Principal Cable System Design Engineer (Transmission & Distribution)

Overview

As a Principal Cable System Design Engineer, you will lead HV/EHV cable design across UK and global projects, shaping high-stakes infrastructure and energy transition initiatives. You will drive technical excellence, mentor teams, and engage with clients to deliver safe, compliant, and innovative cable solutions. You’ll collaborate across disciplines to ensure cohesive designs and influence standards and digital delivery. This role offers exposure to flagship programs like National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade and a chance to impact energy infrastructure at scale.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working model
• career development opportunities
• AECOM University
• volunteering days
• competitive compensation and benefits
• global collaboration

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of large HV/EHV cable projects from concept to completion with focus on safety, quality, and innovation
• Develop and oversee HV cable system designs (routing, burial risk, thermal, EM, mechanical performance)
• Provide expert input on ratings, installation methods, jointing, cleating, and system integration in challenging environments
• Validate calculations (ampacity, short-circuit, EMC, induced voltages, thermomechanics) to comply with National Grid TPs, IEC, and CIGRÉ
• Engage with clients and stakeholders providing technical assurance and value-engineered solutions
• Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs (civil, structural, OHL, substation, marine) for integrated design
• Drive project execution, manage risks, interfaces, and quality reviews; support procurement, construction, commissioning
• Conduct 3rd-party inspections, FAT/SAT witnessing, vendor oversight for cable and ancillary equipment
• Mentor and develop capability within the cable systems engineering team
• Support business development including proposals, bid reviews, and client presentations

Key requirements

• Demonstrated technical leadership in HV/EHV cable system design
• Experience in design, specification, and installation of complex cable systems in tunnels or constrained environments
• Strong knowledge of National Grid TPs, IEC, and CIGRÉ standards
• Experience in regulated, quality environments; with National Grid, SSE, EirGrid, or equivalent TSOs/DNOs preferred
• Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and engage with senior stakeholders
• Excellent communication, client-facing and leadership/mentorship skills
• Commitment to innovation, digital delivery, and sustainable design

• communication
• leadership
• stakeholder engagement
• HV/EHV cable system design
• routing and burial risk assessment
• thermal and electromagnetic modelling

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