Job Title

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.If you are considering sending an application, make sure to hit the apply button below after reading through the entire description.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 & StrategyDefine and implement engineering strategies, protection philosophies, and commissioning proceduresEnsure alignment with international standards and UK utility requirements (e.g. National Grid, SSE, Scottish Power)Act as the ultimate technical authority across HV/EHV projectsProject OversightProvide leadership from FEED (Front End Engineering Design) through detailed design, construction, and final commissioningOversee technical delivery across the full project lifecycle within transmission and distribution networksSite & Commissioning SupportLead and support complex testing and commissioning activities on HV/EHV substationsResolve critical site issues, technical queries, and design deviationsProvide expert input on AIS (Air Insulated Switchgear) and GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) systemsQuality & Safety AssuranceEnsure all Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) meet stringent quality, safety, and environmental standardsChampion a "safety in design" and commissioning culture across all projectsLeadership & MentorshipMentor and develop engineering teams, including commissioning engineers and design staffAct as a subject matter expert in client and stakeholder engagementsDrive continuous improvement in technical delivery and engineering excellenceRequirements:Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)Extensive experience in HV/EHV substation design, testing, and commissioning within T&D environmentsDeep knowledge of:Protection & Control (P&C) systemsPrimary plant (transformers, switchgear, CTs/VTs)Secondary systems and substation automationStrong experience with AIS and GIS substationsProven ability to develop test procedures, analyse protection relay settings, and lead commissioning teams on major infrastructure projectsDemonstrated xjdpvnf leadership experience in senior or principal engineering rolesDesirable:Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalentExperience working with National Grid, SSE, Scottish Power, or similar utilitiesFamiliarity with IEC standards and modern substation automation protocols (e.g. IEC 61850)Track record of leading large-scale or multi-site commissioning programmesWhat's on offer:Executive-level technical leadership role within a specialist engineering businessOpportunity to shape and influence delivery of critical UK energy infrastructureHigh-impact role combining strategy, leadership, and hands-on engineeringFlexible working with site exposure across major grid projectsCompetitive salary and benefits packageThe salary is 80,000 to 100,000 (flex on this) plus car allowance and an annual bonus