Lead Design Engineer

About Us
Tackling climate change is the biggest challenge facing our generation and we need to deliver a cleaner, greener, energy system to support the UK's 2050 net zero target.

The Strategic Infrastructure (SI) business unit has been set up to deliver 17 new major projects in the UK, as well as other strategic projects to help us deliver on our net zero ambitions and help the UK Government meet its target of 50GW of renewable energy by 2030.

The Onshore Engineering team's objective is to lead on Engineering Strategy and to provide technical expertise on the development and implementation of Transmission Assets, ensuring all projects meet with both internal and external specifications, meeting anticipated engineering and operational requirements.

What You'll Do
The Lead Design Engineer (LDE) will play a crucial role in overseeing a team of subject matter experts dedicated to providing Design Assurance and Project Engineering support for Electricity Transmission Assets, as well as civil works related to Substation and Overhead Lines Infrastructure design and construction.

In this position, the LDE will be accountable for ensuring that all designs comply with National Grid's technical standards, business procedures, supplier requirements, and specifications throughout the entire project lifecycle—from inception to completion and handover.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager within the Strategic Infrastructure Design and Engineering team, the LDE will have responsibilities spanning the full portfolio of projects. This role is essential for maintaining a consistent standard of assurance across all projects, ensuring quality and compliance at every stage.

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In This Pivotal Role, You Will

• Serve as a subject matter expert in Design Assurance for Electricity Transmission projects, ensuring compliance with technical standards and methodologies.
• Drive efficiency and sustainability in assurance processes while inspiring stakeholders to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Develop and implement an engineering capability growth plan, fostering innovation aligned with strategic goals.
• Lead relationships with key external stakeholders, including regulators and professional bodies, to enhance collaboration and influence.
• Establish a network of thought leaders to identify market trends and facilitate the exchange of ideas.
• Provide senior leadership advice and manage a team of experts in Assurance activities, signing off on Assurance packages as a TP141 authorised Engineer.
• Oversee design assurance across multiple projects, including substation HV, civil, overhead line, HV cable, and P&C design.
• Review technical designs for compliance with specifications and quality standards, supporting project engineers in resolving technical issues.
• Ensure effective communication and knowledge sharing between projects to promote best practices and continuous improvement.
• Act as the primary contact for technical assurance guidance, bridging the gap between Subject Matter Experts and project teams.

What You'll Have

• Lead and navigate through ambiguity and change across all levels within Strategic Infrastructure (SI) and Electricity Transmission (ET).
• Coach and challenge individuals at all seniority levels, fostering growth and development.
• Manage teams of both internal and external personnel effectively.
• Serve as a technical authority, balancing quality, safety, cost, and delivery in your area of expertise.
• Recognised expert within the business, influencing technical development and standards both internally and externally.
• Collaborate with procurement and suppliers to implement innovative and sustainable practices.
• Apply strategic frameworks and engineering knowledge to develop novel solutions that address business challenges.
• Bring significant technical experience in your area of specialism to drive results.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At National Grid, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace for everyone. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don't match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one.

What You'll Get
From £64,000 - £76,000 dependent upon experience.

As well as your base salary you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.

You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

Further information

The closing date for this vacancy is 11.59pm on 12th November. We encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible and not to wait until the published closing date. National Grid's recruitment periods can and may vary. We reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process.

Please note that this role has a variable base. We're flexible on where you're based but there will be a need to travel to sites and offices on a regular basis. This can be combined with hybrid working from home. We're happy to discuss any additional flexibility in working patterns or requirements that you feel could help to make this job work for you
Inclusion and Diversity is not just about race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. It is about our employees who wake up every day to serve our 20 million customers. At National Grid, we aim to create an environment where everyone is welcomed for who they are and where our differences are not only accepted but are celebrated. We understand the value that a diverse team can add to our organisation and that is why we model inclusive behaviour starting with senior leadership. National Grid utilises the insights of our employees that come from all different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs to better serve our customers and communities who are in the fore front of everything we do.