Role: Principal Primary Design Engineer

Salary: £70,000 - £90,000

Location: Suffolk (Hybrid)

Benefits

• Car or Car Allowance
• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Pension with employer contribution
• Comprehensive sick pay scheme
• Personal wellbeing and volunteer days
• Private Medical Insurance
• Free 24/7 support for mental health and well-being
• Flexible benefit options, including dental insurance, gym membership, and travel insurance
• Structured progression with regular reviews and support

Overview:

MDE Group UK is recruiting on behalf of a leading engineering firm for an experienced Principal Primary Design Engineer. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead complex and impactful projects that directly support the UK’s Net Zero targets. These projects span the entire energy system, including generation, transmission, distribution, storage, and applications across industries such as manufacturing, data, and recycling.

The successful candidate will lead the Primary Design team, providing technical expertise, leadership, and mentorship. Key responsibilities include managing a team of 3+ engineers and overseeing a dedicated Sub-Business Unit. The role requires regular travel across the UK to client sites, company offices, and project locations, with occasional overnight stays as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the team lead in client meetings, business development, technical decision-making, and provide mentorship to team members.
• Manage the design of substation primary plant and cable projects, ensuring they meet quality, schedule, and budget targets.
• Execute Transmission and Distribution designs to DNO and National Grid standards, including substation layouts, short-circuit and cable system calculations, TMF assessments, and selecting ancillary equipment.
• Apply earthing design principles and understand system X/R ratios for accurate transformer NER specification.
• Conduct site surveys and guide the team on constructability challenges.
• Oversee design changes and manage associated risks to ensure compliance with industry standards and safe operability.
• Seek and implement innovative solutions to technical challenges.
• Lead designs for transformers, GIS/AIS switchgear, Busbars, GIB, MV terminations, and ancillary equipment across voltages up to 400kV.
• Apply strong analytical abilities to perform accurate primary design calculations.
• Coordinate with civil/structural and OHL teams on HV substation projects.
• Conduct design reviews to uphold design quality and discipline.
• Prepare and manage project budgets, ensuring timely delivery of primary design outputs.
• Draft high-quality technical proposals and documents such as Design Intent Documents (DID), Project Execution Plans (PEP), and contribute to BIM Execution Plans (BEP).
• Fulfil duties in line with the company’s SHEQ requirements and CDM2015 regulations, acting as a Principal Designer for large projects where appropriate.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• Chartered Engineer (or working towards it)
• Ideally 10+ years in a relevant engineering role
• Proficiency in CAD/3D CAD
• CSCS/SHEA Power Card holder
• Full UK driving licence