Design Lead – Main Plant
Location: Cambuslang, Scotland
Salary: £63,200 - £79,000 plus bonus and excellent benefits
Flexible Hybrid Working
Closing Date: 31st August 2026
With significant investment planned across SP Energy Networks' transmission network, the Core Projects Main Plant Engineering team will play a critical role in delivering the infrastructure required to support the transition to a low-carbon energy system.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team of Engineers responsible for developing and delivering engineering solutions for transmission networks, substations and associated plant equipment from feasibility through to detailed design.
As Main Plant Design Lead, you will be at the forefront of delivering innovative engineering solutions for transmission projects across the network. You will provide technical leadership for complex projects involving AIS & GIS switchgear, transformers and associated substation equipment operating at voltages from 33kV to 400kV, helping shape the future of the UK's transmission infrastructure.
Working closely with project development, delivery and engineering teams, you will support the successful delivery of major capital investment programmes, provide expert technical guidance and contribute to the development of engineering standards, innovation and continuous improvement initiatives across the business.
What you'll be doing
Lead and manage a team of professional Design Engineers and Senior Design Engineers, providing technical guidance, mentoring and support.
Advise on the development of pre-contract designs and project delivery activities, leading and supporting the technical aspects of switchgear, transformers and all other associated substation equipment.
Assess engineering documentation, project feasibility and compliance with client requirements, supporting the preparation of accurate budgets for new projects.
Advise on construction and outage programmes as required in relation to the main plant engineering.
Oversee and undertake both basic and detailed engineering specifications and designs for main plant and substation projects.
Provide technical assessments of tender submissions and reporting recommendations to the client.
Define main plant and ancillary apparatus requirements for inclusion within System Construction Authorisation (SCA), Project Technical Specifications and BETTA documentation.
Coordinate the preparation and review of substation plant drawings and technical specifications for construction and procurement activities.
Control and manage technical correspondence and drawings issued to Project Development and Project Delivery teams.
Ensure all substation designs and equipment comply with current legislation, company policies, industry standards and operational requirements.
Delegate and oversee the technical resolution of main plant issues arising during site works and construction activities.
Lead the technical tender assessment of main plant equipment and materials (including suppliers).
Provide technical support and expert advice to Project Development and Project Delivery teams on the design, construction and operation of power system substations and associated equipment.
Lead training needs assessments for new products or similar and the development and delivery of technical, operational and safety packages for such products.
Support the Main Plant Design Manager in the development of national and international standards, industry guidance and regulatory requirements relating to main plant.
Contribute to training needs assessment for new products or similar and the development and delivery of technical, operational and safety packages for such products
Attend internal and external meetings and deputise for the Main Plant Design Manager when required.
What you'll bring
Extensive experience in Main Plant/Primary design and delivery of electricity transmission infrastructure projects.
Degree qualification in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
Proven leadership and people management experience within an engineering environment.
Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
Expert knowledge of substation and plant engineering for transmission networks from 33kV to 400kV.
Knowledge of Transmission Operator safety, technical and regulatory requirements.
Experience of technical governance, engineering assurance and tender assessment processes.
Proven understanding of CDM Regulations and Designer Risk Assessment requirements.
Ability to develop innovative engineering solutions and drive continuous improvement.
Chartered Engineer status or a desire to work towards professional registration would be advantageous.
What's in it for you?
As well as a competitive salary which is reviewed annually, you can also enjoy a number of other benefits. With our pension scheme, we’ll double match your contribution up to a company contribution of 10%.
At Scottish Power, we believe it’s the little things we do in life that make a big difference. From helping you look after your family’s wellbeing, save for your future and take personal steps for climate action – our benefits are designed to help you do just that - so that you have everything you need to take care of your world – today and tomorrow. That’s why our benefits include:
36 days annual leave
Holiday purchase – perfect your work/life balance with extra annual leave
Share Incentive Plan and Sharesave Scheme
Payroll giving and charity matched funding
Technology Vouchers – save more and spread the cost of your technology purchases
Count us in – pledge to reduce carbon emissions and help fight climate change
Electric Vehicle Schemes – to help you transition to green/clean driving
Cycle to Work scheme and public transport season ticket loans
Options to purchase dental insurance, private medical insurance, health cash plan and annual health assessments
Life Assurance (4x salary)
Access to ‘nudge’ financial wellbeing support
Plus shopping, leisure, restaurant and gym discounts, and unique employee deals on travel insurance and more
Why SP Energy Networks
SP Energy Networks is part of the Iberdrola Group, one of the world’s largest integrated utility companies and a world leader in wind energy. We keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses through Central and Southern Scotland, North Wales and in the Northwest of England. We operate over 4000km of cables and lines that make-up the transmission network – connecting infrastructure like wind farms into the electricity system. It’s a role that puts us right at the heart of Scotland’s ambition to be Net Zero by 2044. And we’re taking it very seriously.
We’re investing >£5.5 billion into our transmission network, directly supporting the rapid growth needed in renewable energy. With diverse opportunities across our businesses and a commitment to invest in our own internal talent, Scottish Power can offer people real career opportunities that meet personal and professional goals, in a global organisation.
Inclusion, diversity, and a social purpose are at the heart of everything we do. Together with our values, they bring us together into a stronger, more sustainable business with direct links to the communities we serve. It takes all kinds of people to build a large-scale business like ours, so whatever your background, you’ll fit right in.
We are committed to providing reasonable support or adjustments in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long term conditions, mental health conditions, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support. If you need support, please reach out to careers@scottishpower.com.
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Mobility
Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country. If/when required, the Company will support the employee with the necessary Immigration requirements.
IMPORTANT
Advert will close at 23:59 GMT the day before Job Posting End Date below
September-1-2026
