Design Engineer

Senior Electrical Design Manager Substations & Transmission (HV/EHV)

Voltage Levels: 132 kV / 220 kV / 400 kV

Systems: AIS & GIS Substations, EHV Transmission Lines

Role Overview

The Senior Electrical Design Engineer will be responsible for end-to-end primary design engineering, technical evaluation, and cost estimation for HV/EHV substations and transmission line projects. The role involves close coordination with multidisciplinary teams, compliance with international standards, and technical support through bidding, execution, and commissioning stages.

Key Responsibilities

1. Substation Primary Design Engineering

Develop and deliver primary plant designs for AIS and GIS substations up to 400 kV, including:

Equipment layouts and elevations

Busbar configurations

Cable routing and trench layouts

Earthing and grounding systems

Prepare detailed engineering deliverables such as:

Single Line Diagrams (SLDs)

Layout and elevation drawings

Earthing design and calculations

Short-circuit and electrical stress calculations

Clearance, creepage, and phase separation studies

Perform technical calculations and design checks to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance.

2. Protection, Control & Secondary Systems Interface

Coordinate relay and metering design, including:

Protection schemes and coordination studies

Trip logic and interlocking philosophy

Support design interfaces for:

Transformer sizing and specifications (including auto-transformers and reactors)

Lightning protection systems

Control, protection, and communication systems (SCADA, PLC, fiber optics)

Power and control cable layouts and schedules

Prepare BOQs and technical specifications for major electrical equipment.

3. Standards, Safety & Compliance

Ensure all designs comply with:

Client and utility requirements

International and national standards (IEC, IEEE, BS EN, IS)

Apply Safety by Design principles and ensure adherence to HSE requirements throughout all design stages.

4. Design Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

Coordinate with civil, structural, protection & control, secondary systems, and transmission line engineering teams.

Liaise with clients, consultants, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to resolve technical queries and optimize designs.

5. Design Review & Quality Assurance

Review designs prepared by contractors or junior engineers for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

Participate in design reviews, technical audits, and hazard identification workshops, addressing risks and mitigation measures.

6. Cost Estimation & Tender Engineering

Prepare detailed cost estimates for:

400 kV / 220 kV / 132 kV AIS & GIS substations

EHV transmission line projects

Analyze tender documents, specifications, drawings, and BOQs.

Perform quantity take-offs for:

Substation equipment (transformers, GIS/AIS, breakers, CTs, VTs, protection & control systems)

Earthing, busbars, power and control cables

Electricalcivil interfaces (foundations, control rooms, cable trenches, roads, drainage)

Transmission line works (towers, foundations, conductors, insulators, stringing)

Prepare feasibility studies, pre-bid and post-bid cost comparisons.

7. Technical & Commercial Evaluation

Review technical specifications and identify cost-impacting requirements.

Evaluate vendor make lists, technical offers, and alternative solutions for optimization.

Ensure compliance with applicable standards and client requirements.

8. Vendor & Commercial Coordination

Obtain and evaluate quotations from vendors and subcontractors.

Conduct rate analysis for materials, labor, equipment, and logistics.

Prepare cost summaries, price break-ups, and bid pricing sheets.

Support commercial clarifications, negotiations, and bid finalization.

9. Risk Management & Cost Control

Identify risks, exclusions, assumptions, and constraints during tendering.

Include contingencies and escalation provisions in estimates.

Support management with sensitivity analysis and margin assessments.

10. Documentation & Reporting

Prepare and maintain:

Design records and technical reports

Cost estimate and tender documentation

Clarifications, deviations, and bid submission documents

Maintain version control, traceability, and a cost database for completed and ongoing projects.

Support post-award technical handover to execution teams.

11. Project & Site Support

Provide technical support during construction, testing, and commissioning as required.

Assist in design planning, resource allocation, and scheduling of engineering activities.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems / High Voltage preferred).

Professional certifications (Chartered Engineer, MIET, IEEE) are desirable.

Experience

Minimum 5+ years of experience in HV/EHV substation primary design up to 400 kV.

Proven experience in utilities, EPC contractors, or power transmission design consultancies.

Skills & Competencies

Proficiency in AutoCAD, MicroStation, and related design tools.

Strong analytical, calculation, and problem-solving capabilities.

Good communication skills with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

High attention to detail and commitment to quality and deadlines.

Preferred Attributes

Exposure to BIM workflows and digital engineering practices.

Knowledge of transmission line engineering interfaces.

Leadership mindset with the ability to guide and mentor junior engineers.