Technical Director

I'm partnering with a long-established UK engineering company in the power systems sector to appoint a Technical Director specialising in high-voltage (HV) and extra-high-voltage (EHV) substation testing and commissioning.

This is a senior leadership position acting as the technical authority across grid infrastructure projects, combining strategic oversight with deep, hands-on expertise. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping engineering standards, leading commissioning activities, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex AIS and GIS substation projects across transmission and distribution (T&D) networks.

Key responsibilities:

Technical Governance & Strategy

• Define and implement engineering strategies, protection philosophies, and commissioning procedures

• Ensure alignment with international standards and UK utility requirements (e.g. National Grid, SSE, Scottish Power)

• Act as the ultimate technical authority across HV/EHV projects

Project Oversight

• Provide leadership from FEED (Front End Engineering Design) through detailed design, construction, and final commissioning

• Oversee technical delivery across the full project lifecycle within transmission and distribution networks

Site & Commissioning Support

• Lead and support complex testing and commissioning activities on HV/EHV substations

• Resolve critical site issues, technical queries, and design deviations

• Provide expert input on AIS (Air Insulated Switchgear) and GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) systems

Quality & Safety Assurance

• Ensure all Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) meet stringent quality, safety, and environmental standards

• Champion a "safety in design" and commissioning culture across all projects

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor and develop engineering teams, including commissioning engineers and design staff

• Act as a subject matter expert in client and stakeholder engagements

• Drive continuous improvement in technical delivery and engineering excellence

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)

• Extensive experience in HV/EHV substation design, testing, and commissioning within T&D environments

• Deep knowledge of:

  • Protection & Control (P&C) systems

  • Primary plant (transformers, switchgear, CTs/VTs)

  • Secondary systems and substation automation

• Strong experience with AIS and GIS substations

• Proven ability to develop test procedures, analyse protection relay settings, and lead commissioning teams on major infrastructure projects

• Demonstrated leadership experience in senior or principal engineering roles

Desirable:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent

• Experience working with National Grid, SSE, Scottish Power, or similar utilities

• Familiarity with IEC standards and modern substation automation protocols (e.g. IEC 61850)

• Track record of leading large-scale or multi-site commissioning programmes

What's on offer:

• Executive-level technical leadership role within a specialist engineering business

• Opportunity to shape and influence delivery of critical UK energy infrastructure

• High-impact role combining strategy, leadership, and hands-on engineering

• Flexible working with site exposure across major grid projects

• Competitive salary and benefits package

The salary is 80,000 to 100,000 (flex on this) plus car allowance and an annual bonus.