Substation Design Engineer - Primary / HV Plant

The Team

Cundall is a global engineering consultancy known for innovative and sustainable design across energy, infrastructure and the built environment. With a 50-year history, we deliver projects that shape the future of energy systems, from grid transmission and distribution to renewable energy and critical infrastructure. 

Our Power Systems team specialises in high-voltage design, protection and control systems, power system studies and technical advisory services, delivering technically demanding projects in the UK and internationally. 

The Role

We are looking for a Power Systems Engineer with a developing background in high-voltage power engineering. The role is intentionally broad and will provide exposure across our three core technical strands: primary substation design, protection and control, and power system studies. 

You may already have stronger experience in one of these areas. We do not expect an engineer at this stage to be a specialist in all three. You will work across different project types and technical workstreams, with the opportunity over time to develop deeper expertise in the areas that best align with your strengths, interests and project needs. 

Key Responsibilities 

Design and analysis 

• Contribute to the design and delivery of HV/MV substations, grid connections, BESS, renewable energy and critical-infrastructure projects.
• Support primary design activities such as SLDs, substation layouts, plant selection, specifications and design calculations.
• Support P&C activities such as protection philosophies, schematics, interfaces, equipment schedules and design reviews, appropriate to experience.
• Undertake or support power system studies using recognised analysis tools, appropriate to experience and project needs.

Project delivery 

• Prepare technical reports, calculations, specifications, drawings and other design documentation.
• Coordinate with colleagues across primary, P&C, studies, civil, structural, building services and digital delivery teams.
• Attend client, utility, contractor and project meetings and contribute to resolving technical queries.
• Participate in site surveys and design reviews and manage assigned work packages to agreed quality and programme requirements.

The Skills

Essential Experience and Capabilities 

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering or a related discipline.
• Typically 2–4 years’ relevant post-graduate experience in power systems, electricity networks, substations, renewables, an OEM, EPC contractor or a related engineering environment.
• Practical experience in at least one of the following: primary substation design; P&C / secondary design; or power system studies.
• A good grounding in electrical power engineering and an interest in developing broader knowledge across the complete power system.
• Ability to produce clear engineering calculations, drawings, reports or specifications relevant to current experience.
• Good communication, problem-solving and collaborative working skills.

Desirable Experience 

• Experience of HV systems at 33kV or above.
• Exposure to UK DNO/TO requirements, grid connections or utility projects.
• Experience with relevant engineering tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, ETAP or equivalent, depending on technical background.
• Experience of BESS, renewables, data centres or other critical infrastructure.
• Progress towards professional registration or an interest in working towards Chartered Engineer status.

What Success Looks Like 

• Assigned design and study work is accurate, coordinated and delivered to programme.
• The engineer develops broader understanding across primary design, P&C and studies while building depth in a chosen area.
• Technical queries and multidisciplinary interfaces are identified and resolved collaboratively.
• Clients and colleagues receive clear, responsive and well-structured technical input.

Why Join Us? 

• Work on technically challenging power and grid infrastructure projects.
• Develop Cundall’s growing substation design capability while working alongside specialists in primary design, P&C and studies.
• Work within an integrated multidisciplinary consultancy across energy, BESS, data centres and critical infrastructure.
• Access flexible working arrangements and structured professional development.

Job Description 

Your career at Cundall

We know that to be the best at what we do we need a diverse workforce underpinned by an inclusive culture. Creating environments where everyone can find joy doing their best work is also great for everyone. That’s why we positively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and encourage, support, and celebrate the diverse voices of our people.