Design Manager, Transmission

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Transmission

Company: Acciona

Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Infrastructure Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-08

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design process for transmission lines and substations, encompassing both High Voltage (HV) and Medium Voltage (MV) infrastructure.

• Drive technical consistency, manage design-related risks, and ensure the optimal performance of design solutions throughout the project lifecycle.

• Oversee and manage design interfaces across multidisciplinary engineering teams, construction crews, and client stakeholders.

• Implement and adhere to stringent technical governance, constructability standards, and systems integration requirements for all design outputs.

• Foster internal design capability through the mentoring of junior engineers and the development of standardized design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for Acciona's involvement in Western Power's Clean Energy Link project, a significant infrastructure investment focused on modernizing Western Australia's energy future. The Design Manager will be instrumental in ensuring the successful delivery of transmission network components essential for renewable energy integration and grid reliability. The emphasis on HV transmission design (220kV+) and adherence to international and Australian standards indicates a high level of technical responsibility and project impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the planning, coordination, and execution of transmission line and substation designs from conceptualization through to detailed engineering.

• Manage and integrate design inputs and outputs from all relevant engineering disciplines, ensuring seamless handover to construction teams.

• Champion best practices in constructability, systems integration, and technical governance to ensure designs are practical, efficient, and meet all project specifications.

• Actively oversee project cost, schedule, and design changes using Earned Value Management (EVM) principles, including tracking Cost Performance Index (CPI) and Schedule Performance Index (SPI).

• Lead critical design review processes, including Site Investigation (SiD), Hazard Identification (HAZID), Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), and Commissioning of Major (CoM) reviews, ensuring all deliverables are met.

• Develop and mentor junior engineers, fostering their technical growth and building robust internal design capabilities for future projects.

• Effectively manage external design consultants, ensuring their work aligns with Acciona's project objectives and quality standards.

• Facilitate clear and consistent cross-functional communication between design, engineering, construction, procurement, and client teams.

• Ensure all designs comply with relevant national and international standards, including IEC, IEEE, and AS/NZS.

• Contribute to the overall risk management strategy by identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and team development. The explicit mention of CPI, SPI, and EVM indicates a need for a design manager with a strong understanding of project financial controls and performance metrics. Leading HAZID/HAZOP and CoM reviews signifies a deep involvement in safety and operational readiness from the design phase.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering is a mandatory requirement. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in leading High Voltage (HV) transmission design, specifically for systems rated 220kV and above, from concept development through to detailed design completion.

• A minimum of 5 years of fieldwork experience, providing hands-on engineering support and practical insight into construction site realities and challenges. Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in leading HV transmission line design, including all associated components such as conductors, insulators, structures, and earthing systems.

• Comprehensive experience in substation design, covering equipment layout, electrical clearances, protection and control systems, and civil/structural interfaces.

• Strong knowledge and practical application of international standards (IEC, IEEE) and Australian/New Zealand standards (AS/NZS) relevant to transmission and distribution systems.

• Demonstrated ability to manage design interfaces across complex, multidisciplinary projects involving electrical, civil, structural, and protection engineering.

• Proficiency in project management methodologies, with a focus on cost, schedule, and risk management using metrics like CPI, SPI, and EVM.

• Experience in leading and facilitating safety-critical design reviews such as HAZID, HAZOP, and CoM.

• Strong understanding of constructability principles and how design decisions impact construction efficiency and safety.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with internal teams, external consultants, and clients.

• Experience in mentoring and developing junior engineering staff to build internal design capability. Preferred Skills:

• Chartered status with a recognized professional engineering body (e.g., RPEV, RPEQ, NER, CPEng) or actively working towards achieving chartered status.

• Experience with design software and tools commonly used in transmission and substation design.

• Familiarity with systems integration principles for power systems.

• Experience in renewable energy integration projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10+ years in HV transmission design (220kV+) and 5+ years of fieldwork emphasizes the need for a candidate with deep practical experience and a hands-on understanding of the entire project lifecycle, not just theoretical design. The preference for Chartered status indicates a commitment to professional development and a recognized level of engineering expertise within the Australian context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of two significant HV transmission line or substation design projects (220kV+) where you held a lead design management role.

• For each project, clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, the design challenges faced, and the innovative solutions implemented.

• Provide evidence of your contribution to cost and schedule control, ideally with data points illustrating the impact of your design management.

• Demonstrate your approach to managing design interfaces and ensuring constructability through project examples.

• Include documentation or descriptions of your involvement in safety review processes (e.g., HAZID, HAZOP) and how design decisions mitigated identified risks. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing or refining design processes, workflow diagrams, or standard operating procedures for transmission and substation design.

• Examples of how you have implemented or improved technical governance frameworks and quality assurance measures within a design team.

• Documentation illustrating your approach to managing design changes, risk registers, and their impact on project performance metrics (CPI, SPI, EVM).

• Case studies detailing how you mentored junior engineers and contributed to building internal design capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role must go beyond just listing projects. It needs to demonstrate a candidate's ability to manage complex design processes, control project parameters (cost, schedule, risk), ensure technical integrity, and foster team development, all within the context of high-voltage infrastructure. Specific examples of process improvement or standardization will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated annual salary range for a Design Manager, Transmission in Perth, Australia, with 10+ years of experience in HV transmission design, is typically between AUD $150,000 and AUD $200,000. This range is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in major infrastructure projects within Western Australia, considering the specialized technical expertise required and the project's scale and significance.

Benefits:

• Financial Wellness:

  • Salary packaging options to optimize your take-home pay.
  • Novated leasing opportunities for vehicles.
  • Comprehensive income protection insurance.

• Health & Wellbeing:

  • Subsidised health insurance plans for you and your family.
  • Access to dedicated wellbeing support programs and resources.

• Professional Development:

  • Structured mentoring programs to guide career growth.

  • Clear leadership pathways and opportunities for advancement.

  • Ongoing training and development support to enhance technical and management skills. Working Hours:

The standard working hours for this on-site role are typically 40 hours per week. While a standard work week is expected, there may be occasional requirements for flexibility to meet critical project deadlines or attend urgent design reviews, particularly during peak project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from current market data for senior engineering and design management roles in the Australian infrastructure and energy sectors, specifically in Western Australia. Factors considered include the specialized nature of HV transmission design, the leadership responsibilities, and the high-profile nature of the Clean Energy Link project. The provided benefits align with those commonly offered by large, reputable organizations in Australia for senior positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Acciona operates globally across renewable energy, infrastructure, and water sectors, with a strong commitment to sustainable development and regenerative infrastructure. In Australia, its focus includes significant contributions to renewable energy generation and transmission infrastructure, aligning with the nation's energy transition goals.

Company Size: Acciona employs over 3,000 people in Australia & New Zealand and more than 65,000 professionals globally. This large scale indicates a robust organizational structure, access to significant resources, and opportunities for diverse career paths.

Founded: Established in Australia in 2002, Acciona has a substantial and growing presence, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the Australian market and its projects.

Team Structure:

• The operations and project delivery teams at Acciona are typically structured to support large-scale, complex infrastructure projects. For the Clean Energy Link project, expect a dedicated project management office (PMO) overseeing various work packages.

• The Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director or a Senior Engineering Manager, leading a team of transmission line and substation design engineers, drafters, and potentially interface coordinators.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with frequent interaction with construction managers, procurement specialists, safety officers, environmental managers, and client representatives (Western Power). Methodology:

• Acciona emphasizes a data-driven approach to project execution, utilizing performance metrics like CPI, SPI, and EVM for rigorous project control.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially in managing the intricate design and construction phases of major infrastructure.

• Automation and efficiency practices are pursued where applicable, though the core of this role involves managing complex engineering design processes and ensuring technical integrity.

Company Website: https://www.acciona.com/au/

📝 Enhancement Note: Acciona's "Top Employer" certifications highlight a culture that prioritizes employee development, wellbeing, and HR excellence. For operations professionals, this suggests a structured environment with clear career progression, supportive management, and a focus on creating a positive and inclusive workplace. The company's commitment to sustainability is likely integrated into its operational methodologies and project execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role represents a senior position within the engineering and project delivery functions. It requires a high degree of technical expertise, significant project leadership experience, and the ability to manage complex design processes and teams. It bridges technical engineering depth with managerial responsibilities, focusing on the strategic delivery of critical infrastructure components.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to senior project leadership, such as a Project Director or Senior Engineering Manager. They will, in turn, lead and mentor a team of design engineers and technical staff. This structure allows for direct influence on project outcomes while providing a clear hierarchy for decision-making and accountability.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the success of the Clean Energy Link project, which is vital for Western Australia's energy transition. Effective design management ensures the reliability, safety, and efficiency of the transmission network, directly influencing the capacity to integrate renewable energy sources and provide a stable power supply. This role contributes significantly to Acciona's strategic goals in sustainable infrastructure development.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced HV transmission technologies, grid modernization, and renewable energy integration through involvement in complex project challenges and continuous learning.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles such as Principal Design Manager, Head of Engineering for larger programs, or Project Director positions, managing broader scopes of work and larger teams.

• Cross-Disciplinary Experience: Gain exposure to other facets of Acciona's operations, such as construction management, project controls, or business development, by collaborating across different project functions.

• Professional Recognition: Leverage the role to achieve or maintain Chartered Engineer status, enhancing professional credibility and opening doors to further leadership opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in a company like Acciona, especially on a project of this magnitude, typically involves increasing responsibility for scope, budget, and team size. The emphasis on mentoring and leadership development suggests a structured approach to cultivating future leaders within the organization, making this role a strong stepping stone for ambitious engineering professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Acciona's Perth Corporate Office, which serves as a central hub for project management, engineering coordination, and administrative functions for major projects in Western Australia. This environment is typically professional, collaborative, and equipped with the necessary resources for engineering and project management activities.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Perth Corporate Office. This location offers accessibility within the Perth metropolitan area, likely with associated amenities and transport links. Depending on project needs, occasional site visits to transmission line corridors or substation construction sites may be required.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be an open-plan office or a dedicated team area within the corporate office, fostering collaboration and communication among project teams.

• Access to necessary engineering software, design tools, project management platforms, and communication technologies will be provided.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse project team, including engineers, project managers, construction leads, and support staff, will be abundant.

Work Schedule: The role adheres to a standard 40-hour work week, typically from Monday to Friday. However, the demands of major infrastructure projects may necessitate occasional flexibility to meet critical deadlines, attend essential site visits, or participate in urgent project meetings outside of standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working from a corporate office in Perth for a project of this scale suggests a well-supported operational environment. The emphasis on collaboration within the office setting is key for effective design coordination and problem-solving. The need for potential site visits underscores the practical, hands-on aspect of the role, ensuring design solutions are grounded in real-world construction feasibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and portfolio to assess alignment with the required qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview (Round 1): Focus on your electrical engineering background, specific experience in HV transmission and substation design, and knowledge of relevant standards (IEC, IEEE, AS/NZS). Expect questions on design principles, technical challenges, and your approach to problem-solving.

• Project/Portfolio Review (Round 2): A deeper dive into your submitted portfolio. You will be expected to present and discuss 1-2 key projects, detailing your role, design contributions, management of cost/schedule/risk (CPI, SPI, EVM), and mitigation of HAZID/HAZOP findings.

• Leadership & Cultural Fit Interview (Round 3): Assessment of your leadership style, mentoring capabilities, ability to manage cross-functional teams, and how you align with Acciona's values and culture. This may involve behavioral questions and scenario-based assessments.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (Project Director, Country Manager) to confirm suitability and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose projects that best showcase your experience in HV transmission (220kV+) design management, covering both overhead lines and substations.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state your responsibilities, the scale of the project, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings achieved, schedule adherence, risk reduction achieved through design).

