Primary Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Primary Design Manager
Company: GE Vernova
Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Engineering / Design Operations
Date Posted: January 13, 2026
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate global engineering teams in the design and delivery of high-voltage (HV/EHV) substation projects, emphasizing cross-functional collaboration and technical oversight.
• Ensure the timely and high-quality production of primary plant designs for substations (AIS, GIS, HVDC), adhering strictly to customer, regulatory, and internal engineering standards.
• Drive the development and review of integrated 3D models and detailed engineering drawings, ensuring alignment with project specifications and best practices in design for safety and quality assurance.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and support to a global team of engineers, fostering a culture of engineering excellence and continuous improvement.
• Act as a key technical liaison with clients, stakeholders, and suppliers to resolve complex engineering queries and ensure project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Primary Design Manager" suggests a leadership role with significant responsibility for the technical output of primary substation design. The emphasis on global team coordination and client liaison indicates a need for strong project management and communication skills alongside technical expertise in HV/EHV systems. The mention of UK regulations (CDM 2015) and specific UK Transmission standards implies a strong focus on the UK market.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate remote global engineering teams within the GE Vernova Global Engineering Centre to ensure cohesive and efficient project execution.
• Guarantee the high-quality and timely delivery of all engineering outputs for HV/EHV substation primary plant designs.
• Spearhead the design and development of primary plant for HV/EHV substations, including Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS), Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS), and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems, in strict accordance with project and industry standards.
• Develop, review, and approve a fully integrated 3D model, encompassing general arrangement drawings, section drawings, and detailed layout designs that optimize space and functionality.
• Critically review and approve vendor drawings and specifications, verifying their compliance with project requirements and ensuring seamless integration into the overall substation design.
• Ensure strict adherence to all applicable national regulations, with a specific focus on UK Health & Safety regulations such as CDM 2015, and implement safe-by-design principles throughout the project lifecycle.
• Apply best practices in design for safety and quality assurance, embedding these principles into all stages of the project lifecycle to mitigate risks and enhance reliability.
• Collaborate closely with adjacent engineering functions, including civil, protection & control, system studies, valves, and building services teams, to achieve a fully integrated and optimized substation design.
• Provide essential technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to junior engineers, fostering their professional development and ensuring the team's technical capabilities are continuously enhanced.
• Actively liaise with clients, stakeholders, and suppliers to effectively resolve technical queries, manage expectations, and build strong working relationships.
• Uphold rigorous quality assurance processes and design governance throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring all engineering activities meet GE Vernova's high standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design leadership, team management (including remote global teams), and stakeholder engagement. The emphasis on integrated design and compliance with specific UK regulations (CDM 2015) suggests a need for practical application of engineering principles within a regulated environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent engineering discipline.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in substation design, covering both tender and execution phases of projects, is essential.
• Preferred: 7–10 years of progressive experience in High Voltage (HV) substation design.
• Applicants with 3+ years of strong technical experience in HV substation design are also encouraged to apply, indicating potential for growth into the managerial aspects.

Required Skills:

• Strong knowledge of High Voltage (HV) and Extra High Voltage (EHV) substation primary plant design principles and applications.
• Proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software for engineering drawings and schematics.
• Familiarity with UK Transmission (e.g., National Grid, SSE, SPEN, NGED, UKPN) and Distribution standards, ensuring designs meet specific regional requirements.
• Understanding and practical application of UK Health & Safety regulations, particularly CDM 2015 (Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015), and safe-by-design principles.
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate engineering teams, including remote and global collaborators, to achieve project objectives.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively liaise with clients, stakeholders, and suppliers to resolve technical issues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a systematic approach to design challenges and quality assurance.
• Experience in quality assurance practices and design governance throughout the project lifecycle.

Preferred Skills:

• Awareness and understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D modeling tools such as Revit and Navisworks.
• Experience with specific substation technologies like Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS), Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS), and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems.
• Technical leadership and mentoring capabilities to guide and develop junior engineering staff.
• Experience in proposal development and tender support for substation projects.
• Familiarity with system studies and protection & control integration within substation design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is flexible, allowing candidates with 3+ years of strong technical experience to apply, while preferring 7-10 years for a more senior or managerial role. The emphasis on UK-specific standards and regulations is a critical differentiator for this role. Proficiency in CAD is required, with BIM/3D tool awareness being a plus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies of HV/EHV substation primary design projects managed or significantly contributed to, demonstrating your engineering expertise and leadership.
• For each case study, clearly outline the scope of work, your specific role and responsibilities (including team coordination and client liaison), the technical challenges encountered, and the solutions implemented.
• Highlight your experience in developing and reviewing integrated 3D models and complex engineering drawings (e.g., general arrangements, layouts, sections) with demonstrable impact on project efficiency or clarity.
• Provide evidence of your understanding and application of safety-by-design principles and regulatory compliance (e.g., CDM 2015), detailing how you ensured adherence in past projects.
• Include examples of your technical leadership and mentorship, perhaps through project team structures or problem-solving scenarios where you guided junior engineers.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in establishing and enforcing design processes for HV/EHV substation projects, from initial tender phases through to final execution and handover.
• Provide examples of documentation related to quality assurance and design governance procedures that you have implemented or followed.
• Include any process documentation related to the review and approval of vendor drawings and specifications, emphasizing the steps taken to ensure project alignment.
• Showcase your approach to cross-functional collaboration, possibly through process diagrams or workflow descriptions that illustrate how you integrated designs with civil, P&C, and other engineering disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a "Manager" role in design typically requires a portfolio demonstrating not just technical capability but also project leadership, process adherence, and the ability to manage complex deliverables. The focus on global teams and integrated design implies a need for well-documented project lifecycles and collaborative workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in specialized engineering fields like High Voltage Substation Design in the United Kingdom, particularly Glasgow, the estimated annual salary range is between £60,000 and £85,000. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the technical specialization, and the cost of living in Glasgow.
• Factors influencing the exact salary will include the candidate's specific experience, the depth of their knowledge in HV/EHV substation design, leadership capabilities, and familiarity with UK regulations and standards.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions (e.g., pension scheme).
• Opportunities for professional development, including training programs, certifications, and conference attendance.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Access to employee assistance programs (EAP) for personal and professional support.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
• Relocation assistance is explicitly stated as "No" in the provided details.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Flexibility may be offered depending on project demands and team coordination needs, especially when working with global teams across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is not provided, so an estimated range is given based on typical UK market rates for similar roles and locations. Benefits are inferred based on standard offerings for large, multinational engineering firms like GE Vernova.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Transition, Power Utilities, Grid Technology, Electrical Engineering. GE Vernova is at the forefront of delivering the Green Energy transition, focusing on electrifying the world with advanced grid technologies and accelerating the integration of renewable energy sources. Company Size: GE Vernova is a large, global industrial conglomerate with a significant presence in the energy sector. It operates across multiple countries and employs thousands of individuals worldwide. Founded: GE Vernova was established as a distinct entity from General Electric in March 2024, though its roots and technologies are built upon decades of GE's energy business legacy. This new structure emphasizes its focus on the energy transition.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the North Europe Grid System Integration (GSI) team, which is responsible for delivering turnkey high voltage AC and DC transmission projects.
• This team operates within GE Grid Solutions, a business unit of GE Vernova.
• The Primary Design Manager will lead and coordinate remote global engineering teams, implying a matrixed or distributed team structure where collaboration across geographical boundaries is key.
• The design team will likely work closely with other engineering disciplines (civil, protection & control, system studies, etc.) and project management functions.

Methodology:

• GE Vernova emphasizes a "solution-focused, positive approach" and encourages "ingenuity and desire to make an impact" to drive engineering excellence.
• The company is committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions for the energy transition, focusing on reliability, efficiency, and the integration of renewable energy.
• Design methodologies will likely adhere to strict quality assurance protocols, safety-by-design principles, and international/national engineering standards.
• Emphasis is placed on collaboration and leveraging global expertise to address complex challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GE Vernova's mission to drive the Green Energy transition is a central theme. The company culture appears to value innovation, problem-solving, and a collaborative spirit, especially in complex, global projects. The Glasgow team is specifically focused on Grid System Integration for the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavia.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Primary Design Manager," indicating a senior-level position within the engineering design function. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in HV/EHV substation design and managerial capabilities to lead global engineering teams. This level typically involves significant responsibility for project technical outcomes, quality, and adherence to standards.

Reporting Structure: The Primary Design Manager will likely report to a senior engineering director or head of engineering within the North Europe Grid System Integration (GSI) team. They will, in turn, manage and coordinate a team of primary design engineers, potentially across different geographical locations. Close collaboration with project managers and other discipline leads is also expected.

