Principal Design Engineer - Transmission Electrical

We are recruiting for a Principal Design Engineer (Transmission - Electrical) to join us here at Navitas Engineering - an Octavius Company.

We are a leading civil engineering organisation delivering safe, sustainable, and efficient transport solutions across the UK.

Navitas Engineering provides electrical engineering design, consultancy, and testing services to the railway and electricity supply industries. Our expertise spans the entire asset lifecycle, including feasibility studies, option assessment and selection, outline and detailed design, testing, and engineering support throughout implementation, operation, and maintenance phases.

The Principal Design Engineer is a senior technical lead within the design team, responsible for leading, developing, and assuring high‑voltage (HV) and extra‑high‑voltage (EHV) design solutions (132 kV to 400 kV). This role operates across a range of transmission level projects, including renewals and enhancements work.

The Principal Design Engineer provides technical leadership, ensures full compliance with National Grid and other applicable standards. (e.g., NGESO/NGED, ENA, IEC), and drives best‑practice engineering throughout the design lifecycle. The role includes line management, technical governance, client engagement at senior levels, and work winning/tendering.

You'll be working on…. (what your role and responsibility is)

Technical Leadership

• Act as the technical lead for transmission‑voltage design (132–400 kV).
• Lead concept, FEED, and detailed design phases across major transmission projects.
• Provide expert guidance on substation electrical primary and secondary equipment design, including for example substation layout, protection, control, earthing design and equipment specification.
• Approve technical documentation, ensuring accuracy, safety, and compliance.

Project Delivery

• Oversee design packages from feasibility to commissioning support.
• Develop design strategies, scopes, and technical methodologies.
• Manage and deliver engineering outputs to agreed budgets, milestones, and quality standards.
• Manage design review meetings.

Compliance, Standards & Assurance

• Ensure full compliance with transmission‑sector regulations, including:
  • National Grid Technical Specifications (TS), Grid Code, SQSS.
  • ENA Engineering Recommendations.
  • IEC/BS EN standards relevant to HV/EHV systems.
• Lead internal and external design assurance reviews, audits, and HAZIDs/HAZOPs.
• Champion safety‑by‑design and risk mitigation throughout all design stages.

Tools & Technology

• Knowledge of HV system modelling platforms such as PowerFactory or ETAP preferable.
• Oversight of CAD, BIM, and digital engineering workflows.
• Promote continuous improvement of design tools, templates, and engineering processes.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor, manage, and technically develop Senior/Design Engineers.
• Lead technical training initiatives and promote engineering excellence.
• Allocate design resources, monitor performance, and support capability building within the team.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with client organisation representatives, and other relevant interfaces.
• Represent the company as the technical lead in design reviews, workshops, and strategic meetings.
• Provide high‑level engineering consultation and problem‑solving for clients.

General Responsibilities

• Support commercial activities: bids, technical proposals, scopes of work, and change control.
• Lead initiative to grow design capability and team within the company.
• Uphold the company's values and maintain a high level of professionalism.

You'll work with… (because relationships are important)

A team of highly motivated, dedicated professionals delivering projects across a variety of frameworks .

You'll receive…. (because we value you)

We offer a competitive rewards package, including

• Competitive salary.
• Performance-linked annual bonus.
• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays.
• Flexible company pension.
• Commitment to ongoing training and professional development.
• Support for achieving professional registration.
• Private health insurance (subject to underwriting).
• Relevant life insurance (subject to underwriting).
• EV car scheme.
• Employee discount programme.
• Ride to Work scheme.
• Gym allowance.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Season ticket loan.
• Mobile phone allowance.

About the role

• Work Type: Hybrid (remote/office-based).
• Office Location: London or Glasgow
• Site Locations: Various sites across the UK.
• Employment Type: Permanent, full-time (subject to a 6-month probation period).

You'll bring… (your wealth of experience & qualifications)

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent discipline.
• Extensive experience in the design of transmission substations (≥132 kV).
• Demonstrated expertise in transmission substation design, protection, control, earthing, and HV equipment specification.
• Experience working on National Grid projects, transmission owners, or large renewable developers.
• Strong understanding of National Grid standards, Grid Code, SQSS, and ENA/IEC requirements.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards with significant industry experience preferable.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder‑management skills.

Inclusion and diversity are important to us, we are an equal opportunities employer and value difference. We want and will continue to build an inclusive environment where our people thrive. We firmly believe constantly striving to build a truly diverse workforce is what makes us a strong business and will enable us to continue to solve important problems and deliver unrivalled value to both our customers and clients. If you need any specialist support throughout your application, we will work with you where we can to support your journey with us.