Associate Director - HV Substation Design - UK&I

Overview

As Associate Director, lead end-to-end HV substation design for a portfolio of grid-scale projects, guiding concept through energisation. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and clients to deliver safe, compliant, and high-performance substations. You’ll work on flagship initiatives like Great Grid upgrades and data-centre/ hyperscale projects, shaping the future of energy infrastructure. This role blends technical leadership with program delivery to drive successful outcomes at scale.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working model
• career development opportunities
• AECOM University
• volunteering days
• flexible working options
• the chance to work on high-profile projects

Responsibilities

• Lead HV substation technical discussions with clients and multi-disciplinary teams to define scopes and interfaces
• Direct technical delivery of substation design on major projects, aligning with engineering teams and validating deliverables
• Apply lifecycle design expertise from grid connection studies to FEED and detailed design for meeting power density and availability targets
• Coordinate with project management to develop resourcing forecasts and programmes aligned with construction schedules
• Demonstrate commercial awareness through proposal development, cost monitoring, and identifying opportunities to expand HV scope on frameworks
• Build trusted relationships with clients by understanding grid connection strategies and availability requirements
• Champion safety in design across HV substation deliverables ensuring standards and operational safety compliance
• Mentor and develop junior engineers to build long-term capability in HV substation design

Key requirements

• Consultancy, contractor, or utility experience in the energy sector
• Experience delivering HV infrastructure design at concept, FEED, and detailed design stages
• Strong understanding of electrical AC HV plant and equipment (AIS and GIS) including switchgear, busbars, cabling, earthing, and civil interfaces
• Working knowledge of National Grid standards and specifications
• Proposal and bid development experience including multi-discipline submissions for HV projects or data centres
• Experience in design management and site construction review; primary plant focus essential (secondary systems knowledge beneficial)
• Familiarity with control systems, transformers, HVDC systems, interconnectors, HV protection & control knowledge advantageous
• ideally CDAE / LCDAE approval

• communication
• leadership
• collaboration
• AIS and GIS HV substations
• switchgear, busbars, cabling, earthing
• grid connection studies

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