution of all team members.
Thorough knowledge and experience applying National Grids Technical Specification, Technical Guidance Notes, and Design Handbooks relating to substations in the UK.
Formal training in CDM 2015, Construction Safety, and Impressed Voltages.
Strong persuasion and negotiation skills with clients and employees.
Pro-active in building knowledge and understanding of the electricity transmission and distribution industry.
Understanding of the requirements of relevant UK Environmental and Waste Management legislation.
Experience of working in a lead substation design role on National Grid Electricity Transmission projects in the UK and acting as a TP137 CDAE for Substation Primary Plant.
Ability to deal effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders across clients, industry, government and public.
Membership of a relevant professional Engineering Institution (e.g. IET, CIGRE, IEC, IEEE etc.).
Knowledge of applying CAD technology/software to substation and P&C design and strong understanding of BIM principles (PAS 1192 and ISO 16950)
Earthing studies and substation earth system design.
Knowledge of engineering design management best practices with ability to implement this knowledge.
Demonstrate creativity, foresight, and judgment in anticipating and solving problems.
Minimum of 7 years of substation engineering design experience in the electricity transmission & distribution sector.
Thorough understanding of current Construction (Design & Management) Regulations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Substation safety and access training (e.g. NSI 30, BESC:AIM etc.)
Able to work autonomously and/or as part of a project team.
Bachelor's degree in an electrical-based (or closely related) engineering discipline, from an accredited institution.
IT literate, with good knowledge of using Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to develop innovative and practical solutions to a range of problems, and an understanding of how one issue may be part of a much larger solution.
Benefits
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Training + Development
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Interview process
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Visa Sponsorship
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Security clearance
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Company
Overview
1898 Founded
Year of Establishment
The company was established in 1898 by two Stanford engineers to address early city water and sewer challenges in Kansas.
$7 Billion
Annual Revenue
By 2023, the company achieved $7 billion in revenue, managing nearly 19,000 projects across various industries.
#1 Ranked
ENR Ranking
The company is ranked #1 in data-center and power engineering by ENR, highlighting its leadership in mission-critical infrastructure.
The firm grew steadily from municipal roots, evolving into a global design‑build leader with integrated engineering, architecture, and construction services.
Headquartered in Kansas City, it has expanded its operations to more than 75 offices worldwide, including locations in the US, Canada, UK, UAE, India, and the Middle East.
It specializes in sectors such as water, power, transportation, aviation, manufacturing, and oil & gas, undertaking projects ranging from airports to chemical facilities.
Its full‑service model encompasses consulting, design, procurement, construction, and commissioning, ensuring seamless project delivery from concept to operation.
The company is 100% employee‑owned, following a significant employee buyout in the 1980s that redefined its trajectory.
Culture + Values
We are committed to delivering an exceptional client experience by upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and integrity.
We foster a culture of collaboration, where teamwork and communication drive results.
We are passionate about providing innovative solutions to our clients' challenges.
We value continuous improvement and hold ourselves accountable for the success of our projects.
We believe in a work environment where employees can thrive personally and professionally.
We are dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work.
Environment + Sustainability
Net Zero by 2050
Emissions Target
Committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
50% Reduction by 2030
Emissions Goal
Aims to reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions.
17% Emissions Reduction
Achievement in 2022
Reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to baseline levels.
Actively involved in designing and implementing renewable energy projects to help clients achieve their sustainability goals.
Offers energy-efficient solutions that reduce emissions and operational costs for clients.
Inclusion & Diversity
25% by 2030
Target for women in technical roles
The company aims to increase the percentage of women in technical roles.
25% workforce
Women representation
The workforce currently comprises 25% women.
Committed to creating an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered.
Has a comprehensive mentorship program aimed at increasing leadership representation of underrepresented groups.