Primary / HV Plant Design Engineer

Primary / HV Plant Design Engineer

HV Plant Design Engineer (132kV-400kV) - National Grid SR188 Experience

Job Purpose

The Primary / HV Plant Design Engineer is responsible for the design, engineering, and technical delivery of high-voltage substation plant systems for transmission and distribution projects. The role involves developing compliant designs in accordance with National Grid standards, particularly SR188 (Substation Layout Design Guidance), ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for new-build, refurbishment, and extension projects.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Engineering

Produce HV substation plant designs for transmission voltage levels up to 400kV.
Develop substation layouts in compliance with National Grid SR188 requirements.
Prepare and review:
General arrangement drawings
Substation layouts
Equipment installation drawings
Electrical clearance studies
Earthing layouts
Busbar arrangements
Cable routing drawings
Design layouts for AIS and GIS substations.
Ensure plant designs comply with:
National Grid Technical Specifications
Electricity Transmission standards
IEC, BS EN, and industry regulations
CDM Regulations

Technical Leadership

Provide technical guidance to engineers and designers.
Participate in design reviews, HAZID, HAZOP, and constructability assessments.
Resolve technical queries during engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
Review vendor drawings and equipment data for compliance.

Project Delivery

Support project teams through FEED, detailed design, construction, and commissioning stages.
Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering interfaces (Civil, Protection & Control, Mechanical, and Primary Design).
Ensure deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to required quality standards.

Stakeholder Management

Liaise with National Grid, DNOs, consultants, contractors, and equipment manufacturers.
Attend technical meetings and client design review workshops.
Support project approvals and design submissions.

Essential Qualifications

Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent engineering discipline.
Membership of a professional institution (IET preferred).
Working towards or holding Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Essential Experience

Significant experience in HV substation primary plant design.
Proven experience on National Grid transmission projects.
Strong knowledge and practical application of National Grid SR188 Substation Layout Design Guidance.
Experience designing substations within:
132kV
275kV
400kV transmission networks
Experience with AIS and GIS substations.
Familiarity with National Grid design standards and policies.
Experience reviewing supplier and contractor designs.

Technical Skills

National Grid Standards

SR188 Substation Layout Design
Engineering Technical Specifications (ETS)
National Grid Transmission procedures
Electrical safety clearances and insulation coordination

Design Knowledge

Primary plant design
Busbar configurations
Switchgear layouts
Power transformers
Reactors
CTs, VTs, CVTs
Disconnectors and circuit breakers
Surge arresters
Earthing systems

Software

AutoCAD
MicroStation (preferred)
Autodesk products
CYMCAP (desirable)
CDEGS (desirable)
MS Office Suite

Key Competencies

Strong analytical and engineering problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Ability to work independently and lead technical work packages.
Strong understanding of safety-by-design principles.
Attention to detail and commitment to engineering quality.

Desirable Experience

National Grid EPC or framework projects.
Offshore or renewable grid connection projects.
Protection and Control interface knowledge.
BIM and digital engineering experience.
Experience supporting construction and commissioning activities.

Typical Deliverables

Substation General Arrangement Drawings
SR188-Compliant Layouts
Equipment Clearance Studies
Earthing Layouts
Design Risk Assessments
Technical Specifications
Bill of Materials
Design Reports
Construction Support Documentation