Principal Cable System Design Engineer (Transmission & Distribution)

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Due to a fantastic period of growth, we are seeking a Principal Cable System Design Engineer to join our expanding Transmission & Distribution (T&D) team within AECOM. This is a senior role within the business, with responsibility for driving technical excellence, leading complex projects, and supporting strategic client engagement across a broad portfolio of high-voltage infrastructure schemes.

As a Principal Engineer, you will play a critical role in the planning, design, and delivery of cable systems across multiple voltage levels. Our clients include Transmission System Operators, Distribution Network Operators, private developers , and international energy majors across the UK and globally.

You will be a trusted advisor to clients, and contribute to developing our technical standards, innovation strategy, and digital delivery approach within the cable engineering space.

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to some of the most exciting infrastructure and energy transition projects in the world including National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade.

Here’s what you will do

Driving excellence.

At AECOM, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within our Transmission and Distribution team. We believe that technology should empower you so that you can focus on creative problem-solving, successfully manage complexity and deliver exceptional results. By embracing advanced automation tools, we seek imaginative thinkers who are excited about leveraging these tools to drive efficiency and enhance our projects. Join us in shaping the future of infrastructure, where your unique insights and creativity will play a vital role in our success!

Enjoy the Perks.

At AECOM, you'll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well-being, customised to fit your lifestyle. Take advantage of career development opportunities, our flexible hybrid working model to ensure a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days.

Desirable Certifications & Qualifications

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at ReasonableAccommodations@aecom.com . At AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives.

If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you!

Responsibilities

Assist with leading the delivery of large-scale HV/EHV cable system projects from concept to completion, ensuring quality, safety, and innovation throughout the lifecycle.; Develop and oversee HV cable system designs, including routing, burial risk assessments, thermal, electromagnetic, and mechanical performance modelling.; Provide expert-level input into cable system ratings, installation methodologies, jointing arrangements, cleating design, and system integration in challenging environments.; Guide and validate complex calculations including ampacity, short circuit forces, EMC, induced voltages, and thermomechanical forces to meet compliance with National Grid TPs, IEC, and CIGRÉ standards.; Undertake client and stakeholder engagement, providing technical assurance, strategic direction, and value-engineered solutions on high-profile infrastructure programmes.; Manage coordination between disciplines, including civil, structural, OHL, substation, and marine engineering inputs, to ensure cohesive and integrated design solutions.; Drive project execution, managing technical risks, interfaces, and quality reviews while supporting procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.; Conduct 3rd-party inspections, FAT/SAT witnessing and vendor oversight for cable and ancillary equipment.; Champion mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and technical development within the wider team, supporting capability growth in cable systems engineering.; Support business development activities, including proposals, bid reviews, and client presentations.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience as a technical leader in HV/EHV cable system design.; Proven track record in design, specification, and installation of complex cable systems including tunnel, urban, and constrained environments.; In-depth understanding of international and UK-specific standards, particularly National Grid TPs, IEC, and CIGRÉ guidelines.; Experience working in regulated, quality-assured environments—preferably with National Grid, SSE, EirGrid, or equivalent TSO/DNOs.; Strong ability to coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams and engage with senior stakeholders across the project lifecycle.; Excellent communication, client-facing, and team leadership/mentorship skills.; Commitment to fostering innovation, digital delivery, and sustainability in design.

Nice to have

Degree-qualified in Electrical Engineering or related field, MSc/MEng advantageous.; Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards.; National Grid CDAE certification or similar.; Experience with cable system software (e.g., CYMCAP, WinCable) and advanced analysis tools.