Principal Primary Engineer (CDAE)

We are seeking an experienced HV Plant CDAE to lead and approve the design delivery of high-voltage substation projects (up to 400kV) in alignment with National Grid standards. This role is critical in ensuring design assurance, safety compliance, and technical excellence across multidisciplinary teams. Key Responsibilities:

• Act as Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE) under TP137/ SR188 for National Grid projects.
• Lead and manage the HV Primary Plant design team, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Review and approve key design outputs including:
  • Single Line Diagrams
  • Layout and Elevation Drawings
  • MEWP Access Layouts
  • Short-Circuit Force Calculations
  • Earthing Designs and Calculations
  • Ensure compliance with CDM 2015 regulations, identifying and mitigating design risks.
  • Champion BIM best practices and digital engineering workflows (e.g., BIM 360).
  • Interface with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure design alignment and technical integrity.
  • Support planning, procurement, and resource coordination within the design team.
  • Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior engineers and CAD technicians. Essential Qualifications & Experience:
    • Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
    • Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartership (e.g., MIET).
    • 10+ years' experience in HV substation design, ideally with National Grid or similar utility.
    • Proven experience in AIS/ GIS systems, transformers, switchgear, and HV plant equipment.
    • Familiarity with National Grid TP141 authorisation process (support provided if not yet authorised).
    • Strong understanding of design validation, engineering calculations, and digital tools (AutoCAD, Revit, MS Office).
    • Excellent communication and leadership skills.

      Please click here to find out more about our Key Information Documents. Please note that the documents provided contain generic information. If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement.

      To find out more about Progressive please visit www.progressiverecruitment.com

      Progressive Recruitment, a trading division of SThree Partnership LLP is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy | Registered office | 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom | Partnership Number | OC387148 England and Wales