Design Manager, Transmission

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Transmission

Company: Acciona

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering / Infrastructure Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of high-voltage (HV) and medium-voltage (MV) transmission and substation designs from inception through to completion.

• Ensure all designs adhere to safety-first principles, comply with Australian standards and regulations, and are cost-effective and constructible.

• Manage complex multidisciplinary interfaces, including civil, electrical, protection, and control systems, ensuring seamless integration.

• Mentor and uplift the capability of engineering teams, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement within the design function.

• Drive innovation in design solutions and contribute to proposals and business development efforts by leveraging technical expertise and industry knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for Acciona's infrastructure projects in Australia, focusing on the technical leadership and execution of transmission and substation design. The emphasis on "regenerative infrastructure" and "sustainable future" suggests a need for design solutions that are not only technically sound but also environmentally conscious.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire design lifecycle for transmission lines and substations, from conceptualization and feasibility studies to detailed design and construction support.

• Ensure rigorous application of Australian and international standards (IEC, IEEE, AS/NZS) and govern technical quality across all design deliverables.

• Proactively identify design risks, implement mitigation strategies, and propose innovative technical solutions to overcome project challenges.

• Champion the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance design efficiency, safety, and constructability.

• Provide technical guidance and leadership to multidisciplinary engineering teams, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• Support stakeholder engagement by presenting design concepts, addressing concerns, and aligning design outcomes with client expectations.

• Contribute to the development of proposals and tenders by providing robust design strategies and cost estimates.

• Collaborate closely with construction and site teams to ensure designs are practical, safe to build, and optimized for site conditions.

• Maintain and uplift the technical capabilities of the engineering team through mentorship, training, and performance feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design leadership, team management, and strategic involvement in business development, typical for senior engineering roles within large infrastructure firms. The mention of "fieldwork" experience suggests an expectation for practical, hands-on understanding of construction realities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Minimum of 10 years of extensive experience leading engineering teams within the infrastructure or transmission project sector.

• A strong preference for 5+ years of fieldwork experience to ensure a practical understanding of site engineering and collaboration.

• Experience with Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors in Australia is highly regarded. Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in leading the design of HV/MV transmission lines and substations.

• Deep understanding of Australian engineering standards (AS/NZS) and international standards (IEC, IEEE).

• Strong project management and multidisciplinary coordination skills.

• Excellent technical leadership and team mentorship capabilities.

• Demonstrated ability to ensure designs are safe, compliant, cost-effective, and constructible.

• Proficiency in risk identification and mitigation strategies for complex engineering projects.

• Experience in stakeholder engagement and business development support.

• A robust safety-first mindset, embedded in all engineering practices. Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Status (including RPEV, RPEQ, NER & CPEng) or the ability to achieve within 6 months of commencement.

• Experience with renewable energy integration into transmission networks.

• Familiarity with various transmission technologies, including overhead lines, underground cables, structures, and protection/control systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Chartered Status and extensive experience points to a senior-level role demanding significant technical authority and project leadership. The emphasis on fieldwork suggests a hands-on approach is valued, beyond pure office-based design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a history of successfully delivering complex transmission and substation design projects, emphasizing scale and technical challenges.

• Include examples demonstrating effective management of multidisciplinary design teams and coordination of various engineering disciplines (civil, electrical, protection, control).

• Present case studies detailing how safety, compliance, cost-effectiveness, and constructability were prioritized and achieved in past projects.

• Demonstrate experience in applying Australian and international engineering standards, with specific examples of their implementation.

• Highlight instances of risk identification and the successful implementation of mitigation strategies within design processes. Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or case studies that illustrate your approach to leading the design lifecycle, from planning and concept development through to detailed design and construction support.

• Showcase your methodology for ensuring technical quality and consistency across design deliverables, including review and approval processes.

• Include examples of how you have mentored and developed engineering teams, detailing process improvements or capability uplift initiatives.

