Power System Senior Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Power System Senior Design Consultant

Company: RINA

Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Power Systems Consultancy

Date Posted: April 18, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the electro-mechanical design of substations, ensuring adherence to client specifications, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices for power systems up to 400 kV.

• Execute comprehensive power system design, including primary and protection & control design, for industrial, commercial, and utility clients across local and international projects.

• Spearhead multidisciplinary project teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring the successful delivery of complex energy infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

• Mentor and develop junior engineering staff, contributing to their professional growth and the overall capability of the power systems engineering team.

• Actively contribute to business development initiatives, leveraging expertise to support client engagement and expand RINA's consulting services in the power sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a senior-level contribution, requiring not only technical design proficiency but also leadership, mentoring, and business development acumen. The "10+ Years" AI-derived experience level aligns with the senior consultant title and the expected depth of expertise in power system design and substation engineering.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute detailed electro-mechanical design for substations, encompassing primary and protection & control systems, ensuring solutions meet client requirements, applicable legislation, and industry standards (e.g., IEC, BS EN).

• Develop and review single-line diagrams, substation layouts, and equipment specifications for transformers, switchgear, busbars, and associated components.

• Perform critical calculations for CT/VT selection, load flow, short circuit, and auxiliary AC/DC power systems to ensure system stability and safety.

• Design and integrate SCADA systems, ensuring effective monitoring, control, and communication for substation operations.

• Lead and collaborate within multidisciplinary project teams, coordinating with civil, structural, and other engineering disciplines to deliver integrated project solutions.

• Conduct site visits for project assessment, design verification, and to support installation and commissioning activities, ensuring practical implementation aligns with design intent.

• Prepare high-quality technical reports, proposals, and client documentation, clearly articulating design rationale, project status, and recommendations.

• Mentor and guide graduate engineers and junior consultants, providing technical direction and fostering their professional development.

• Contribute to business development efforts by supporting proposal preparation, client meetings, and identifying new project opportunities.

• Ensure compliance with UK electrical engineering standards, regulations, and health & safety legislation, including CDM 2015.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are derived from the "Qualifications & Experience" and "Preferred Skills and Attributes" sections, focusing on the practical application of design knowledge and project execution. The emphasis on "local and international projects" suggests a broad scope of work.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.

• A Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline is advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in transmission and distribution engineering.

• Alternatively, 7+ years of experience with a Master's/PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field.

• Extensive experience in utility substation engineering, with a strong understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and industry standards.

• Proven experience in power system design for industrial, distribution, and transmission networks, ideally up to 400 kV.

• Demonstrated experience in mentoring and developing junior engineering staff.

• Experience supporting business development and consulting activities is advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in electro-mechanical design of substations.

• Proficiency in power system design up to 132 kV, with preference for 400 kV.

• In-depth knowledge of substation primary design and protection & control design principles.

• Strong understanding and application of UK electrical engineering standards and regulations.

• Experience with SCADA system design and development.

• Ability to create and interpret single-line diagrams and substation layouts.

• Proficiency in CT/VT selection and calculations.

• Knowledge of auxiliary AC/DC power systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing.

Preferred Skills:

• Registered Incorporated Engineer (IEng) with the Engineering Council.

• Relevant Health & Safety qualification (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH Certificate/Diploma, or NVQ Level 3 in a Health & Safety discipline).

• Substation safety and access training (e.g., NSI 30, BESC: AIM, or equivalent).

• Formal training in CDM 2015, construction safety, and impressed voltage hazards.

• Good understanding of UK environmental and waste management legislation.

• Demonstrated collaborative team approach and knowledge sharing capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-derived experience level of "10+" is a reasonable inference given the "8+ years" requirement and the senior nature of the role, which often implies a broader scope of responsibility and leadership. The inclusion of specific UK standards and safety qualifications points towards a need for deep local regulatory knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful execution of electro-mechanical substation designs, showcasing primary and protection & control systems.

• Provide examples of completed power system designs up to 132 kV (preferably up to 400 kV), highlighting calculations and equipment selection.

• Showcase experience with SCADA system design, including diagrams and functional specifications.

• Present case studies of projects where you have assessed issues within broader system contexts and understood cross-disciplinary impacts.

• Include examples of technical reports and client documentation that demonstrate strong communication and analytical skills.

Process Documentation:

• Document your approach to substation design workflow, from initial concept and feasibility studies through to detailed design and specification.

• Detail your methodology for ensuring compliance with UK electrical engineering standards, CDM 2015, and other relevant legislation.

• Illustrate your process for performing critical calculations (e.g., load flow, short circuit, CT/VT selection) and their impact on system design.

• Outline your approach to SCADA system design, integration, and testing.

• Provide examples of how you have collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and managed cross-disciplinary impacts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are inferred from the detailed responsibilities and qualifications, emphasizing practical application of engineering skills, regulatory compliance, and collaborative project delivery. The focus is on demonstrating tangible outcomes and process efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with an option to purchase additional holiday.

• Up to 12 smart-working days per month (hybrid work model) post-probation.

• 10 additional paid days of support for Military Reservists.

