Lead Design Engineer – Substation Auxiliary Systems
Location – Cambuslang Office (with hybrid working pattern)
Salary from £63,200 – £79,000 + extensive benefits package
Full-time | Permanent – 37 hours per week
Closing date – 24th September 2026
Help us create a better future, quicker!
At SP Energy Networks, we’re helping shape the future of energy. As we deliver one of the UK’s largest electricity network transformation programmes, investing over £12bn in our transmission infrastructure over the next five years, we’re creating the network that will power Scotland’s journey to Net Zero and support generations to come.
To help drive this transformation, we’re looking for a skilled Lead Design Engineer to lead the development and delivery of Substation Auxiliary Power Systems across our transmission network. Joining our Main Plant Design team, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering major infrastructure projects worth in excess of £75m, providing technical expertise throughout the project lifecycle.
You’ll be responsible for developing detailed engineering designs, calculations, specifications and technical standards covering auxiliary AC power systems, standby generation, building electrical services and associated infrastructure, ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient operation of critical network assets that keep electricity flowing to homes, businesses and communities across Scotland.
What you’ll be doing
- Define technical requirements – Shape System Construction Authorisation documents, project specifications, and procurement documentation for substation auxiliary systems
- Design and specify – Prepare detailed engineering specifications and designs for LVAC distribution systems, standby diesel generators, AC and DC distribution boards, marshalling kiosks, building electrical services, and lighting systems
- Calculate and validate – Prepare, review, and approve design calculations including load assessments, cable sizing, voltage drop studies, short-circuit calculations, LV protection coordination studies, and lighting studies
- Assess and approve – Undertake technical assessment of submissions and provide oversight and approval of designs produced both internally and by external design partners
- Resolve technical issues – Support construction, testing, and commissioning activities while taking the initiative to resolve technical issues that arise on site
- Ensure compliance – Work across multi-disciplinary engineering teams to ensure all designs, equipment, and components meet current legislation, policies, and operational requirements
- Develop capability – Contribute to training needs assessment and help develop technical, operational, and safety packages for new equipment
- Drive innovation – Stay ahead of technological advances and industry best practice, evaluating innovative ideas and alternative methods to deliver cost savings, improved efficiencies, and enhanced safety outcomes
What you’ll bring
Essential qualifications and experience:
- Degree or HND in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
- 10+ years of electrical engineering experience, with at least 5 years in electricity transmission, distribution, or similar utility infrastructure
- UK experience, ideally gained with a TO or EPC contractor working on UK projects
- Expert knowledge of 33kV to 400kV substation projects from concept through to commissioning
Technical expertise you’ll have:
- Deep knowledge in auxiliary AC distribution systems, standby generation systems, low voltage power distribution, building electrical services, and lighting design
- Proficiency in power system studies, calculations, and power quality engineering
- Strong working knowledge of Trimble Electrical Designer, ETAP, and DIALux software
- Solid working knowledge of BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition), earthing systems, and low voltage power systems evaluation
- Experience with auxiliary power systems equipment, CDM and Health & Safety best practice in design environments
- Knowledge of battery technologies including Lead Acid and Lithium-ion applications
- Familiarity with operational resilience requirements for critical infrastructure power supplies
- Track record of implementing new technologies and engineering solutions to reduce project lifetime costs
Skills that will make you successful:
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to form effective working relationships across departments and businesses
- Capability to investigate and gain familiarity with technical characteristics of substation plant and associated equipment
- Strong planning and organisational skills to coordinate work across multiple complex, high-value transmission projects
- Ability to engage in planning tasks from strategic capital investment level down to day-to-day coordination
Required:
- UK driving licence
Desirable:
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards it
- Membership of IET or equivalent professional institution
- Working knowledge of ENA TS 50-18, 50-19, and other relevant standards
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