Principal Design Engineer – HV Plant – Leeds

Maidstone, Kent
BALFOUR BEATTY-4

About the role

Balfour Beatty is currently recruiting a Principal Primary Design Engineer to join the Power T&D team in Leeds or Newcastle.

We are open to both full time and part time candidates (including job share), and offer a flexible working policy.

The main function of the role is to lead the HV Primary Engineering design delivery for electrical substation projects up to a voltage of 400kV with the assistance of the Design Engineers.

In addition, the Principal Plant Engineer would assist the Design Delivery Managers in the day to day running of the engineers and technicians teams.

The role also includes leading the team in planning and procurement responsibilities as detailed below for delivery of substation projects.

What you’ll be doing

Key accountabilities:

• Lead the Design team to deliver design to the Customer specification requirements, ensuring compliance with relevant National / International Standards and legislation.
• Check and approve HV plant design deliverables e.g. single line diagram, layout/Elevation drawings, MEWP access layouts, SC force calculations, earthing design / calculations etc.
• Lead Design work with due regard to Health & Safety Procedures and the Company’s obligations in compliance with current CDM regulations. Any perceived risks and mitigation measures should be advised to Engineering Manager for effective action.
• Ensure all required models and drawings have an adequate level of review and approval including the supplier and subcontractor supply chains. Incorporating the best practice of BIM as established in the Engineering team.
• Lead the technical direction of the engineering team, taking best practice and industry developments into engineering methodology.

Key Responsibilities:

General Responsibilities:

• Ensure duties are carried out in accordance with Standard Company Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental Procedures and Business Process Manuals.
• Delivery of engineering design to programme, quality and budgets, and lead safety and sustainability by Design into the engineering delivery.
• Functionally the authorised approver of designs (and associated settings) on contracts in accordance with the published design/check/approve authorisation levels.
• Identify (and contribute to) the development and training needs of the design team as appropriate to skill level / experience.

Design Responsibilities:.

• Identify all relevant standards and Customer requirements, ensuring compliance with relevant National / International Standards and legislation, and contract specification
• Design work to be undertaken with due regard to Health, Safety & Environmental Procedures and production of Designer Risk Assessments, as necessary, to fulfil the Company’s obligations in compliance with current CDM regulations.
• AIS and GIS substation design up to 400kV.
• Check and approve substation design deliverables e.g. single line diagram, layout/Elevation drawings, MEWP access layouts, SC force calculations, earthing design / calculations etc.
• To carry out Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE), as defined by National Grid’s procedures, or equivalent role as defined by other clients.
• Ability to perform Principal Designer representative (PD Rep) role as per CDM 2015 regulation.
• Check and review equipment tech specs and engagement with supplier for their offer validation.
• Examine contract documentation and establish the Company’s scope of work including termination boundaries. Where this differs with the tendered contract requirement then these differences should be highlighted to the Project / Engineering Manager with options and solutions for resolutions.

Planning Responsibilities

• Input into the allocation of work packages, coordinate workload and agree priorities withing the Primary Plant Team.
• Prepare, contribute to, check and review DEMP (Design and Engineering Management Plans).
• Ensure the team understands and is working in accordance with the GMEE (Group Minimum Engineering Expectations).
• Upon contract award, liaise and co-ordinate contract requirements with Design Engineers, Project and engineering managers and other Balfour Beatty PT&D Departments at earliest opportunity.
• Establish Design content of work package and the Design resource to achieve the required time scales, in line with Project Programme.

Who we’re looking for

Education & other qualifications:

Graduate in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.

• Charted engineer or working towards.
• Member of IET (MIET).

Experience:

Autocad or similar is preferred but not essential

• Microsoft Office packages.
• Working in a Design Office environment over 10 years of experience.
• Liaising with customers and suppliers.
• Calculations to demonstrate integrity of designs.
• Overall design and specification of electrical power systems and associated power system components.
• Experience as a senior HV Substation Primary Plant Design Engineer.
• Basic understanding of P&C aspects preferable.
• TP141 HV Substation qualification is an advantage.
• Proven experience in a responsible position and knowledge in HV substation equipments e.g. HV plant, transformers etc.
• BIM 360 experience and knowledge.

Why work for us

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

– Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.

– 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)

– Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave

– Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more

About us

Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution teams work with regional, national and international electricity network owners and operators to provide technical engineering solutions across the full spectrum of the electricity grid, including overhead lines, cabling, substations and distribution networks.

From scoping and feasibility, to design, construction and on-going maintenance, our in-house experts, flexible resources and industry-leading innovations support customers in the development of some of the UK’s most ambitious power transmission and distribution projects.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit

We are a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence ‘Employer Recognition Scheme’ and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit: