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