Kirby Group Engineering
Lead HV Main Plant Engineer | Power and Renewables | Glasgow
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Permanent position available with a considerable portfolio of works for the next 5+ years
- To build your career by assisting in the delivery of ‘leading edge’ engineering projects.
- To work with a vibrant, agile and multi-functional team in delivering projects on time, safely, to budget and to the required quality standards.
- To benefit from Kirby’s Career Development Programmes that will enhance your leadership capability.
- To work with the best.
- Excellent package on offer with room for negotiations
About Kirby Group Engineering
Kirby Group Engineering is an international multi-disciplinary engineering services contractor and leading provider of high-value engineering services to a number of ‘blue chip’ companies. Operating across Ireland, the UK, Europe and South Africa, Kirby has become the engineering service provider of choice in growth segments such as pharmaceuticals, data centres and power transmission and distribution. Our culture is innovative, collaborative and performance focused. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow and develop in a company committed to developing talent and rewarding performance.
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and driven Lead HV Main Plant Engineer to take ownership of the design, coordination, and delivery of high-voltage (HV) substation primary plant systems.
As a Lead HV Substation Primary Plant Design Engineer, you will be responsible for designing the core electrical components of substations, ensuring they are efficient, safe, and fully compliant with relevant standards. This role combines deep electrical engineering expertise with strong project management capability and requires close coordination with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
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You will act as the technical authority across projects, leading design activities, mentoring engineers, and ensuring successful delivery of substation infrastructure that supports reliable power transmission and distribution.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, supervise, and deliver primary plant design for high-voltage substations (typically 33kV to 400kV).
- Take full technical ownership of HV main plant design packages across multiple projects.
- Design and oversee the specification of key substation components including busbars, circuit breakers, disconnectors, instrument transformers, and associated steelwork and foundations.
- Ensure all designs are efficient, safe, and compliant with applicable industry standards and client requirements.
- Develop and approve detailed substation layouts including general arrangements, equipment elevations, and cable/conduit routing.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to junior and intermediate engineers.
- Coordinate closely with civil, protection, control, and secondary design teams to ensure integrated and optimised solutions.
- Lead technical assessments, feasibility studies, and concept design activities.
- Interface with clients and stakeholders as a trusted technical authority.
- Support and guide project delivery through strong planning, prioritisation, and risk management.
- Support procurement by leading technical specifications, vendor evaluations, and document reviews.
- Lead design reviews, HAZID/HAZOP workshops, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Provide senior-level support during construction, commissioning, and project handover phases.
- Drive continuous improvement in design processes, innovation, and engineering best practice.
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Qualifications And Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Typically 8–10+ years’ experience in HV substation primary plant design.
- Proven experience in a lead or senior engineering role, including technical ownership and team leadership.
- Strong understanding of HV substation design and operation, including AIS and GIS technologies.
- Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Bentley Substation) and design platforms.
- Strong working knowledge of UK National Grid, IEC, and relevant industry standards.
- Excellent understanding of electrical safety, earthing, clearances, and insulation coordination.
- Demonstrated ability to manage design delivery and coordinate across disciplines.
- Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it) is strongly preferred.
For more information on this role, or other Construction / Engineering opportunities across Ireland, the UK, Europe, or South Africa please review our careers page (Vacancies – Kirby Group Careers) or contact the Talent Acquisition Team at Kirby Group in confidence on +353 (0)1 454 0411.
Kirby Group Engineering is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age.
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