Associate Director - HV Substations Primary

Job Description

Our T&D team delivers HV design for electrical power projects at transmission and distribution voltage levels. The focus of this role is primary plant design for large-scale infrastructure, grid connections, and private networks at voltage levels normally between 132 kV to 400kV. Typical projects include feasibility, optioneering, FEED, detailed design, and design assurance on existing or new substations and other infrastructure.

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Lead substation technical discussions with the client and internal multi-disciplinary teams to establish scopes, define interfacing and ensure delivery.
• Lead the technical delivery with engineering teams by agreeing approach, supporting scope understanding, monitoring progress and quality checking of deliverables prior to issue to client.
• Utilise knowledge of substation project/asset life-cycle from a design perspective to successfully deliver client projects. 
• Liaise with the project management team to produce resourcing forecasts and programmes.
• Demonstrate commercial awareness to carry out proposal development, monitor/manage project costs and enable opportunity identification.
• Build client relationships, understanding client requirements and perspectives, building trust and adopting a client orientated project delivery mindset.
• Drive the safety in design ethos within projects.
• Mentor and develop more junior staff to build team capability and capacity over the medium and long term.

Qualifications

• Master of Engineering degree (or equivalent education) in an appropriate engineering discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng), or Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent in the relevant field from any global organization.
• Previous experience with consultancy, contractor, or utility in the energy sector. Client experience with National Grid, SHET, SSE, SPT or any other transmission utility or developer in UK or Ireland.
• Experience designing HV infrastructure at concept and FEED and detailed design stages.
• Understanding of electrical AC HV Plant infrastructure and equipment both AIS and GIS.
• Working knowledge of National Grid standards and specifications
• Proposal/Bid development experience, including leading multi discipline proposals to completion.
• Experience of design & site construction review, the role is primary plant focused, but knowledge and understanding of secondary system design will be advantageous.
• Experience with Control systems, transformers, HVDC systems, interconnectors, HV Protection & Control knowledge and experience would be advantageous.
• Ideally CDAE / LCDAE approval

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.