Head of Transmission and Distribution (T&D)

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Job Description

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Technical Leader for our Transmission & Distribution discipline, with deep expertise in High Voltage Networks and Primary Substations. This role will provide technical leadership and oversight for the successful delivery of high-voltage substation infrastructure projects, supporting our growing team and expanding project portfolio

In this role, you will act as the technical authority for primary substation engineering, protection, and control systems, providing strategic technical leadership, engineering governance, and quality oversight across HV and EHV substation projects, including AIS and GIS substations within transmission and distribution networks.

You will guide engineering teams and technical leads through all project phases, from concept and feasibility through FEED, detailed design, construction support, and commissioning.

In doing so, you will ensure safe, reliable, compliant, and efficient engineering solutions while maintaining high technical standards across the organization.

You will be part of the technical delivery team, work closely with project leadership, multidisciplinary engineering teams, and clients, contributing to major grid reinforcement, renewable integration, and large-scale infrastructure programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Engineering Authority
• Act as technical authority for primary and secondary substation engineering, providing strategic direction and technical leadership across projects.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight for protection and control systems across HV substation projects.
• Provide oversight and technical guidance for the design of HV/EHV primary systems, including AIS/GIS substations, equipment layouts, busbar schemes, and HV cable interfaces.
• Define engineering strategies and technical approaches aligned with industry standards, client specifications, and network requirements.
• Oversee the development and review of critical primary and secondary engineering deliverables, including:
• Substation general arrangements, equipment layouts, and specifications
• Busbar configurations, calculations, and conductor sizing
• Electrical clearances, insulation coordination, and short-circuit studies
• Lightning protection and shielding concepts
• Earthing and grounding system design Protection and control schematics
• Interlocking and control logic diagrams
• Relay configuration and functional design specifications
• Protection coordination and relay settings philosophy
• Provide high-level technical guidance on the integration of HV equipment such as circuit breakers, disconnectors, instrument transformers, surge arresters, power transformers, and reactive compensation equipment.
• Ensure proper integration of protection systems, SCADA interfaces, communication networks, and primary substation equipment.
• Ensure technical consistency, quality, and compliance across substation engineering projects.
• Lead technical design reviews and engineering assurance processes, ensuring alignment with project requirements and international standards

Project Oversight & Multidisciplinary Coordination:

• Provide technical oversight across major infrastructure and substation programs, supporting project leadership teams in defining engineering strategies and delivery approaches.
• Ensure effective coordination between primary, secondary, civil, structural, system studies, and commissioning disciplines.
• Act as senior technical interface with clients, contractors, equipment suppliers, and project stakeholders.
• Support development of technical proposals, engineering strategies, and major project bids.

Engineering Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop engineers and technical specialists, providing mentorship and technical guidance.
• Support the growth and development of engineering capabilities within the organization.
• Promote a culture of technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate engineering resources across projects to ensure efficient delivery and consistent technical quality.

Qualifications

• Degree in electrical engineering

Experience

• Experience in HV primary substation engineering including protection and control engineering
• Proven experience delivering large transmission or distribution substation projects across multiple phases (concept, FEED, detailed design, construction support)
• Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership and governance across engineering teams
• Experience supporting major infrastructure programs and multidisciplinary project delivery

Leadership & Soft Skills

•  Strong technical leadership and engineering governance capabilities
• Experience managing engineering teams and multidisciplinary technical delivery
• Strategic thinking and complex technical decision-making abilities
• Excellent client engagement and stakeholder communication skills
• Ability to maintain high technical standards across projects and teams

Preferable

• Experience working on UK transmission or distribution substation projects
• Exposure to National Grid standards and technical specifications
• Experience with EHV substations (220kV–400kV)
• Experience with IEC 61850 substation automation systems
• Experience with protection relays such as ABB, GE, Siemens, or SEL
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional certification
• Experience supporting construction, commissioning, or site engineering activities

Additional Information

At AECOM, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity

Our Freedom to Grow hybrid working philosophy is the cornerstone of our success as a business – supporting a culture of flexibility, trust and performance at AECOM.  

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About AECOM  

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work  

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.