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your methodology for leading design teams, managing interfaces, implementing technical governance, and conducting safety reviews (HAZID, HAZOP). Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Highlight EVM: Be prepared to discuss your experience with CPI, SPI, and EVM, and how you used these metrics to manage project performance in previous design roles.

• Focus on Impact: Articulate the real-world impact of your design decisions on safety, constructability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem Scenario: You may be given a hypothetical design challenge related to transmission or substation design and asked to outline your approach to solving it, considering technical, safety, cost, and schedule factors.

• Stakeholder Management Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would handle conflicting priorities or technical disagreements between engineering, construction, and client teams.

• Mentoring/Team Leadership Scenario: Be ready to describe your approach to developing junior engineers and building a high-performing design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical competence and leadership potential. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates quantifiable achievements in HV design management, project controls, and safety leadership is critical for success. Be ready to articulate your experience with specific project management tools and methodologies mentioned in the job description.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software for electrical and civil/structural design, such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar platforms.

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management tools for scheduling, tracking, and reporting, such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or Acciona's internal project management systems.

• EVM Tools: Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) software or modules within project management suites to track CPI, SPI, and overall project financial performance.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for document sharing, communication, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Analysis Software: Experience with specialized electrical engineering analysis software for load flow, short circuit analysis, protection coordination, and transient stability studies (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E, CYME).

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate comprehensive design reports, progress updates, and risk assessments using standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Dashboard Tools: Familiarity with dashboarding tools for visualizing project performance metrics, though direct creation might be handled by dedicated project controls teams.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with robust document control systems for managing design drawings, specifications, and project documentation (e.g., Aconex, Procore, or Acciona's internal systems).

• Workflow Automation: While not directly managing automation tools, understanding how design workflows can be streamlined through digital processes and integrated systems is beneficial.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different engineering and project management systems integrate to ensure data consistency across the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is focused on design management, a strong understanding of the technical tools used in HV transmission and substation design is essential. Proficiency in project management and EVM tools is critical for overseeing project performance. Familiarity with Acciona's likely technology stack (e.g., Microsoft suite, specific project management/document control software) would be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability: A core value at Acciona, reflected in the focus on designing infrastructure that supports a sustainable future and minimizes environmental impact. Operations professionals are expected to integrate sustainable practices into their work.

• Excellence: A commitment to high standards in all aspects of work, from technical design and project delivery to safety and client satisfaction. This translates to a drive for quality and continuous improvement in processes.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and transparency in all dealings, fostering trust among team members, clients, and stakeholders.

• Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork and open communication across disciplines and departments to achieve shared project goals. This is crucial for complex infrastructure projects.

• Innovation: Seeking new and improved ways to deliver projects, solve challenges, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design teams work closely with construction, procurement, safety, and client representatives. Regular meetings and integrated workflows are common.

• Process Review Culture: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on design processes, construction methods, and project execution to identify areas for improvement and ensure best practices are shared.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing technical knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices across project teams and within the broader Acciona organization to foster collective growth and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Acciona's emphasis on sustainability, excellence, and integrity forms the bedrock of its operational culture. For a Design Manager, this means not only delivering technically sound designs but also ensuring they align with environmental goals and are executed with the highest ethical and quality standards. The collaborative style is essential for managing the complexities of large infrastructure projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Complexity: Managing the intricate design requirements for high-voltage transmission systems (220kV+) and substations, ensuring compliance with multiple stringent standards and integrating new technologies.

• Project Scale & Schedule Pressure: Delivering on a landmark project with significant state-wide impact, which inherently comes with demanding timelines and the need for rigorous schedule management (CPI, SPI, EVM).

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating the expectations and requirements of various stakeholders, including internal teams, external consultants, and the client (Western Power), to ensure consensus and smooth project progression.

