Lead Principal Engineer – Transformers

Overview

In this role you will provide technical leadership for transformer and wound plant experts within the Network Engineering team, shaping specifications and technical guidance for the Transmission business. You will act as a senior Design and Technical Authority to drive sound, risk-based engineering decisions and ensure safe, robust, and standards-driven designs. The position emphasizes leadership, innovation, and standardisation to support a reliable transmission network aligned with net-zero goals. You will engage with industry forums to share best practices and raise technical credibility.

Pay / Benefits

• Discounts on private healthcare
• Gym membership discounts
• Free online GP
• 24/7 counselling service
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Maternity and adoption pay; paternity leave

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of transformer and wound plant experts
• Provide Technical Authority leadership and shape specifications
• Assure projects and suppliers; oversee testing, audits and deviations
• Drive innovation and standardisation in transformer engineering
• Review supplier proposals and ensure equipment suitability for transmission networks
• Collaborate across Transmission to maintain guidance notes and technical documentation
• Represent the team in industry forums (CIGRE, ENA, IEC) to share best practices

Key requirements

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartered status
• Proven track record leading high-performing technical teams
• Extensive experience as Technical Authority with governance of standards and assurance
• Deep experience with transmission-voltage wound plants and related equipment (grid and super-grid transformers, HVDC transformers, reactors, earthing/auxiliary transformers)
• Strong knowledge of National Grid, British, European and international standards; capable of producing specifications and guidance notes

• Leadership and people development
• Stakeholder collaboration
• Technical decision-making under risk
• Transformer and wound plant design, specification, testing, operation and maintenance
• HVDC converter transformers, shunt/series reactors, earthing/auxiliary transformers
• Technical assurance processes and deviation management

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