Principal Engineer - Renewable & Substation Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Engineer with a background in renewable energy systems, utility-scale solar PV, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and MV/HV substation and grid connection design to join our growing energy engineering team.

In this role, you will lead and support the electrical design of solar PV, BESS and hybrid renewable projects, taking ownership of design packages from concept through detailed design and construction support. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients, developers, EPC contractors and utilities, providing technical input and helping ensure that designs are safe, coordinated and compliant with applicable standards. The ideal candidate has solid experience in solar power system design, MV/HV substations, grid integration and grid code compliance, along with the ability to review and guide the work of other engineers. Proficiency in AutoCAD and electrical design tools is required, while experience with PVcase, PVsyst and power system analysis software such as ETAP is an advantage.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior engineer to take a key technical role in renewable and energy storage projects, contribute to design quality and delivery, and support the development of other engineers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Renewable Electrical Design

• Lead and support the electrical design of utility-scale solar PV, BESS and hybrid renewable systems, including MV collection networks, HV/MV substations and grid connections, from concept through detailed design.
• Prepare and review general arrangements, PV layouts, stringing plans, single-line diagrams (LV DC, LV AC and MV), cable routing, trench sections, cable schedules, earthing and lightning protection layouts.
• Review design calculations, including string sizing, LV DC/AC and MV cable sizing, voltage drop and losses, short-circuit withstand, earthing, transformer and switchgear sizing, and equipment ratings.
• Prepare and review technical specifications, equipment datasheets, technical queries and bills of quantities (BoQ).
• Ensure designs comply with applicable IEC, IEEE, ENA, DNO/TSO requirements, national grid connection codes and health, safety and environmental regulations.

2. Solar, Battery & Substation Systems Engineering

• Support the design and integration of solar PV arrays, inverters, transformers, RMUs, MV switchgear, protection and control systems and BESS into existing grid networks.
• Contribute to energy yield and loss studies, layout optimisation, equipment selection and technical optioneering using tools such as PVsyst and PVcase.
• Support the development of protection philosophies, earthing and grounding systems, arc flash assessments and electrical safety studies.
• Provide technical input on renewable connection strategies, grid code compliance, interconnection requirements, protection coordination and MV/HV substation design.
• Help resolve technical issues during design development and provide clear, practical engineering recommendations.

3. Coordination, Quality & Digital Delivery

• Coordinate the electrical design with civil, structural, protection and control and other disciplines, supporting coordinated and constructible design packages.
• Work within CDE platforms (BIM 360, ACC, Aconex) and model-based workflows to support efficient project delivery.
• Review calculations, drawings, specifications and design deliverables prepared by engineers and junior staff, in line with Company quality procedures.
• Apply safety-in-design principles and contribute to electrical design risk assessments.
• Support the development and improvement of design standards, calculation templates and technical knowledge within the team.

4. Project & Client Support

• Deliver assigned electrical scopes to agreed schedule, budget and quality requirements, maintaining design integrity throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate with developers, EPC contractors, utilities, DNOs/TSOs and independent engineers during project development, detailed design and execution.
• Provide input to budgets, schedules, risk registers, design deliverable tracking and technical bid preparation.
• Prepare technical reports, calculations and feasibility studies, and participate in client design reviews and technical meetings.

5. Construction & Commissioning Support

• Provide engineering support during construction, testing and commissioning stages, including site visits, inspections and attendance at key project milestones.
• Review contractor documentation, respond to technical queries and RFIs, and review electrical installation, testing and commissioning procedures and records.
• Support energisation, grid compliance testing, performance testing and handover activities for solar PV, BESS and substation scopes.
• Mentor and support engineers and junior staff, sharing technical knowledge of renewable design, substation engineering and installation practices.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in electrical design for renewable energy, power systems, substations or utility-scale infrastructure projects.
• Experience in utility-scale solar PV, BESS, MV/HV substations and/or grid connection design.
• Good working knowledge of utility standards, protection schemes, grounding/earthing, electrical safety regulations and grid connection requirements.
• Ability to lead design packages and review the work of other engineers.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and electrical design tools.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across disciplines, clients and contractors.

Preferred

• Experience with PVcase, PVsyst, ETAP, Revit or similar tools.
• Field experience in solar PV, BESS or substation installation, testing or commissioning.
• Experience with energy storage systems, hybrid plants, microgrids and HV grid interconnections.
• Familiarity with international renewable standards and grid codes, including IEC, ENA G99/G100, EU Network Code RfG and relevant interconnection processes.
• Professional registration or authorisation, such as ANRE authorisation in Romania, IET membership or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience supporting bids, feasibility studies, technical due diligence or owner’s engineer scopes for renewable projects.

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.