Operations Impact: The Primary Design Manager has a critical impact on the success of GE Vernova's HV/EHV substation projects. Their technical leadership ensures that designs are robust, compliant, cost-effective, and delivered on time, directly influencing project profitability, client satisfaction, and GE Vernova's reputation in the vital energy transition market. Effective primary design is foundational to the reliable operation of the power grid.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Further deepen expertise in specific HV/EHV technologies (e.g., advanced GIS, HVDC, grid-forming converters) or emerging areas within the energy transition.
• Leadership Progression: Advance into higher-level engineering management roles, such as Head of Engineering, Engineering Director, or Program Management for larger, more complex projects.
• Cross-functional Movement: Transition into roles in project management, technical sales, or business development within the energy sector, leveraging a strong understanding of substation design and project delivery.
• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to other GE Vernova hubs as experience and network grow.
• Professional Development: Access to GE Vernova's extensive learning and development resources, including advanced technical training, leadership development programs, and industry certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The title "Manager" implies a clear career progression path from senior engineer to leadership. The emphasis on global teams and the energy transition sector suggests opportunities for growth within a dynamic and expanding industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Glasgow, UK, and is described as "On-site." This suggests a standard office environment where a dedicated team collaborates. GE Vernova likely provides modern office facilities designed to support engineering work. Office Location(s): Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom. Specific office address details would typically be provided upon interview. The location in Glasgow positions the team to serve UK, Ireland, and Scandinavian markets.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office will foster collaboration among the Glasgow-based engineering team and provide facilities for virtual meetings and coordination with remote global teams.
• Tools & Technology: Access to advanced engineering software (CAD, BIM/3D modeling tools), communication platforms, and project management systems essential for substation design and global team management.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues, fostering knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and team cohesion. Regular team meetings and cross-disciplinary discussions are expected.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. However, given the coordination with global teams and project deadlines, some flexibility may be required, potentially involving occasional work outside standard hours to accommodate different time zones or urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation is key. While global coordination is required, the primary work location is an office in Glasgow. The environment is expected to be professional, technically focused, and collaborative.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the core qualifications and experience requirements, particularly regarding HV/EHV substation design and leadership potential.
• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on your technical expertise in primary substation design, knowledge of relevant standards (UK Transmission/Distribution, CDM 2015), and experience with CAD/BIM tools. You may be asked to walk through specific design challenges from your past projects.
• Managerial/Leadership Interview: Assessment of your ability to lead and coordinate global engineering teams, mentor junior engineers, liaise with clients and stakeholders, and manage design processes. Behavioral questions will likely be used to gauge your leadership style and problem-solving approach.
• Case Study/Portfolio Review: You will likely be asked to present and discuss your portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key HV/EHV substation design projects. Be prepared to detail your specific contributions, challenges overcome, design decisions made, and the outcomes achieved.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the role and GE Vernova.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or complexity. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, key technical details, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency improvements, risk mitigation, cost savings).
• Highlight Leadership: For a manager role, emphasize instances where you led teams, mentored engineers, managed stakeholder relationships, or drove process improvements.
• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss the technical intricacies of HV/EHV substation design, including specific equipment (AIS, GIS, HVDC), system integration, and compliance with standards like CDM 2015.
• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use data and metrics to illustrate the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced design iteration time by 15% through improved 3D modeling coordination."
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience relevant to GE Vernova's focus on the energy transition, grid integration, and global project delivery.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical technical design problems related to HV/EHV substations. Think about how you would approach a complex design integration, a safety compliance issue, or a vendor technical query.
• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing team conflicts, motivating remote teams, handling underperforming team members, or dealing with client pushback on design decisions.
• Process Improvement: Consider how you would improve design workflows, enhance quality assurance, or implement new technologies like BIM within a global engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both technical prowess and managerial competence. A strong portfolio that showcases leadership and the ability to manage complex, regulated design projects is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency is essential. Specific software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar industry-standard CAD platforms used for creating detailed engineering drawings.
• 3D Modeling / BIM Tools: Awareness and practical experience with tools like Revit, Navisworks, or other BIM platforms are highly advantageous for developing integrated 3D models of substations.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or GE Vernova's internal project management systems for planning, tracking, and coordinating project timelines and resources.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly primary for a design manager, the ability to interpret data from system studies, performance metrics, and project progress reports will be beneficial.
• Reporting Tools: Experience generating and reviewing technical reports, design documentation summaries, and progress updates for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP/PLM Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems that manage engineering data, BOMs, and project workflows. GE Vernova likely uses a proprietary or widely adopted system for these purposes.
• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication and collaboration with global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical tools will be CAD and 3D modeling/BIM software. The role also requires familiarity with project management and collaboration tools crucial for managing global, distributed teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound designs that meet or exceed industry standards and client expectations.
