Mott MacDonald
Principal Electrical Engineer (Cables)

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Principal Electrical Engineer (Cables)
Senior Electrical Engineer (HV Cable Design) – Transmission & Distribution Team
Location/s: UK-wide (Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Croydon, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Newcastle Upon Tyne)
Recruiter contact: Maria Cervantes or Abhijeet Barpanda
About Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with 20,000+ employees across 50+ countries and 140+ offices. We deliver impactful projects across diverse industries, fostering a culture where collaboration, learning, and growth empower our teams to excel.
As a proudly employee-owned business, we prioritise inclusion, sustainability, and shared success—empowering every colleague to thrive while driving positive societal change.
About The Business Unit: Energy
The Energy unit delivers specialist services across:
- Hydropower
- Nuclear
- Waste
- Renewable generation
- Transmission & distribution networks
We provide end-to-end engineering and project management—from concept to decommissioning—helping clients navigate the global energy transition.
Overview Of The Role
Position: Senior Electrical Engineer (HV Cable Design)
Join our dynamic Transmission & Distribution team and play a key role in designing the infrastructure that powers our future!
We’re expanding due to exciting major project wins and seek an experienced HV Transmission Cables Engineer to lead cable system design—spanning onshore, offshore, and HVDC/HVAC projects. Whether supporting offshore wind interconnectors or underground grid networks, your expertise will shape critical energy infrastructure for a sustainable future.
Key Responsibilities
- HV Cable System Design: Lead onshore and offshore transmission cable designs for onshore and offshore projects—covering all stages, from concept to construction detail.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Interface with stakeholders, substation/grid teams, and engineering disciplines to integrate cable systems seamlessly.
- Feasibility & Risk Analysis: Conduct feasibility studies, risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses for cable projects.
- FEED Leadership: Drive Front End Engineering Design for major projects, delivering innovative solutions.
- Regulatory & Consenting Work: Align design with civil, environmental, and regulatory requirements to ensure smooth permitting.
- Detail Design & Tendering: Progress concept designs to construction-ready documentation, supporting tender packages.
- Troubleshooting: Resolve installation and operational issues (e.g., HV cables), ensuring reliability and maintenance best practices.
- Technical Updates: Stay current with advancements in cable materials (XLE, XLPE), insulation technologies, and HVDC/HVAC innovations.
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Candidate Specification
Essential Requirements
- Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent qualification).
- Proven experience as an electrical engineer in transmission cable design (onshore/offshore).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex technical challenges.
- Willingness to embrace new challenges and confidence when working on high-impact projects.
- Clear written communication, including report writing.
- Exceptional collaboration and interpersonal skills.
Desirable
- Master’s degree (Electrical Engineering or related field).
- Hands-on experience with onshore and offshore cable systems.
- Technical expertise in UK/Ireland utility networks (HV transmission cable design for DNOs/TSOs).
- Experience with HVDC and HVAC cable technologies (e.g., hybrid schemes, accounts for 100+ kV rated systems).
Organisation Culture & Commitments
Immigration Policy
- Due to UK government Skilled Worker route changes (April 2024), Mott MacDonald does not currently offer sponsorship. Candidates must be eligible for sponsorship-free immigration routes (e.g., existing visa holders, EU Settled Status).
Working Environment
- Hybrid working and flexibility: Aligned with client/project needs, with a focus on well-being and trust.
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI): We foster inclusivity and are committed to fair practices. Employees are encouraged to thrive in an open and supportive workplace.
Accessibility
- Accommodations provided throughout the recruitment process. Contact: reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com for support.
Exceptional Benefits
Financial & Pension Wellbeing
- Pension match: 4.5–7% employee contribution match.
- Life assurance (base cover up to 4× salary, expandable to 6× via flexible benefits).
- Income protection scheme: Financial support + return-to-work assistance for long-term absence.
- Additional perks: Will writing, critical illness insurance.


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Employee Ownership
- Personally invested in business success: bonuses, profit-sharing, and direct stake in senior roles.
- Pathways to ownership from day one for qualified leadership positions.
- Direct communication channels with senior leadership.
Health & Wellbeing
- Private medical coverage for UK employees.
- Health cash plan (£150/year) for everyday care.
- Menopause wellness support via Peppy.
- Familyigl-wide programs: Meal plans, gym stipends, or childcare discounts.
Work–Life Enhancement
- Holiday: 33–35 days (+ public holidays & flexible buy/sell) → extended to 35 days after 5 years.
- Reservist leave:
- 10 paid days per year for Cadet Force volunteers or Armed Forces Reservists.
- Discounts & savings: High-street retail schemes; enhanced EAP (Employee Assistance Programme).
Family & Care Support
- Maternity/Paternity: 26 weeks paid maternity, 2 weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
- Shared parental pay: Up to 24 weeks at full payout (parity with maternity).
- Care leave: 5x additional days allowances (2 paid) for significant child/dependent care.
Career Growth
- Primary professional subscriptions (e.g., ICE, IET bundled annually).
- Training/development: Mentorship, short courses, and soft skills workshops.
Networking & Social Impact
- Advanced Employee Networks: Spotlight programmes for LGBTQ+, race, disability, and parents/carers.
- Signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, with a Gold Award in MOD’s Employer Recognition Scheme.
- Community initiatives: Volunteering, awards (e.g., Great Place 2019–22 Motion Awards for Inclusion).
Ready to be part of Mott MacDonald’s energy future? Apply now here. For the application process, see more details.
Contract Type: Permanent Work Pattern: Full Time Market: Energy Discipline: Electrical Engineering Job Ref: 15313 Locations: Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Croydon, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Newcastle Upon Tyne
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