Primary Design Manager

The Design Project; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering firm based in Glasgow, Scotland, is seeking a Primary Design Manager with extensive experience in high-voltage substation projects. The ideal candidate will lead and coordinate global engineering teams to ensure timely and high-quality production of designs while adhering to safety regulations. Applicants should have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and 7–10 years of experience in HV/EHV design, alongside strong leadership and communication skills. This full-time position offers a competitive salary of £60,000 – £85,000 along with comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous paid time off

Retirement savings plan with matching contributions

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in HV substation design with at least 7–10 years of progressive experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK Transmission standards.
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead global engineering teams in the design of HV/EHV substation projects.
• Ensure timely production of high-quality primary plant designs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.

Skills

HV and EHV substation primary plant design principles

Proficiency in CAD software

Excellent communication skills

Strong analytical skills

Understanding of UK Health & Safety regulations

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Microsoft Project

Job description

Job Title: Primary Design Manager
Company: GE Vernova
Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Engineering / Design Operations
Date Posted: January 13, 2026
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site

• Lead and coordinate global engineering teams in the design and delivery of high-voltage (HV/EHV) substation projects, emphasizing cross-functional collaboration and technical oversight.
• Ensure the timely and high-quality production of primary plant designs for substations (AIS, GIS, HVDC), adhering strictly to customer, regulatory, and internal engineering standards.
• Drive the development and review of integrated 3D models and detailed engineering drawings, ensuring alignment with project specifications and best practices in design for safety and quality assurance.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and support to a global team of engineers, fostering a culture of engineering excellence and continuous improvement.
• Act as a key technical liaison with clients, stakeholders, and suppliers to resolve complex engineering queries and ensure project success.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate remote global engineering teams within the GE Vernova Global Engineering Centre to ensure cohesive and efficient project execution.
• Guarantee the high-quality and timely delivery of all engineering outputs for HV/EHV substation primary plant designs.
• Spearhead the design and development of primary plant for HV/EHV substations, including AIS, GIS, and HVDC systems, in strict accordance with project and industry standards.
• Develop, review, and approve a fully integrated 3D model, encompassing general arrangement drawings, section drawings, and detailed layout designs that optimize space and functionality.
• Critically review and approve vendor drawings and specifications, verifying their compliance with project requirements and ensuring seamless integration into the overall substation design.
• Ensure strict adherence to all applicable national regulations, with a specific focus on UK Health & Safety regulations such as CDM 2015, and implement safe‑by‑design principles throughout the project lifecycle.
• Apply best practices in design for safety and quality assurance, embedding these principles into all stages of the project lifecycle to mitigate risks and enhance reliability.
• Collaborate closely with adjacent engineering functions, including civil, protection & control, system studies, valves, and building services teams, to achieve a fully integrated and optimized substation design.
• Provide essential technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to junior engineers, fostering their professional development and ensuring the team's technical capabilities are continuously enhanced.
• Actively liaise with clients, stakeholders, and suppliers to effectively resolve technical queries, manage expectations, and build strong working relationships.
• Uphold rigorous quality assurance processes and design governance throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring all engineering activities meet GE Vernova's high standards.

Skills & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent engineering discipline.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience in substation design, covering both tender and execution phases of projects. Preferred 7–10 years of progressive experience in High Voltage (HV) substation design. Applicants with 3+ years of strong technical experience in HV substation design are encouraged to apply.
• Required Skills: Strong knowledge of HV and EHV substation primary plant design principles and applications; Proficiency in CAD software for engineering drawings and schematics; Familiarity with UK Transmission (e.g., National Grid, SSE, SPEN, NGED, UKPN) and Distribution standards; Understanding and practical application of UK Health & Safety regulations, particularly CDM 2015; Proven ability to lead and coordinate engineering teams, including remote and global collaborators; Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; Experience in quality assurance practices and design governance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Preferred Skills: Awareness and understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D modeling tools such as Revit and Navisworks; Experience with specific substation technologies like AIS, GIS, and HVDC systems; Technical leadership and mentoring capabilities to guide and develop junior engineering staff; Experience in proposal development and tender support for substation projects; Familiarity with system studies and protection & control integration within substation design.

Salary Range

• £60,000 – £85,000 per annum.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions (pension scheme).
• Opportunities for professional development, training programs, certifications, and conference attendance.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Access to employee assistance programs (EAP).
• Potential for performance‑based bonuses or incentives.
• Relocation assistance is not offered.

Working Hours

• 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Flexibility may be offered depending on project demands and team coordination needs, especially when working with global teams across different time zones.

Interview Process

• Initial Screening – Review of CV and application to assess alignment with core qualifications and experience.
• Technical Interview(s) – In‑depth discussions focusing on technical expertise in primary substation design, knowledge of UK Transmission standards, CAD/BIM tools, and experience with vendor drawings.
• Managerial/Leadership Interview – Assessment of ability to lead and coordinate global engineering teams, mentor junior engineers, liaise with clients, and manage design processes.
• Case Study/Portfolio Review – Present portfolio of 2–3 key HV/EHV substation design projects, detailing contributions, challenges, and outcomes.
• Final Interview – Discussion with senior leader on strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the role.

Primary Tools

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar industry‑standard CAD platforms.
• 3D Modeling / BIM Tools: Revit, Navisworks, or other BIM platforms for integrated 3D models.
• Project Management Software: Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or internal GE Vernova systems.

Analytics & Reporting

• Data analysis tools to interpret system studies, performance metrics, and project progress reports.
• Reporting tools for technical reports, design documentation summaries, and progress updates for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation

• ERP/PLM systems for engineering data, BOMs, and project workflows.
• Collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Slack for real‑time communication and collaboration.

Operations Values

• Engineering Excellence – Deliver high‑quality, technically sound designs that meet or exceed industry and client expectations.
• Safety First – Prioritize safety in all design decisions and processes, adhering to regulations such as CDM 2015.
• Collaboration and Teamwork – Foster an environment where global teams can effectively communicate and work together.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement – Encourage new ideas and adopt new technologies to enhance efficiency and project outcomes.
• Customer Focus – Understand client needs and regulatory requirements to tailor designs accordingly.
• Cross‑functional Integration – Work closely with other engineering disciplines to achieve integrated substation design.
• Global Team Coordination – Manage coordination with engineers in different time zones.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Liaise with clients and suppliers to provide technical support and manage expectations.
• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing – Support senior engineers in developing the team.

Application Requirements

A degree in Electrical, Power, or Mechanical Engineering is required, along with 7–10 years of experience in HV substation design. Strong knowledge of UK Transmission and Distribution standards is preferred.