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: May 1, 2026

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 line and substation designs.

• Ensure all designs are safe, compliant with Australian standards, cost-effective, and constructible.

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

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams to uplift capability and ensure adherence to technical quality.

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement within the design lifecycle, from early planning through to project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior technical leadership position within Acciona's Australian infrastructure division, specifically focusing on transmission projects. The emphasis on "regenerative infrastructure" and "sustainable future" from the company description suggests a strong alignment with sustainability goals and a forward-thinking approach to engineering challenges. The role blends technical design oversight with team management and project delivery responsibilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of HV/MV transmission and substation designs, ensuring alignment with project objectives and timelines.

• Oversee the development of design documentation, including drawings, specifications, and reports, for overhead lines, underground cables, structures, and associated systems.

• Manage and resolve technical interfaces between various engineering disciplines (civil, structural, electrical, protection & control) and construction teams.

• Apply relevant Australian standards (AS/NZS) and international standards (IEC, IEEE) to ensure design compliance and technical robustness.

• Identify, assess, and mitigate design risks, proposing innovative and practical technical solutions to overcome challenges.

• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, safety, and continuous learning within the design team.

• Contribute to proposal development, business development activities, and stakeholder engagement by providing technical expertise and design insights.

• Champion the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to drive innovation and improve design efficiency and constructibility.

• Ensure a strong safety-first mindset is embedded throughout the design process, from concept to detailed design.

• Support site teams with technical queries and design clarifications during the construction and commissioning phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a candidate who can not only manage the technical aspects of transmission design but also actively contribute to business development and team growth. The mention of "Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractor experience" suggests a preference for candidates familiar with large-scale project delivery environments and associated contractual complexities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Extensive experience (10+ years) leading engineering teams in infrastructure or transmission projects.

• Ideally, 5+ years of fieldwork experience, demonstrating hands-on engineering and site collaboration capabilities.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary engineering design teams.

• Strong technical expertise in HV/MV transmission lines, substations, overhead lines, underground cables, and protection & control systems.

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

• Excellent risk management and problem-solving skills, with a proven track record of developing effective technical solutions.

• Strong project management and coordination skills to manage design lifecycle from planning to delivery.

• Demonstrated experience in mentoring and developing engineering talent.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal teams, clients, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractor experience in the Australian market.

• Experience in renewable energy integration projects.

• Familiarity with design software and tools commonly used in transmission engineering (e.g., CAD, PLS-CADD, ETAP).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Chartered Status is a significant differentiator, indicating a need for a highly qualified and recognized professional engineer. The preference for contractor experience suggests a practical, delivery-focused approach to design management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of leading complex transmission design projects from inception to completion, showcasing the full design lifecycle management.

• Case studies detailing successful interface management across civil, electrical, and protection/control systems on large infrastructure projects.

• Evidence of implementing design risk mitigation strategies and their successful outcomes.

• Documentation illustrating the application of Australian and international standards in practical design scenarios.

Process Documentation:

• Workflows illustrating the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary design inputs for transmission projects.

• Documentation of processes for ensuring design compliance, constructibility, and cost-effectiveness.

• Records of design review meetings, risk assessments, and the implementation of technical solutions.

• Examples of continuous improvement initiatives within design processes, showcasing innovation and efficiency gains.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should not only showcase technical design achievements but also demonstrate strong leadership, process management, and stakeholder engagement capabilities. The ability to articulate how processes were optimized and risks were managed will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the senior nature of the role (10+ years of experience, management responsibilities, potential Chartered status), and the location in Melbourne, Australia, a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers in infrastructure and engineering in major Australian cities, the estimated salary range for this position is AUD $160,000 - $220,000 per annum, depending on experience, qualifications (especially Chartered status), and specific project demands.

Benefits:

• Annual wellness and mental health support

• Income protection

• Discounted health options

• Salary packaging options

• Car leasing options

• Employee assistance program

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

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 38-40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, ACCIONA may offer some flexibility in working arrangements, though core hours will likely be expected for team collaboration and project coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of comparable Design Manager roles in the Australian infrastructure and engineering sector, considering the specified experience level and the high demand for specialized transmission engineering expertise. Benefits are directly drawn from the job description and supplemented with typical offerings for senior roles in large corporations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, Renewable Energy, Infrastructure Development. ACCIONA is a global leader in sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Company Size: Large (over 65,000 professionals worldwide, with over 3,000 in Australia & New Zealand). This size indicates a stable, well-resourced organization with established processes and a global presence.

Founded: ACCIONA has a long history, with its presence in Australia established in 2002. The company's commitment to sustainability and "regenerative infrastructure" is a core tenet.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated team of electrical engineers and designers focused on transmission projects.

• This team will operate within a larger engineering department responsible for various infrastructure projects.

• Close collaboration with project management, construction, procurement, and client teams is essential.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on data-driven design decisions, performance analysis of existing infrastructure, and leveraging project data for future improvements.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Streamlining the design process from concept to detailed engineering, focusing on efficiency, constructibility, and compliance.

• Automation & Efficiency: Exploring and implementing tools and methodologies to automate repetitive design tasks, improve accuracy, and reduce project timelines.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Acciona's strong emphasis on sustainability and its "Top Employer" certifications suggest a culture that values employee well-being, professional growth, and ethical business practices. The global nature of the company implies exposure to diverse projects and best practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Engineering. This role is a critical leadership position, overseeing significant technical aspects of major infrastructure projects and managing a team of engineers. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise and strong leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level engineering leader (e.g., Head of Engineering, Director of Engineering) and will be responsible for managing a team of engineers and designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a direct and substantial impact on project success, influencing safety, cost, schedule, and quality. Effective design management is crucial for Acciona's ability to deliver complex, sustainable infrastructure projects and maintain its reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to lead larger, more complex transmission and substation projects, potentially involving international standards or novel technologies.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of transmission engineering, such as high-voltage direct current (HVDC) or grid integration for renewable energy.

• Leadership Development: Progress into more senior management roles, such as Head of Design, Engineering Director, or Program Director, overseeing multiple projects or business units.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience in proposal management, business development, and strategic planning within the infrastructure sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a global leader in sustainable infrastructure, appealing to operations professionals looking for both technical depth and leadership advancement. The emphasis on sustainability aligns with growing trends in the engineering and operations sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Acciona's South Melbourne corporate office, described as an "Infra Corporate" location. This suggests a professional office environment conducive to collaboration, planning, and management activities.

Office Location(s): South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This location is a well-established business hub with good accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting will facilitate interaction with other engineering disciplines, project managers, and corporate support functions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, project management software, and specialized engineering design tools will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional project discussions.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, on-site. While specific working hours may have some flexibility, a consistent presence in the office is expected to facilitate team coordination and project oversight. The nature of infrastructure projects may also require occasional site visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation indicates a preference for direct team collaboration and hands-on leadership, which is typical for senior design management roles where immediate problem-solving and team guidance are crucial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focused on transmission design principles, Australian standards, project experience, risk management, and leadership capabilities. Candidates may be asked to walk through specific design challenges from their past.

• Portfolio Review/Case Study: Presentation of selected projects from their portfolio, focusing on their role in design leadership, problem-solving, and achieved outcomes. This may involve a specific case study addressing a hypothetical transmission design challenge.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members and senior leadership to assess collaboration style, cultural alignment with Acciona's values (sustainability, safety, innovation), and overall fit within the organization.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior management to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your leadership in transmission design, multidisciplinary coordination, and successful project delivery.

• For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, safety enhancements, compliance achieved).

• Be prepared to discuss the application of relevant standards (AS/NZS, IEC, IEEE) and your approach to risk management and stakeholder engagement.

• Highlight instances where you mentored engineering teams or drove process improvements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss common challenges in transmission line and substation design, such as site constraints, environmental regulations, stakeholder opposition, and integration with existing infrastructure.

• Anticipate questions related to safety management in design and construction, and your approach to ensuring compliance with standards.

• Practice articulating your leadership style and how you foster collaboration and high performance within an engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Chartered Status and contractor experience suggests that interviewers will probe deeply into practical application and adherence to industry best practices and regulatory requirements. A strong understanding of the Australian context for infrastructure projects will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design software for creating electrical schematics, layouts, and detailed drawings (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks Electrical, Bentley AutoPLANT).

• Transmission Line Design Software: Experience with specialized tools for transmission line design, such as PLS-CADD, SSTAB, or similar platforms for structural analysis, sag-and-tension calculations, and environmental clearance checks.

• Substation Design Tools: Familiarity with software for substation layouts, equipment arrangement, and single-line diagrams.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to utilize spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel) and potentially more advanced analytics tools for performance tracking, risk assessment, and design validation.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in generating clear and concise technical reports, design summaries, and progress updates.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly customer-facing, understanding of how design data integrates with project management and potentially ERP systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with any internal Acciona systems for document management and workflow automation would be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, a strong candidate would be proficient in industry-standard electrical engineering design software, particularly those used for transmission line and substation design. Demonstrating an understanding of how these tools integrate into a broader project delivery framework is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability: A core value for Acciona, expecting operations professionals to contribute to designing and delivering infrastructure that has a positive environmental and social impact.

• Safety: A paramount value, demanding a proactive, safety-first mindset in all design and operational activities.

• Innovation: Encouragement of new ideas, technologies, and methodologies to improve efficiency, performance, and sustainability.

• Excellence: Commitment to high-quality standards, technical proficiency, and delivering successful project outcomes.

• Integrity: Operating with honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all dealings.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expectation to work closely with diverse teams including project managers, construction engineers, environmental specialists, and commercial teams.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasis on clear, timely, and effective communication to ensure alignment and address issues promptly.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights to foster collective growth and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Acciona's strong emphasis on sustainability and safety, coupled with its "Top Employer" status, suggests a culture that is both performance-driven and people-centric. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they embody these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Multidisciplinary Designs: Ensuring seamless integration and coordination across various engineering disciplines on large-scale transmission projects.

• Adherence to Evolving Standards and Regulations: Keeping abreast of and implementing new or updated Australian and international standards, as well as local environmental and planning regulations.

• Balancing Cost, Schedule, and Technical Requirements: Delivering designs that are technically sound, compliant, safe, and also cost-effective and achievable within project timelines.

• Mentoring and Developing a Diverse Engineering Team: Effectively leading and developing engineers with varying levels of experience and specializations.

• Driving Innovation in a Traditional Sector: Introducing new technologies or methodologies in a field that can sometimes be risk-averse to change.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Access to internal training programs, workshops, and potential external courses focused on advanced transmission engineering topics, project management, and leadership.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, engage with professional bodies (e.g., Engineers Australia), and stay at the forefront of transmission technology and best practices.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within Acciona's global engineering network, as well as opportunities to mentor junior staff.

• Leadership Development: Structured pathways for developing leadership skills, project management expertise, and strategic thinking for senior roles within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex engineering challenges and contributing to impactful sustainable infrastructure projects, while also offering structured development paths within a global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the design of a complex HV transmission project. What were the key challenges, how did you manage them, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and results).

• "How do you ensure technical consistency and compliance with Australian standards (AS/NZS) across a multidisciplinary design team?" (Assess understanding of standards and process management).

• "Walk me through your approach to managing design risks on a large infrastructure project. Provide a specific example." (Evaluate risk assessment methodology and mitigation strategies).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Acciona, and how do your values align with our focus on sustainability and regenerative infrastructure?" (Gauge cultural fit and motivation).

• "How do you foster a safety-first culture within an engineering design team?" (Assess commitment to safety protocols).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end design management experience, emphasizing your leadership role, the technical complexity, and the project's success.

• For each project, prepare concise talking points on:

  • Project scope and your specific responsibilities.
  • Key technical challenges and innovative solutions.
  • How you managed multidisciplinary interfaces and ensured compliance.
  • Quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, safety improvements).

• Be prepared to discuss the application of standards and your risk management approach in detail.

• Practice presenting your portfolio to ensure clarity, conciseness, and impact within a limited timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who possesses not only deep technical expertise but also strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills, with a clear understanding of Acciona's commitment to sustainability and safety.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor your CV and cover letter: Highlight your extensive experience in transmission design, leadership of engineering teams, and specific accomplishments relevant to HV/MV projects, Australian standards, and contractor environments. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select key projects that best demonstrate your design management capabilities, focusing on leadership, problem-solving, and successful project delivery. Be ready to present these visually and discuss them in detail.

• Research Acciona: Understand their mission, values (especially sustainability), recent projects in Australia, and their position in the infrastructure market. This will help you tailor your responses to their specific context.

• Practice interview questions: Rehearse answers to common technical, behavioral, and situational questions, particularly those related to design leadership, risk management, team mentorship, and working with Australian standards.

⚠️ 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.