Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer - UK Grid Network

Principal Substation (Primary Design) Engineer – UK Grid Network

Jacobs – Manchester, England, United Kingdom

At Jacobs, we are challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, and cutting‑edge manufacturing.

Your impact: As part of our UK and Continental Europe team, you will support a range of high‑profile projects across our Power & Energy portfolio, including high voltage AIS and GIS substations, transmission system assets, HVDC interconnectors, and energy storage systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead FEED and detailed design workstreams for National Grid and DNO clients.
• Ensure quality assurance and timely delivery of design packages and bids.
• Review HV plant aspects including layouts, earthing, interlocking, busbar calculations, and specifications.
• Coordinate with back‑office engineers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Attend and contribute to design reviews, hazard reviews, FAT and SAT.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers.
• Support tendering activities and contribute to technical offers.
• Maintain strong client relationships and support business development.

Requirements

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Proven experience in HV substation design (132 kV–400 kV), ideally within UK transmission and distribution environments.
• Familiarity with National Grid and DNO standards and processes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical workstreams and contribute to strategic project delivery.

Why Jacobs?

People are Jacobs’ greatest asset; we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. As a UK employee you’ll receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family‑friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay, free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, and reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. We also give back to our communities through our Collectively programme, which incorporates matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.

Work‑life balance and flexibility are a key focus area. We’re happy to discuss hybrid, part‑time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

As a disability confident employer, we invite all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all listed requirements. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regard to the recruitment process, please contact careers support.

Seniority Level

Not applicable

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology