Principal Engineer - HV Substations (UK)

Description

The Principal Engineer – HV Substations will lead technical discussions with clients and multidisciplinary teams, define scopes, and ensure successful delivery of projects. Responsibilities include overseeing technical delivery, applying substation lifecycle knowledge, coordinating resources with project managers, developing proposals, managing costs, fostering client relationships, promoting safety‑in‑design, and mentoring junior staff to build long‑term team capability.

• Lead substation technical discussions with clients and multidisciplinary teams to define scope and ensure delivery.
• Oversee technical delivery, agree on approach, monitor progress, and quality‑check deliverables before client issue.
• Apply substation lifecycle knowledge to deliver projects from concept through detailed design.
• Coordinate with project managers to produce resource forecasts and programme schedules.
• Develop proposals, manage project costs, and identify commercial opportunities.
• Build and maintain client relationships with a client‑oriented delivery mindset.
• Promote safety‑in‑design principles across all project activities.
• Mentor junior staff to enhance team capability and capacity.

Requirements

The role requires experience in the UK or Irish energy sector with consultancy, contractor or utility backgrounds, particularly with clients such as National Grid, SHET, SSE or SPT. Candidates must have proven design expertise for HV infrastructure at concept, FEED and detailed stages, knowledge of AIS and GIS equipment, familiarity with National Grid standards, and experience leading multi‑discipline proposals. Additional knowledge in secondary systems, control systems, transformers, HVDC, interconnectors and protection is advantageous, and CDAE/LCDAE approval is preferred.

• Experience with consultancy, contractor or utility in the UK/Ireland energy sector (e.g., National Grid, SSE, SPT).
• Design experience of HV infrastructure at concept, FEED and detailed stages, including AIS and GIS equipment.
• Working knowledge of National Grid standards and specifications.
• Proven ability to lead multi‑discipline proposal/bid development.
• Understanding of secondary system design, control systems, transformers, HVDC, interconnectors and protection is advantageous.
• Ideally hold CDAE or LCDAE approval.

Benefits

AECOM values diversity, including neurodiversity, and encourages applications from all backgrounds and abilities. The company offers a hybrid work model, comprehensive compensation and well‑being programs, and a culture that supports professional growth, safety, and respect for each employee’s unique contributions.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance