AECOM
Associate Director - Substation Design (UK)
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Senior HV Transmission & Distribution Engineer (Lead Design Engineer) (Substations, Grid Connections, Private Networks**
Company Description
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Our work—from improving transportation and energy infrastructure to providing clean water and redefining skylines—helps people and communities thrive. As the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, we partner with clients to solve complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
With accelerating global infrastructure investment, our teams of planners, designers, engineers, scientists, and construction managers are in demand. Join over 50,000 professionals shaping a more sustainable and connected world. Here, bold ideas flourish, and careers grow.
We’re one global team driven by purpose. Join us.
Job Description
"Start here. Grow here."
About the Role
Are you an ambitious engineer eager to lead ** transmisison & distribution** projects while accelerating your career with a global firm?
Our Transmission & Distribution team specialises in HV (High Voltage) substation design for power projects across voltage levels (132 kV to 400 kV). This role focuses on primary plant design—critical infrastructure like grid connections, substations, and private networks. Projects may include feasibility, optioneering, FEED (Front-End Engineering & Design), and detailed design, along with design assurance for existing and new assets.
Join a collaborative team where your technical expertise drives impactful outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and deliver critical substation projects with accountability and innovation:
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Stakeholder & Client Engagement
- Lead technical discussions with clients and multi-disciplinary teams, clarifying scopes and ensuring consistent project delivery.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, understanding requirements to foster trust and adopt a client-focused mindset.
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Technical Leadership & Delivery
- Oversee technical delivery across engineering teams.
- Define design approaches, support scope refinement, monitor progress, and quality-check deliverables before client submission.
- Leverage lifecycle expertise (design perspective) to successfully execute projects from feasibility through delivery.
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Project & Commercial Management
- Collaborate with the Project Management Team to develop resourcing forecasts and programme management.
- Demonstrate commercial acumen:
- Lead proposal development (bid opportunities).
- Monitor and manage project costs, identifying commercial opportunities.
- Identify and deliver value-add design solutions.
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Change Enablement
- Champion safety in design as a project ethos.
- Drive neurodiversity and inclusion, ensuring diverse perspectives thrive in the team.
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Performance & Development
- Mentor junior team members, cultivating leadership and technical capability.
- Support long-term team growth and capacity building.
What You’ll Need
We’re looking for experienced engineers with a strong track record in energy infrastructure.
Technical & Professional Requirements
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Industry Experience (Essential)
- Background in consultancy, contracting, or utility work within the energy sector (preferably with National Grid,ապEIS, SSE, SPT, or other transmission utilities/developers in the UK or Ireland).
- 132 kV–400 kV HV infrastructure design experience:
- At concept, FEED, and detailed design stages.
- High Voltage (HV) plant expertise (AC HV systems: ** transmissio airing isolated substation (AIS) & gas-insulated substation (GIS) technologies**).
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Standards & Processes
- Proficiency with National Grid standards & specifications.
- Understanding of substation lifecycle stages from a design perspective.
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Proposals & Bid Management
- Experience developing multi-disciplinary bid strategies from inception through submission.
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Technical Depth (Advantageous)
- Knowledge of secondary systems design (even if not primary).
- Experience with:
- Control systems.
- Transformers, HVDC systems, interconnectors.
- High-voltage protection & control schemas.
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Certifications (Preferred)
- CDAE (Chartered Designer in Asset Engineering) or LCDAE recognised certification.
What You’ll Bring to AECOM
Diversity, innovation, and inclusion are critical to our success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, skills, and abilities—our changing world needs diverse viewpoints to solve its most complex problems.
If you meet some (or any) of these criteria—or believe transferable skills apply—your contribution is valued here.
Note: If an applicant with a disability needs reasonable accommodation to apply, [email protected] is the contact for support.
Benefits: Investing in Your Growth
At AECOM, we believe in cultivating talent and empowering careers.
- Career Development
- AECOM University: Access learning and upskilling resources.
- Technical Practice Networks: Connect with peers and experts.
- Flexible Hybrid Working: Balance your professional and personal life on terms that suit you.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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Hybrid Work Model
- Work from AECOM offices, remote locations, or client sites—your flexibility balances with achievable productivity.
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Well-Being & Support
- Volunteering opportunities: Give back to the communities we serve.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and social impact.
Additional Information
- Location: Birmingham, UK (Colmore Plaza).
- Employee Group: DC Services - DCS (Dis disciplined marketing) | Legal Entity: AECOM Infrastructure and Environment UK Limited.
- Business Focus: Energy Transmission & Distribution Projects
- Work Model: Hybrid
- Equal Opportunity & Disability Support:
- As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we aim for representation at all levels.
- Disability Confident Employer: Applicants with disabilities/meeting essential criteria will be invited for an interview. Reach out to [email protected] to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.
Security Note: All newly recruited employees are required to attend an in-person onboarding session at an AECOM office as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
Released from PwC in 2023 with industry-leading infrastructure expertise (its core sectors are transportation, buildings, water, energy, and environmental solutions), we’re ranked in the Fortune 500 with $16.1 billion (2025 FY) in Professional Services revenue. With 95 global offices, we champion sustainable legacies—our technical and digital innovation inspire positive change for communities around the world.
Join a firm committed to equity, diversity, environmental sustainability, and beforehand collaborations.
Why AECOM? Freedom to Grow
- Yours, by Choice: Flexible working across hybrid models, client sites, or preferred locations.
- Pioneering a sustainable infrastructure future while unlocking your greatest potential.
- Transparency and support: Your growth story is ours.
Are you ready to thrive amidst opportunity while shaping the future of cleaner, smarter energy infrastructure? Apply today. Visit the career site or follow AECOM for insights into employee stories, projects, and team culture. Explore AECOM voices via Twitter/X (@AECOM), LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or AECOM.com.
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