• Mentoring & Capability Building: Effectively mentoring junior engineers while simultaneously managing high-stakes design responsibilities, balancing development needs with project delivery pressures.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in cutting-edge transmission technologies, grid modernization techniques, and renewable energy integration strategies.

• Project Management Certification: Support for pursuing or enhancing certifications in project management or specific engineering disciplines relevant to large-scale infrastructure.

• Leadership Programs: Participation in Acciona's leadership development programs designed to cultivate senior management and executive talent.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and forums related to power systems engineering and infrastructure development, fostering professional networking and staying abreast of industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of senior roles on major infrastructure projects. Successfully navigating these will require strong technical acumen, robust project management skills, and excellent interpersonal abilities. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement within Acciona's global operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy: "Describe your approach to developing a comprehensive design strategy for a new HV transmission line project, considering factors like route selection, technology choices, constructability, and environmental impact." (Prepare to discuss phases, key decision points, and stakeholder input.)

• Risk Management: "How do you proactively identify and mitigate design-related risks in HV transmission projects, particularly those identified during HAZID/HAZOP studies? Provide a specific example." (Focus on your process for risk assessment, documentation, and implementing mitigation measures.)

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: "How do you foster a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning within your design team? Describe a situation where you mentored a junior engineer to overcome a significant technical challenge." (Prepare examples of your leadership style, coaching techniques, and impact on team development.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Sustainability Alignment: "Acciona is committed to sustainable development. How would you ensure sustainability principles are integrated into the transmission line and substation designs you manage?" (Research Acciona's sustainability initiatives and relate them to electrical infrastructure design.)

• Cross-functional Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or technical disagreements between the design team and the construction team. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method response focusing on communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.)

• Performance Metrics: "How have you utilized metrics such as CPI, SPI, and EVM to manage and report on the performance of design packages or projects in the past?" (Be ready to explain your understanding and practical application of these project control tools.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 1-2 projects that best highlight your leadership in HV transmission (220kV+) design, showcasing both technical depth and management effectiveness.

• Narrative Structure: For each project, follow a clear story: the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the design process and solutions implemented, the key outcomes (quantified where possible), and lessons learned.

• Focus on EVM & Risk: Explicitly detail your involvement in cost/schedule control (CPI, SPI, EVM) and risk management (HAZID, HAZOP mitigation).

• Visual Aids: Use high-level diagrams, schematics, or process flowcharts to illustrate complex design elements or workflows, but avoid overwhelming detail.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a set timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects relevant to the Design Manager role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should emphasize not just technical knowledge but also the ability to articulate your experience using project management frameworks (like STAR) and demonstrating your understanding of Acciona's core values. A strong, well-prepared portfolio is the cornerstone of the application process for this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager, Transmission position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link on the Acciona careers portal.

• Curate Your Operations Portfolio: Select 1-2 of your most impactful HV transmission design projects (220kV+). For each, prepare a concise summary highlighting your leadership role, key design challenges, technical solutions, and quantifiable achievements in cost control (CPI/SPI/EVM), schedule adherence, and risk mitigation (HAZID/HAZOP).

• Optimize Your Resume for Operations Keywords: Ensure your resume clearly lists your 10+ years of HV transmission design experience, your Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, and any relevant Chartered status (RPEV, RPEQ, NER, CPEng). Integrate keywords such as "HV transmission design," "substation design," "technical governance," "constructability," "EVM," "HAZID/HAZOP," and "stakeholder management."

• Prepare for Technical and Behavioral Interviews: Practice articulating your design methodologies, project management approach, and leadership style. Be ready to discuss specific examples using the STAR method, particularly concerning complex technical challenges, team mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Research Acciona's Clean Energy Link Project: Understand the project's objectives, its significance for Western Australia's energy future, and Acciona's role. Familiarize yourself with Acciona's sustainability initiatives and company values to demonstrate cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.