• Comprehensive healthcare cover, with options to add family members at extra cost.

• 6% matched pension scheme.

• Life assurance coverage.

• Support for professional development, including achieving chartership and payment of professional membership fees.

• Cycle-to-work scheme and season ticket loan options.

• Access to employee perks, including retail discounts.

• Generous recruitment referral bonus scheme.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are likely to be around 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement allows for up to 12 smart-working days per month, offering flexibility in how and where work is completed, balanced with in-office collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on general UK engineering consultancy market data for senior roles and adjusted for the specific location. The benefits listed are directly extracted from the provided text and highlighted for their value to professionals. The "Hybrid" work arrangement is inferred from the "smart-working days" benefit.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consultancy, Renewable Energy, Infrastructure, Technical Advisory. RINA operates within a dynamic sector driven by global energy transition, sustainability initiatives, and infrastructure development. This context means the work is often at the forefront of technological advancement and regulatory change.

Company Size: Approximately 3,900 professionals globally, operating across 200 offices in over 70 countries. This indicates a large, established international firm with significant resources and a broad reach, yet potentially with a structured, professional environment.

Founded: Over 150 years of engineering heritage. This extensive history suggests a stable, reputable organization with deep-rooted expertise and a long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The Power System Engineering team in Manchester is part of a larger global network. It likely comprises a mix of senior consultants, engineers, and graduate trainees, specializing in various aspects of power system design and consultancy.

• Reporting structure is likely hierarchical, with Senior Consultants reporting to a Principal Engineer or Team Lead, and in turn, mentoring junior staff.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are critical, forming the basis for design decisions and client recommendations.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are applied to ensure efficient project delivery, from initial design to final commissioning.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged, particularly in design calculations and documentation, to enhance productivity and accuracy.

Company Website: https://www.rina.org/en

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is synthesized from the provided description, emphasizing its global reach, long history, and core business areas. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on typical operations within a large engineering consultancy firm.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is firmly positioned at a senior or lead level within the power systems engineering discipline. It requires a high degree of technical autonomy, project leadership, and the ability to influence design decisions and client strategies. It signifies a move beyond purely technical execution to strategic contribution and team development.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Consultant will likely report to a Principal Power Systems Engineer or a Engineering Manager within RINA's Manchester office. They will, in turn, be responsible for mentoring and guiding graduate engineers and other junior consultants within the team, fostering a collaborative and developmental environment.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of critical energy infrastructure. Decisions made by the Senior Design Consultant will affect project costs, timelines, and the overall success of client projects, contributing to RINA's reputation and revenue generation in the power sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization & Leadership: Progress to Principal Engineer or Technical Director roles, leading larger, more complex projects, and becoming a subject matter expert within specific power system domains (e.g., renewables integration, grid modernization).

• Management & Business Development: Transition into roles with greater management responsibility, such as Engineering Manager, or focus on business development and client relationship management, leveraging technical expertise to drive commercial growth.

• Project Management: Develop skills in project management to lead projects from a commercial and delivery perspective, bridging technical and client-facing aspects.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities for further professional development, advanced training, and potentially contributing to industry standards committees.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career path analysis is built upon the "Senior" designation and the mention of mentoring responsibilities, outlining logical progression routes within a technical consultancy firm. The "Operations Impact" section focuses on the tangible influence of an engineering role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Manchester, UK, and operates on a hybrid model, suggesting a modern office environment that supports both focused individual work and collaborative team activities. The office likely provides the necessary infrastructure for design work, meetings, and client interactions.

Office Location(s): Manchester, GB, M1 3LD. This central Manchester location is typically well-connected by public transport, offering accessibility for commuters.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will foster a collaborative environment, encouraging interaction and knowledge sharing among engineers and consultants.

• Access to advanced design software, simulation tools, and relevant technology will be provided to support complex power system design tasks.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with the power systems engineering team, as well as other disciplines, will be available.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 per week, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for up to 12 smart-working days per month. This schedule provides flexibility for personal commitments while ensuring consistent project delivery and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment details are inferred from the location and the hybrid work arrangement, focusing on the practical aspects for a professional in an engineering consultancy setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's core requirements. Focus on highlighting your substation design experience, UK standards knowledge, and leadership capabilities.

• Technical Interview: This will likely involve in-depth discussions about your experience in power system design, protection & control, SCADA, and substation engineering. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, technical challenges you've overcome, and your design methodologies.

• Case Study/Design Challenge: You may be presented with a hypothetical design problem or a scenario requiring you to outline your approach to a specific power system design task. Demonstrate your problem-solving skills, technical rigor, and ability to consider broader system impacts.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members and discuss your collaborative style, mentoring approach, and how you align with RINA's values and working culture.

• Final Interview: May involve senior management to discuss your strategic thinking, business development potential, and overall fit for the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 significant projects that best showcase your expertise in substation design, power system analysis, and SCADA implementation.

• Highlight Your Role & Impact: Clearly define your specific contributions, responsibilities, and the technical solutions you implemented. Quantify results where possible (e.g., efficiency improvements, cost savings, capacity increases).