• Present evidence of how innovation has been integrated into design processes, leading to improved efficiency, safety, or cost savings.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio should reflect leadership in complex engineering projects, demonstrating not just individual technical capability but also the ability to manage teams, processes, and diverse project requirements within the infrastructure sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the senior level (10+ years of experience), the location (Melbourne, Australia), and the specialized nature of transmission design management, the estimated salary range for this role is AUD $180,000 - $250,000 per annum.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary estimate is based on research of similar senior engineering management roles in the Australian infrastructure and energy sectors, considering the required experience, qualifications (including desirable Chartered status), and the responsibilities outlined. Regional cost of living and industry benchmarks for Acciona's size and scope were also factored in.

Benefits:

• Annual wellness and mental health support programs.

• Comprehensive income protection insurance.

• Discounted health insurance options for employees and their families.

• Access to salary packaging and car leasing options for financial flexibility.

• Employee assistance program offering confidential support services.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a global organization. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily on-site, requiring active participation during core business hours for team collaboration and project coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is designed to support employee well-being and financial security, common for large multinational corporations like Acciona. The emphasis on wellness and assistance programs reflects a commitment to employee welfare.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Acciona operates in the Engineering, Construction, and Renewable Energy sectors, with a strong focus on developing regenerative and sustainable infrastructure. This includes a significant presence in power generation (especially renewables), water treatment, and civil infrastructure projects. The company is committed to addressing global challenges such as climate change and water scarcity through its innovative solutions.

Company Size: Acciona is a large global company with over 65,000 professionals worldwide. This scale implies access to significant resources, a wide range of projects, and established corporate structures, while also offering opportunities for specialization within diverse teams.

Founded: Acciona has a long history, with its current form established through various mergers and acquisitions, but its roots trace back over a century. This longevity suggests stability, deep industry expertise, and a proven track record in delivering large-scale projects.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated multidisciplinary design team focused on transmission and substation projects, potentially comprising electrical engineers, civil engineers, protection specialists, and CAD technicians.

• The team structure is expected to be hierarchical but collaborative, with clear reporting lines to senior management or project directors.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, with close working relationships with project managers, construction teams, procurement, and client representatives. Methodology:

• Acciona emphasizes a data-driven approach to project development and execution, focusing on sustainability and regenerative impact.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, particularly in the design phase, to ensure efficiency, safety, and constructability.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated into design tools and processes to enhance productivity and reduce errors.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Acciona's commitment to sustainability and regenerative infrastructure is a core cultural pillar. This means that design decisions and project approaches are evaluated not just on technical merit and cost, but also on their positive environmental and social impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and operations domain, specifically focused on design management for critical infrastructure. It signifies a transition from individual contributor or team lead to a managerial position with significant strategic and technical oversight. The scope includes leading complex projects, mentoring teams, and influencing business development.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior engineering manager, a head of design, or a project director. They will have direct reports within their design team, including engineers and technical staff. This structure emphasizes accountability for design deliverables and team performance.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work has a direct and substantial impact on the success of Acciona's infrastructure projects. Effective transmission and substation designs are fundamental to reliable power delivery, renewable energy integration, and overall grid stability. Their decisions influence project timelines, budgets, safety outcomes, and the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of transmission and substation design, or to gain experience in other infrastructure sectors within Acciona's portfolio.

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into higher-level management roles, such as Head of Design, Technical Director, or Project Director, with increased responsibility for strategic planning and business unit management.

• Global Mobility: As a global company, Acciona may offer opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to other regions, broadening experience and exposure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for an experienced engineer looking to move into a leadership position that combines technical expertise with management responsibilities. The focus on "regenerative infrastructure" also offers a unique growth path aligned with global sustainability trends.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Acciona's South Melbourne corporate office, indicating a professional, office-based work environment. This setting facilitates collaboration, access to resources, and interaction with other corporate functions.

Office Location(s): The primary office is in South Melbourne, Australia, with mentions of Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth suggesting that Acciona has a strong national presence and potentially project teams or offices across these major cities.

Workspace Context:

• The Melbourne office likely provides a collaborative workspace designed for engineering and project management teams. This would include access to necessary design software, meeting rooms for multidisciplinary discussions, and a professional environment for client interactions.

• The role requires significant on-site presence, implying that travel to project sites for fieldwork, inspections, and coordination meetings will be a regular part of the job.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of professionals, including engineers, project managers, construction personnel, and corporate staff, are abundant.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. While office-based, the demands of infrastructure projects may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines, particularly during critical design phases or site mobilization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is crucial. While the primary base is an office, the expectation of fieldwork means a willingness to spend time at construction sites, engaging directly with the practical aspects of the projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter, focusing on alignment with the required experience (10+ years in infrastructure/transmission, leadership, fieldwork) and qualifications (Electrical Engineering degree, desirable Chartered status).

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve detailed discussions about your experience in transmission and substation design, your approach to managing multidisciplinary teams, and your understanding of Australian standards and safety protocols. Expect questions about specific projects you've led.

• Case Study/Problem-Solving: You may be presented with a hypothetical design challenge or a complex problem from a past project. The focus will be on your problem-solving methodology, risk assessment, and ability to propose practical, constructible solutions.

• Managerial/Cultural Fit Interview: This session will assess your leadership style, team mentoring capabilities, and alignment with Acciona's values, particularly its commitment to sustainability and safety.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or project director, to confirm overall suitability and discuss strategic contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Your portfolio should clearly demonstrate your leadership in managing design teams and complex projects. Use project examples to illustrate your role, responsibilities, and impact.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. For instance, "Reduced design iteration time by 15% through improved workflow," or "Managed a design team of 12 engineers to deliver a $50M transmission project on time and within budget."

• Showcase Technical Depth: Include examples of designs you've overseen, detailing the technical challenges and how they were overcome. Emphasize your understanding of HV/MV systems, civil interfaces, and protection/control systems.

• Emphasize Safety and Compliance: Dedicate sections or examples to how you ensure safety and compliance with standards (AS/NZS, IEC, IEEE) in your design processes.

• Sustainability Focus: Given Acciona's mission, highlight any projects where sustainability or regenerative aspects were a key consideration in the design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions asking how you would handle specific design or team management challenges (e.g., a conflict between civil and electrical design teams, a critical design flaw discovered late in the project).

• Technical Standards Application: Be ready to discuss your practical application of AS/NZS, IEC, and IEEE standards in real-world scenarios.

• Risk Management: Practice articulating your process for identifying, assessing, and mitigating design risks in large infrastructure projects.

• Mentorship Examples: Prepare specific anecdotes about how you have mentored junior engineers, improved team capabilities, and fostered a positive team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Design Manager role will be rigorous, assessing both technical acumen and leadership capabilities. A well-curated portfolio showcasing project successes, leadership, and a strong understanding of operational realities is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and design software such as AutoCAD, Bentley Systems (e.g., MicroStation, OpenBuildings Designer), and potentially specialized electrical design tools (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E for power system analysis).

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project planning, scheduling, and tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret and utilize data from design simulations, site reports, and project management systems. While not explicitly stated as a primary tool, understanding how to leverage data for decision-making is key.

• Reporting Tools: Experience generating technical reports, design summaries, and progress updates using standard office suites (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly customer-facing, understanding how design interfaces with procurement, construction, and project management systems is crucial. Experience with ERP systems or project-specific management information systems (MIS) may be beneficial for data flow and process integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on tools that support complex engineering design, project management, and team collaboration. Proficiency in specialized electrical engineering design and analysis software is expected, alongside standard project management and communication tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value, ingrained in all design and operational activities. This means prioritizing the well-being of employees, stakeholders, and the public in every decision.

