Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network

About the role

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact: Jacobs is playing a leading role in the global energy transition. As our UK and Continental Europe team continues to expand, we are seeking an Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) to support a range of high‑profile projects across our Power & Energy portfolio, including high‑voltage AIS and GIS substations, transmission system assets, HVDC interconnectors, and energy storage systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership on FEED and detailed design workstreams for National Grid and DNO clients
• Oversee quality assurance, resource planning, and capability development across multiple projects
• Lead technical reviews of HV plant aspects including layouts, earthing design and reports, mechanical interlocking, HV busbar calculations, and equipment specifications
• Coordinate with back‑office engineers, sub‑contractors, and suppliers to ensure seamless delivery
• Manage and contribute to tender packages, including technical and commercial submissions
• Chair design and hazard review meetings and ensure technical assurance of HV plant design
• Attend site visits, FAT and SAT as required
• Mentor senior engineers and contribute to succession planning and capability growth
• Maintain and grow client relationships, supporting strategic business development and market positioning
• Represent Jacobs in industry forums and contribute to shaping technical standards and best practices

Requirements

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
• Extensive experience in HV substation engineering (132kV–400kV), including AIS/GIS and HVDC systems
• Proven leadership in delivering complex, multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects
• Strong understanding of UK transmission and distribution standards and client expectations
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership skills
• Strategic thinking with commercial acumen and a track record of business development

Benefits and Flexibility

We offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. UK employees receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family‑friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, and reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. We also provide matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations through the Collectively programme. Work‑life balance and flexibility are key focuses; we discuss hybrid, part‑time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business.

Equal Opportunities

Jacobs is a disability‑confident employer. We will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria and welcome applications from candidates who may not meet all listed requirements. We value collaboration and inclusive culture and support flexible working arrangements for all employees.