Senior Main Plant Design Engineer x2

Senior Main Plant Design Engineer

Location - Prenton office with regular travel across the SP Manweb licence area and to project, contractor and stakeholder locations as required

Hybrid work pattern: 3 days per week in office.

Salary + benefits - Salary up to £68,750 plus comprehensive benefits package including double matched pension scheme (up to 10% company contribution).

Permanent | Full-time - 37 hours per week

Closing date – 9th October 2026

Help us create a better future, quicker!

Join SP Energy Networks' MANWEB business as a Senior Main Plant Design Engineer and play a key role in delivering safe, compliant and cost-effective engineering solutions across our 132kV and 33kV networks throughout North Wales, Merseyside, Cheshire and North Shropshire. Reporting to the Principal Main Plant Engineer within SPM 132kV Networks, you will be responsible for developing technical solutions throughout the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and scope definition through to commissioning and operational handover.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on complex, high-value projects that support network resilience, customer growth and the transition to a low-carbon energy future. You will coordinate the design and delivery of plant equipment packages including transformers, switchgear, instrument transformers, surge arresters, busbars and auxiliary systems, providing expert technical guidance to project teams while championing safety by design, whole-life asset value and engineering excellence across the MANWEB network area.

What you'll be doing

• Deliver engineering designs and technical solutions for 132kV and 33kV substation main plant equipment, supporting projects from feasibility through to commissioning.
• Prepare and review design calculations, specifications, drawings, technical reports and procurement documentation.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant legislation, CDM requirements, SP Energy Networks standards and industry best practice.
• Apply safety by design principles, identifying and mitigating risks throughout the asset lifecycle.
• Assess supplier and contractor proposals, providing technical recommendations on compliance, risk and whole-life value.
• Review and verify designs produced by contractors, consultants and manufacturers, ensuring technical quality and compliance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including protection & control, cables, overhead lines, civil engineering, operations and commissioning.
• Provide technical support during manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning, resolving engineering issues as they arise.
• Contribute to technical innovation, continuous improvement and the development of engineering standards and specifications.
• Support the development of engineers, graduates and trainees through mentoring and technical guidance.

What you'll bring

• Degree, HNC or HND in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Significant experience in high-voltage substation main plant design, ideally within 132kV and associated 33kV networks.
• Strong knowledge of transformers, AIS/GIS switchgear, instrument transformers, surge arresters, busbars, earthing systems and auxiliary plant.
• Experience preparing and reviewing engineering calculations, specifications, reports, drawings and design documentation.
• Good understanding of CDM regulations, health and safety requirements, and relevant industry standards.
• Experience assessing contractor, consultant and supplier designs and identifying technical risks and non-compliances.
• Strong problem-solving skills, engineering judgement and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience mentoring and supporting developing engineers is desirable.
• Professional registration, or progress towards Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status, is advantageous.
• Full UK driving licence, with willingness to travel across the SP Manweb licence area as required.

What's in it for you

As well as an attractive 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 ScottishPower, 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
• Equity Plans
• Payroll Giving and Charity Matched Funding
• Technology Vouchers - save more and spread the cost of your technology purchases
• Electric Vehicle Schemes - to help you transition to green/clean driving
• Cycle to Work scheme and Public Transport Season Ticket Loans
• Healthcare benefit options including: Dental Insurance, Private Medical Insurance, Health Cash Plan and annual Health Assessments
• Life Assurance (4x salary)
• Access to Savesmart financial wellbeing assistance
• 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 ScottishPower and 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 North West of England. We have 30,000 substations (1 for every 100 customers), 40,000km overhead lines (that's once around the globe!) and 65,000km underground cables. It’s a role that puts us right at the heart of ScottishPower’s ambition to be Net Zero by 2035. And we’re taking it very seriously.

With diverse opportunities across our businesses and a commitment to invest in our own internal talent, ScottishPower 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 [email protected].

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 

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