Principal / Lead Primary Engineer - HV Substations

<p><strong>Help Shape the Future of the UK&#39;s Energy Infrastructure</strong></p> <p>BakerHicks has established itself as a trusted engineering partner within the UK&#39;s Transmission &amp; Distribution sector, delivering major infrastructure projects for some of the country&#39;s leading utility clients. With continued growth and a strong pipeline of secured work, we are seeking an experienced <strong>Principal/Lead Primary Design Engineer - HV Substations</strong> to join our expanding Power team.</p> <p>This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering critical energy infrastructure projects, leading technical excellence across complex HV substation designs up to 400kV.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The Opportunity:</strong></p> <p>Reporting to the HV Substation Team Leader, you will lead a team of Primary Design Engineers and CAD Technicians, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality engineering solutions and technical documentation.</p> <p>You will provide technical leadership across HV substation projects, support the development of junior engineers, and act as a key point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders.&nbsp;</p> <p>You will also support business development activities by contributing technical input to tender submissions and helping secure future project opportunities.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Why This Role:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Work on some of the UK&#39;s most significant Transmission &amp; Distribution projects.</li> <li>Be part of a business that is helping deliver the infrastructure required for the UK&#39;s energy transition.</li> <li>Lead and mentor a growing team of engineers and technicians.</li> <li>Work closely with major utility clients including National Grid, SSEN, Scottish Power, UKPN, ENWL and others.</li> <li>Enjoy genuine opportunities for career progression, technical leadership and professional development.</li> <li>Collaborate within a multidisciplinary engineering environment where innovation and new ideas are actively encouraged.</li> <li>See projects progress through the full lifecycle, from concept and design through to construction and energisation.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities:</strong></p> <p><strong>Technical Leadership</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lead the delivery of primary engineering design for HV substation projects up to 400kV.</li> <li>Manage and mentor a team of engineers and CAD technicians.</li> <li>Ensure the quality, accuracy and consistency of project deliverables.</li> <li>Support and develop junior engineers through coaching and technical guidance.</li> <li>Provide technical oversight and approval of engineering work.</li> <li>Take ownership of HV Plant CDAE responsibilities on National Grid projects where applicable.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Design &amp; Engineering</strong></p> <p>Prepare, review and approve:</p> <ul> <li>Primary layouts and elevations.</li> <li>Single Line Diagrams (SLDs).</li> <li>Transformer sizing and specifications.</li> <li>GIS and AIS switchgear designs.</li> <li>Shunt reactors, NERs and reactive/capacitive compensation schemes.</li> <li>Switchroom layouts.</li> <li>CT sizing calculations.</li> <li>Busbar design and short-circuit force calculations.</li> <li>Busbar and connector specifications.</li> <li>LVAC systems for substations.</li> <li>Earthing studies and earth return current calculations.</li> <li>Insulation coordination studies.</li> <li>Mechanical interlocking schemes.</li> <li>Equipment technical specifications.</li> <li>Type registration documentation.</li> <li>Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) activities.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Project Delivery</strong></p> <ul> <li>Manage programme, budget and quality requirements for engineering deliverables.</li> <li>Prepare, review and approve feasibility studies, outline designs, detailed designs and technical reports.</li> <li>Review and approve construction drawings and technical documentation.</li> <li>Coordinate internal teams and external suppliers.</li> <li>Support bid and tender submissions.</li> <li>Maintain updates to the Business Development Tracker.</li> <li>Participate in client meetings, design reviews and technical workshops.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>About You:</strong></p> <p>You will be an experienced HV Substation Engineer with a strong technical background and a passion for delivering high-quality engineering solutions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>You will have:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Significant experience delivering primary design and engineering for HV substation projects up to 400kV.</li> <li>Strong knowledge of UK Transmission and Distribution standards and specifications.</li> <li>Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.</li> <li>Experience leading engineering teams and reviewing technical deliverables.</li> <li>The ability to work independently while supporting and developing others.</li> <li>A proactive and collaborative approach to problem-solving.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Essential Requirements</strong></p> <ul> <li>BEng or BSc in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.</li> <li>Extensive experience in HV substation primary design and engineering.</li> <li>Experience producing designs, calculations, reports and drawings associated with substation projects up to 400kV.</li> <li>Strong understanding of IEC standards and industry best practice.</li> <li>Experience working to National Grid and DNO specifications.</li> <li>Experience managing engineering teams and coordinating project delivery.</li> <li>Experience working alongside CAD technicians using AutoCAD, Revit or similar software.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Desirable Requirements</strong></p> <ul> <li>MEng or MSc in Electrical Engineering.</li> <li>National Grid HV Plant CDAE accreditation.</li> <li>Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or actively working towards chartership.</li> <li>Experience supporting bids, tenders and work-winning act…