Principal Cable System Design Engineer (Transmission & Distribution)

Overview

As Principal Cable System Design Engineer, you will lead the planning, design, and delivery of HV/EHV cable systems for high-profile infrastructure projects. You will partner with the T&D team to drive technical excellence, engage with clients, and shape engineering standards and digital delivery approaches.

You’ll tackle complex routing, ratings, and protection challenges across diverse environments, advancing energy transition initiatives. This role offers visible impact, opportunities to mentor colleagues, and to contribute to strategic programs such as National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working model
• career development opportunities
• AECOM University
• volunteering days
• technical practice networks
• well-being programs

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of large-scale HV/EHV cable projects from concept to completion with focus on quality, safety, and innovation
• Develop and oversee HV cable designs including routing, burial risk, thermal, electromagnetic, and mechanical modeling
• Provide expert input on ratings, installation methods, jointing, cleating, and system integration in challenging environments
• Guide complex calculations (ampacity, short-circuit, EMC, induced voltages, thermomechanical forces) to meet standards
• Engage with clients and stakeholders providing technical assurance, direction, and value-engineered solutions
• Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs (civil, structural, OHL, substation, marine) for integrated designs
• Drive project execution, manage technical risks and interfaces, and support procurement, construction, and commissioning
• Conduct 3rd-party inspections, FAT/SAT witnessing, and vendor oversight for cable equipment
• Mentor and develop the capability of the cable systems team; support business development activities

Key requirements

• Technical leadership in HV/EHV cable system design
• Proven design, specification, and installation experience in complex cable systems (tunnels, urban, constrained environments)
• Strong knowledge of international/UK standards (National Grid TPs, IEC, CIGRÉ)
• Experience in regulated, quality environments; familiarity with National Grid, SSE, EirGrid, or TSOs/DNOs
• Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and engage senior stakeholders
• Excellent communication, client-facing, and leadership/mentorship skills
• Commitment to innovation, digital delivery, and sustainability in design
• Desirable: MSc/MEng, Chartered Engineer status or progression, National Grid CDAE, CYMCAP/WinCable experience
• stakeholder engagement
• team leadership
• clear communication
• HV/EHV cable system design
• routing and burial risk assessment
• thermal, electromagnetic, and mechanical performance modelling

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