• Safety First: Prioritizing safety in all design decisions and processes, adhering to regulations like CDM 2015 and embedding safe-by-design principles.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where global teams can effectively communicate, share knowledge, and work together towards common project goals.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to design challenges, seeking opportunities to optimize processes and adopt new technologies that enhance efficiency and project outcomes.
• Customer Focus: Understanding client needs and regulatory requirements, and ensuring that designs are tailored to meet these specific demands, building strong stakeholder relationships.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with other engineering disciplines (civil, P&C, system studies) to ensure a holistic and integrated substation design.
• Global Team Coordination: Effectively managing and communicating with engineers located in different time zones and cultural contexts, ensuring alignment and shared understanding.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactively liaising with clients, suppliers, and internal project teams to resolve technical queries, manage expectations, and gather necessary input.
• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Creating an environment where senior engineers mentor junior staff, and knowledge is openly shared to build collective expertise within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: GE Vernova's stated values of innovation, collaboration, and making an impact in the energy transition are likely core to the team's culture. The emphasis on global teams suggests a need for strong intercultural communication and collaboration skills.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Global Teams: Effectively coordinating engineering efforts across different time zones, cultures, and communication styles to ensure consistent quality and timely delivery.
• Technical Complexity: Designing state-of-the-art HV/EHV substations that integrate diverse technologies (AIS, GIS, HVDC) while meeting stringent performance and safety requirements.
• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating and ensuring adherence to a complex web of UK and international regulations, standards, and customer-specific requirements.
• Technology Integration: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in grid technology and effectively integrating new tools like BIM/3D modeling into established design processes.
• Balancing Design vs. Management: Effectively allocating time between hands-on technical oversight, design reviews, team leadership, and client interaction.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and certifications in areas like HVDC technology, advanced GIS, grid integration for renewables, and new design software.
• Leadership Development Programs: GE Vernova likely offers programs to enhance management, communication, and strategic thinking skills for aspiring leaders.
• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Opportunities to attend and present at leading power engineering conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.
• Mentorship: Being mentored by senior leaders within GE Vernova or serving as a mentor to junior engineers, fostering professional growth through knowledge transfer.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of turnkey substation projects across different geographies and for different grid operators, broadening experience and technical exposure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior engineering manager role in a global, technology-driven industry. The growth opportunities align with career progression within a large, established engineering firm focused on a critical sector like the energy transition.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Design Approach: "Describe your process for designing a primary substation for a complex greenfield project, detailing how you would ensure compliance with CDM 2015 and UK Transmission standards." (Focus on structured methodology, risk assessment, and stakeholder input.)
• Team Leadership & Coordination: "How would you lead and coordinate a remote global team of primary design engineers to deliver a critical substation project on time and within budget?" (Highlight communication strategies, performance management, and conflict resolution.)
• Problem Solving & Innovation: "Walk me through a challenging technical problem you encountered in a past substation design project. What was your approach to solving it, and what did you learn?" (Emphasize analytical skills, creative solutions, and lessons learned.)
• Stakeholder Management: "How do you approach client and supplier liaison to resolve technical queries and ensure project alignment?" (Focus on proactive communication, negotiation skills, and building trust.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about GE Vernova and our role in the energy transition?" (Research GE Vernova's mission, recent projects, and commitment to sustainability.)
• "How do you foster a culture of engineering excellence and safety within a design team?" (Align your answer with GE Vernova's stated values and industry best practices.)
• "Describe your experience working in a global or matrixed organizational structure." (Highlight your adaptability, communication skills, and ability to work effectively across cultures.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your leadership, technical depth in HV/EHV design, and experience with complex projects (e.g., turnkey, regulated environments).
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly define the context, your specific role and responsibilities, the actions you took, and the measurable outcomes.
• Emphasize Management Aspects: For a manager role, focus on how you led the team, managed resources, coordinated with stakeholders, and ensured quality and compliance.
• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides. Include high-level schematics, layout drawings, or 3D model screenshots where appropriate, but avoid overwhelming detail. Focus on what they illustrate about your decisions and leadership.
• Quantify Impact: Present quantifiable results wherever possible (e.g., time saved, cost efficiencies, risk reduction, successful compliance).
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed technical questions about your design choices, calculations, and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical acumen in HV/EHV design but also strong leadership, project coordination, and stakeholder management skills, with a clear understanding of UK regulations and GE Vernova's mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Primary Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the GE Vernova careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio (PDF or dedicated online platform) that highlights 2-3 key HV/EHV substation design projects. For each, clearly articulate your leadership role, technical challenges, solutions implemented, and quantifiable project outcomes, paying special attention to examples involving global team coordination and regulatory compliance (CDM 2015).
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience in HV/EHV substation design, team leadership, project management, knowledge of UK Transmission/Distribution standards, and familiarity with CAD/BIM tools. Use keywords from the job description and ensure achievements are quantified.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss technical aspects of substation design and your leadership approach. Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clarity, impact, and your ability to answer detailed questions.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research GE Vernova, its mission in the energy transition, its Grid Solutions business unit, and its commitment to innovation and sustainability. Understand the North Europe GSI team's role and recent project types.

⚠️ 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.