Location
Bristol; Derby; London; Manchester; Motherwell; Warwick; York

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Help shape the future of the UK's energy infrastructure with BakerHicks, a trusted engineering partner within the UK's Transmission & Distribution sector. We are seeking an experienced Principal/Lead Primary Design Engineer - HV Substations to join our expanding Power team. This role offers the opportunity to lead technical excellence across complex HV substation designs up to 400kV and play a key role in delivering critical energy infrastructure projects.

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. 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. Additionally, you will contribute technical input to tender submissions and help secure future project opportunities.

Work on some of the UK's most significant Transmission & Distribution projects and be part of a business driving the UK's energy transition. Lead and mentor a growing team, collaborate with major utility clients including National Grid, SSEN, Scottish Power, UKPN, ENWL and others, and enjoy genuine opportunities for career progression, technical leadership, and professional development. Experience projects through their full lifecycle, from concept and design through to construction and energisation.

Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
- Lead the delivery of primary engineering design for HV substation projects up to 400kV.
- Manage and mentor a team of engineers and CAD technicians.
- Ensure quality, accuracy and consistency of project deliverables.
- Support and develop junior engineers through coaching and technical guidance.
- Provide technical oversight and approval of engineering work.
- Take ownership of HV Plant CDAE responsibilities on National Grid projects where applicable.

Design & Engineering
- Prepare, review and approve primary layouts and elevations, Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), transformer sizing and specifications.
- Design GIS and AIS switchgear, shunt reactors, NERs and reactive/capacitive compensation schemes.
- Develop switchroom layouts, CT sizing calculations, busbar design and short-circuit force calculations.
- Specify busbar and connectors, LVAC systems for substations, earthing studies and earth return current calculations.
- Conduct insulation coordination studies, mechanical interlocking schemes, equipment technical specifications, type registration documentation and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) activities.

Project Delivery
- Manage programme, budget and quality requirements for engineering deliverables.
- Prepare, review and approve feasibility studies, outline designs, detailed designs and technical reports.
- Review and approve construction drawings and technical documentation.
- Coordinate internal teams and external suppliers.
- Support bid and tender submissions and maintain updates to the Business Development Tracker.
- Participate in client meetings, design reviews and technical workshops.

Experience
- Significant experience delivering primary design and engineering for HV substation projects up to 400kV.
- Strong knowledge of UK Transmission and Distribution standards and specifications.
- Experience leading engineering teams and reviewing technical deliverables.
- Experience producing designs, calculations, reports and drawings associated with substation projects up to 400kV.
- Experience working to National Grid and DNO specifications.
- Experience managing engineering teams and coordinating project delivery.
- Experience working alongside CAD technicians using AutoCAD, Revit or similar software.

About You
- Strong technical background with a passion for delivering high-quality engineering solutions.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work independently while supporting and developing others.
- Proactive and collaborative approach to problem-solving.

Qualifications
- BEng or BSc in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline (essential).
- MEng or MSc in Electrical Engineering (desirable).
- National Grid HV Plant CDAE accreditation (desirable).
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or actively working towards chartership (desirable).

Additional Information
Many positions require security clearance or assurance levels. The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance in line with client and sector requirements. Additional nationality or residency criteria may apply due to specific client or national security obligations.