WSP in the UK & Ireland
Primary Design Engineer - Senior / Associate / Director (Energy)

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Primary Design Engineer - Senior / Associate / Director (Energy)
Job Description
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
A Little More About Your Role
WSP is at the forefront of delivering the next generation of electricity network infrastructure. As demand for cleaner, more resilient power systems continues to grow, we're expanding our Primary Substation capability and are looking for Engineers, Senior Engineers and Associates and Associate Directors to join us.
Working on nationally significant projects, including programmes supporting the Great Grid Upgrade, you'll contribute to the design and delivery of high-voltage substations that will help connect renewable generation, strengthen network resilience and support the UK's net zero ambitions.
Responsibilities
- Produce a comprehensive suite of design drawings for Grid and Primary substations.
- Prepare technical specifications for Electrical plant and providing associated electrical designs for the substation upgrades, and new substations projects from 11kV up to an including 132kV.
- Produce substation design feasibility reports, cost estimate, layouts, GA’s as well as the preparation of plant specifications that include transformers, switchgear and battery systems.
- Reviewing designs produced by suppliers and client to ensure designs are technically compliant and in line with current legislation and policies.
- Ensure designs are delivered in accordance with the contract to the satisfaction of the client and the specifications.
- Undertake the role of CDM Designer and/or Principal Designer for developed HV and EHV projects.
- Ensure that relevant Health and Safety risks and hazards are identified, made known to the project team and properly managed.
- Attend site meetings to support any design or requirement change during project build.
- Ensure project design works are aligned with programme, quality, and margin.
- Actively developing external and internal client relationships.
- Experience of HV and EHV Plant specification, 11kV up to and including 132kV, design, load calculations and rating studies.
- Preparing specifications for HV and EHV substation equipment including the evaluation and identification of plant accessories such as CT’s, battery systems and terminations.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate
- Minimum qualification HNC Electrical Engineering
- Exposure to substation cable design and protection and control.
- Experience of small, medium and technically complex new substation, retrofit or network reinforcement projects.
- Proven experience in HV and EHV substation design (both AIS & GIS), from 11kV up to and including 132kV.
- Knowledge of engineering standards and technical policies for HV and EHV plant, substations (including earthing and electrical clearances).
- An ability to interpret technical documentation relating to the design of electrical substations.
- Design cost estimation experience.
- The ability to travel as per project needs.
Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.
Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.
With us, you can. Apply today.
About Us
We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
Work-life balance
At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.
Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.


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Inclusivity & Belonging
We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.
Health & Wellbeing
We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.
Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
Flex your time
To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.
We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
Your development
We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.
#WeAreWSP
Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
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