Lead Primary Engineer

Primary Design Engineer - High Voltage Substations (132kV-400kV) Location: Hybrid - Staffordshire Office Employment Type: Inside IR35 Contract We are seeking a skilled and motivated Primary Design Engineer to join our dynamic Design Team, taking a lead role in delivering high-voltage substation projects ranging from 132kV to 400kV. This is a hands-on engineering position where you will be responsible for producing and reviewing critical design elements, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the primary design activities for AIS and GIS substations up to 420kV.
• Produce and review primary layouts, including structure designs and grounding systems.
• Participate in project safety reviews and ensure designs meet safety and regulatory standards.
• Interface with internal teams and external suppliers, including protection and control (P&C) vendors.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (civil, secondary, protection) to ensure cohesive project delivery.
• Validate back-office designs and ensure alignment with project specifications.
• Support BIM workflows and contribute to digital design integration.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in high-voltage substation design (AIS/GIS up to 420kV).
• Proficiency in CAD tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of IEC standards and other international codes.
• Solid knowledge of grounding systems, busbar configurations, and layout optimization.
• Demonstrated experience with BIM in substation design workflows.
• Effective communicator and team collaborator across engineering disciplines.
• Qualifications Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of National Grid specifications.
• Familiarity with protection relays from GE, Siemens, and Hitachi.
• TP141 certification is advantageous.
• HVDC experience is a plus.

Please click here to find out more about our Key Information Documents. Please note that the documents provided contain generic information. If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement. To find out more about Progressive please visit www.progressiverecruitment.com Progressive Recruitment, a trading division of SThree Partnership LLP is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy | Registered office | 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom | Partnership Number | OC387148 England and Wales