Senior Substation Primary (HV Plant) Design Engineer - Contract (Inside IR35)
UK - Epsom | Birmingham | Leeds | Glasgow (Hybrid / Site Travel)
Up to £65/hr (Umbrella)
12-month minimum contract
We are recruiting for a Senior Substation Primary (HV Plant) Design Engineer to join a leading engineering team delivering major transmission and distribution substation projects across the UK.
This is a senior role working across the full project lifecycle, from FEED through to detailed design and construction support, with responsibility for delivering high-quality HV substation primary plant design solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and deliver HV substation primary plant design for transmission and distribution projects
Produce and review HV substation layouts, elevations, and general arrangements
Develop earthing designs, reports, and calculations
Prepare and review HV plant technical specifications and equipment data sheets
Carry out HV busbar calculations and design assessments
Develop mechanical interlocking philosophies and maintenance access arrangements
Support FEED, detailed design, and tender stages
Review and manage technical tender packages and supplier submissions
Participate in design reviews, hazard studies, and technical workshops
Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, suppliers, and subcontractors
Provide technical support during construction and commissioning stages
Support junior engineers through mentoring and technical guidance
Attend client meetings and occasional site visitsRequirements
Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
Strong experience in HV substation primary plant design
Experience working on transmission and distribution projects (up to 400kV desirable)
Familiarity with utility standards (e.g. National Grid, SPEN, SSEN or equivalent)
Experience delivering FEED and detailed design packages
Strong understanding of HV electrical systems and design principles
Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering environments
Ability to review technical design packages and manage quality assuranceSkills & Attributes
Strong technical leadership capability
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Experience working in consultancy or EPC environments
Ability to support tendering and technical proposal work
Collaborative and proactive approach to engineering delivery
Comfortable working across office, remote, and site environments
Willingness to travel when requiredWhat's on Offer
Major UK transmission and substation infrastructure projects
Full lifecycle engineering exposure (FEED to commissioning support)
Senior technical leadership role with real project influence
Flexible hybrid working across UK office locations
Opportunity to work within a high-performing multidisciplinary teamIf you are an experienced HV Substation Primary Plant Engineer looking for a senior contract opportunity with strong technical scope and responsibility, please apply or get in touch for more information
