Location
Manchester, UK (Hybrid working model available)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Are you ready to shape the future of energy infrastructure and lead a varied portfolio of groundbreaking projects? We are seeking an experienced and ambitious Associate Director to be based in the UK or Ireland, leading end-to-end HV substation design. You will shape grid-scale power infrastructure from concept through to energisation on projects that few engineers get the opportunity to be involved in.

Your expertise will contribute to major projects such as National Grid’s ‘Great Grid Upgrade’, the Great Grid Partnership enabling the UK’s energy transition, collaborations with leading Hyperscalers and Data Centre Operators, and EirGrid engineering design and project management frameworks.

Key responsibilities include leading HV substation technical discussions with clients and multi-disciplinary teams, directing technical delivery of major substation design projects, applying lifecycle expertise from grid connection studies through detailed design, liaising with project management on resourcing and scheduling, demonstrating commercial awareness through proposal and cost monitoring, building trusted client relationships, championing safety in design principles, and mentoring junior engineers to build team capability.

About AECOM
At AECOM, we are the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. We offer career development opportunities, flexible hybrid working, technical practice networks, and a supportive environment to help you grow and succeed.

Experience
- Previous experience with consultancy, contractor, or utility in the energy sector.
- Client experience with National Grid, SHET, SSE, SPT or other transmission utilities or developers in the UK or Ireland.
- Proven experience delivering HV infrastructure design at concept, FEED, and detailed design stages.
- Strong understanding of electrical AC HV plant and equipment including AIS and GIS, switchgear, busbars, cabling, earthing, and civil interfaces.
- Working knowledge of National Grid standards and specifications.
- Proposal and bid development experience, including leading multi-discipline submissions for Data Centre, HV infrastructure or grid connection projects.
- Experience of design management and site construction review with primary plant focus; secondary systems knowledge (protection, control, SCADA) advantageous.
- Familiarity with control systems, transformers, HVDC systems, interconnectors, HV Protection & Control knowledge is advantageous.
- Ideally CDAE / LCDAE approval.

About you
Ambitious and experienced engineer with strong leadership skills, commercial awareness, and the ability to build trusted client relationships. You are committed to safety in design and passionate about mentoring and developing junior engineers. You thrive in a dynamic environment and are motivated to contribute to the UK and Ireland’s energy transition through innovative HV substation design.

Qualifications
Relevant engineering qualifications and professional accreditation are expected. CDAE / LCDAE approval is desirable but not essential.