• Showcase Technical Depth: Include relevant diagrams (single-line, layouts), calculation summaries, and key specifications. Briefly explain the design rationale and challenges faced.

• Demonstrate Mentoring: If applicable, include examples or descriptions of how you have mentored junior engineers, their development, and project successes.

• Address UK Compliance: Ensure your portfolio implicitly or explicitly demonstrates experience with UK standards and regulations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a case study, quickly grasp the project's scope, constraints, and objectives.

• Outline Your Approach: Clearly articulate your step-by-step design or problem-solving methodology.

• Consider Trade-offs: Discuss potential design alternatives, their pros and cons, and the rationale for your chosen solution.

• Address Safety & Compliance: Always consider relevant safety standards (CDM 2015) and regulatory requirements in your proposed solutions.

• Be Ready to Justify: Be prepared to defend your design choices and technical decisions with sound engineering principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process and portfolio review tips are tailored for a senior engineering role, focusing on demonstrating technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and leadership potential relevant to power system design consultancy.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar for creating single-line diagrams, substation layouts, and electrical schematics.

• Power System Analysis Software: PSS/E, ETAP, DigSilent PowerFactory, or similar for load flow, short circuit, stability, and protection studies.

• Specialized Design Tools: Software for protection relay coordination, SCADA configuration, and auxiliary power system design.

• Project Management Tools: Microsoft Project, Asana, or similar for project planning, scheduling, and task management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: For data analysis, calculations, and generating reports.

• Reporting Tools: Potentially internal RINA reporting platforms or standard tools for creating technical documentation and client presentations.

• Data Visualization: Tools like Power BI or Tableau may be used for analyzing trends or presenting project performance data.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Salesforce or similar for managing client relationships and business development activities.

• Document Management Systems: SharePoint or similar for organizing and sharing project documentation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack for team communication and file sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are inferred based on the typical software and systems used in power system engineering consultancy, covering design, analysis, project management, and collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, accurate, and innovative engineering solutions.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards and delivering reliable advice and services.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams and fostering a supportive environment.

• Client Focus: Understanding and meeting client needs, building long-term relationships through exceptional service.

• Safety & Sustainability: Prioritizing safety in all designs and contributing to sustainable energy solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active engagement with civil, structural, environmental, and project management teams to ensure holistic project delivery.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging open communication, sharing expertise, and fostering a learning culture through regular team meetings and technical discussions.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement of designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are inferred from the company's industry, heritage, and the nature of engineering consultancy, emphasizing professionalism, technical rigor, and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex System Integration: Designing and integrating systems for evolving grids with increased renewable energy penetration, requiring advanced analytical skills.

• Regulatory Evolution: Keeping pace with changing UK and international standards, legislation (e.g., CDM 2015 updates), and environmental regulations.

• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Effectively managing interfaces and resolving conflicts between various engineering disciplines on large projects.

• Mentoring & Development: Balancing senior design responsibilities with the commitment to effectively mentor and develop junior engineers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and certifications in power system analysis, protection technologies, and renewable energy integration.

• Professional Chartership Support: Guidance and resources to achieve or maintain professional engineering qualifications (e.g., IEng, CEng).

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Opportunities to attend leading industry events to stay abreast of technological advancements and network with peers.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of local and international projects across different sectors (utility, industrial, renewable) to broaden experience and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are extrapolated from the role's seniority, the dynamic nature of the power industry, and the company's stated commitment to professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex substation design project you led. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your problem-solving approach, technical decision-making, and project outcomes.)

• "How do you ensure compliance with UK electrical standards and CDM 2015 regulations in your designs?" (Demonstrate your understanding of regulatory frameworks and risk management.)

• "Walk me through your process for designing a protection and control scheme for a 132 kV substation." (Detail your methodology, equipment selection rationale, and coordination strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about RINA, and why are you drawn to this Senior Design Consultant role?" (Research RINA's projects, values, and recent news. Align your motivations with their mission.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a multidisciplinary engineering team?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional work and conflict resolution.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project in your portfolio, clearly state the objective, your role, the key technical solutions implemented, the challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, schematics, and photos effectively to illustrate your points. Be prepared to explain these visuals in detail.

• Quantify Success: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., improvements in reliability, capacity, cost-effectiveness).

• Focus on Problem-Solving: Highlight your ability to analyze complex problems and devise practical, efficient, and compliant solutions.

• Engage Your Audience: Make your presentation interactive, inviting questions and discussion to showcase your confidence and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a senior engineering consultancy role, focusing on technical depth, regulatory knowledge, leadership, and the ability to articulate complex solutions and project successes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Power System Senior Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the RINA careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your CV prominently features your experience in substation design, power system analysis, protection & control, SCADA, and your proficiency with relevant UK standards and regulations. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 key projects that best demonstrate your senior-level expertise, leadership, and technical problem-solving skills. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail.

• Research RINA: Familiarize yourself with RINA's recent projects, company values, and their strategic focus in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for technical questions about substation design, protection, SCADA, and regulatory compliance. Practice articulating your experience and leadership approach for behavioral questions.

⚠️ 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.