• Sustainability & Regeneration: A core tenet of Acciona's mission, influencing design choices to minimize environmental impact and maximize positive societal contributions.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound, and constructible designs that meet or exceed project requirements and industry standards.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, technologies, and methodologies to enhance efficiency, safety, and project outcomes.

• Integrity & Ethics: Conducting all business with honesty, transparency, and ethical responsibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Integration: Fostering a collaborative environment where different engineering disciplines work seamlessly together, sharing knowledge and coordinating efforts to achieve common project goals.

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open and frequent communication between design teams, construction crews, project managers, and clients to ensure alignment and address issues promptly.

• Feedback Culture: Promoting a culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement in design processes and team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Acciona's values, particularly safety and sustainability, are deeply embedded in their operations. Candidates are expected to align with these principles and demonstrate how they apply them in their daily work and decision-making.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Managing the inherent trade-offs between design safety, cost, constructability, and sustainability requirements on complex infrastructure projects.

• Technical Complexity: Staying abreast of evolving transmission technologies, standards, and regulatory requirements in a rapidly changing energy landscape.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring effective collaboration and communication across diverse teams (design, construction, procurement, clients) who may have different priorities and perspectives.

• Innovation Adoption: Successfully integrating new technologies and design methodologies into established processes while managing associated risks and training needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to advanced training in specific areas of transmission design, power systems analysis, or project management technologies relevant to Acciona's operations.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and professional development events to stay current with best practices and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship programs, either as a mentee to learn from senior leaders or as a mentor to develop leadership and coaching skills.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Gaining experience across a wide range of transmission and substation projects, potentially including renewable energy integration, grid modernization, and large-scale infrastructure developments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in large infrastructure projects, requiring strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. Acciona's commitment to professional development suggests ample opportunities for career growth and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multidisciplinary design team through a significant technical challenge on a transmission project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and technical depth)

• "How do you ensure that designs are not only technically sound but also safe, cost-effective, and constructible in the Australian context, considering AS/NZS standards?" (Focus on practical application of standards and risk management)

• "Discuss a situation where you had to balance competing stakeholder interests (e.g., client, construction, environmental) during the design phase. How did you manage these relationships and achieve a successful outcome?" (Focus on stakeholder management and negotiation) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Acciona emphasizes sustainability and regenerative infrastructure. How have you incorporated these principles into your previous design work, or how would you approach it in this role?" (Focus on alignment with company values)

• "Describe your experience mentoring and developing engineering teams. What is your philosophy on building team capability and fostering a positive work environment?" (Focus on leadership style and team development)

• "How do you stay current with advancements in transmission technology, design standards, and safety regulations?" (Focus on continuous learning and professional development) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 key projects that best exemplify your leadership in transmission/substation design, showcasing complexity, scale, and successful outcomes.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role and responsibilities, the key design decisions, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, safety improvements, sustainability impact).

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality diagrams, schematics, or photos (where permissible) to illustrate design concepts and complexities.

• Focus on Process: Explain your design process, including how you manage interfaces, ensure quality, mitigate risks, and collaborate with teams.

• Address Acciona's Values: Weave in how your approach aligns with Acciona's commitment to safety, sustainability, and engineering excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss specific projects in detail, demonstrating not only technical expertise but also their ability to lead, manage risks, and contribute to Acciona's broader mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience in infrastructure/transmission design leadership, specifically mentioning HV/MV projects, team management, and any fieldwork experience. Quantify achievements and list relevant technical skills and standards (AS/NZS, IEC, IEEE).

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your interest in Acciona and this specific role, emphasizing how your experience aligns with the requirements and how you embody the company's values of safety and sustainability.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your most impactful transmission and substation design projects, focusing on leadership, technical complexity, problem-solving, and successful outcomes. Be ready to discuss specific examples in detail.

• Research Acciona: Familiarize yourself with Acciona's current projects in Australia, their sustainability initiatives, and their corporate culture. Be prepared to discuss how your contributions would align with their strategic goals.

⚠️ 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.