Primary Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Primary Design Manager

Company: GE Vernova

Location: Stafford, United Kingdom (with potential for Glasgow)

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering Operations / Project Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-20

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage global engineering teams in the design and delivery of cutting-edge High-Voltage (HV) and Extra-High-Voltage (EHV) substation projects, focusing on primary plant design.

• Drive engineering excellence and ensure the timely, high-quality delivery of primary plant designs for Air Insulated Substations (AIS), Gas Insulated Substations (GIS), and High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems.

• Ensure strict adherence to customer, regulatory (including UK CDM 2015), and internal standards throughout the project lifecycle, fostering a safety-by-design culture.

• Act as a technical leader, providing mentorship and guidance to junior engineers while effectively liaising with clients, stakeholders, and suppliers to resolve complex technical queries.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Primary Design Manager" but the responsibilities and qualifications lean heavily towards a Senior Primary Design Engineer with leadership responsibilities. The emphasis on leading "remote global engineering teams" and ensuring "high-quality and timely delivery of engineering outputs" suggests a management aspect, but the core technical execution remains central. This role is critical for GE Vernova's Grid Solutions business, directly impacting the successful execution of turnkey high voltage AC and DC transmission projects crucial for the green energy transition.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Global Team Leadership: Lead and coordinate remote global engineering teams, primarily within the GE Vernova Global Engineering Centre, ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment on project objectives.

• Design Delivery Excellence: Drive the delivery of primary plant designs for HV/EHV substations (including AIS, GIS, and HVDC applications) in strict accordance with relevant national and international standards, ensuring technical integrity and performance.

• 3D Modeling & Documentation: Develop, review, and approve fully integrated 3D models, general arrangement drawings, section drawings, and layout designs, ensuring constructability and adherence to project specifications.

• Vendor Integration & Compliance: Critically review and approve vendor drawings and specifications, ensuring they meet project requirements and integrate seamlessly with the overall substation design.

• Regulatory & Safety Adherence: Ensure robust compliance with applicable national regulations, specifically highlighting UK Health & Safety regulations such as CDM 2015, and embedding best practices in design for safety and quality assurance across the entire project lifecycle.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other engineering disciplines, including civil, protection & control, system studies, valves, and building services teams, to achieve fully integrated and optimized substation designs.

• Technical Mentorship & Development: Provide strong technical leadership, mentorship, and support to junior engineers, fostering their professional development and enhancing the team's overall capabilities.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Actively liaise with clients, project stakeholders, and suppliers to proactively identify and resolve technical queries, ensuring clear communication and effective problem-solving.

• Quality Assurance & Governance: Uphold stringent quality assurance processes and design governance throughout the project lifecycle, mitigating risks and ensuring the delivery of reliable, high-performance solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior-level engineering role with a strong emphasis on project execution, technical leadership, and cross-functional coordination. The mention of leading "remote global engineering teams" signifies a need for strong remote team management and communication skills, which are critical for modern GSI (Grid System Integration) operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical/Power Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent qualification). Experience:

• Preferred: 5–7 years of direct experience in High-Voltage (HV) substation primary design.

• Applicants with 3+ years of strong technical experience in this domain are also encouraged to apply, indicating a willingness to consider strong candidates with slightly less tenure.

• Demonstrated experience in substation design covering both tender (bid) and execution phases is essential. Required Skills:

• Substation Design Expertise: In-depth knowledge of HV/EHV substation primary plant design, including AIS, GIS, and HVDC technologies.

• UK Standards Proficiency: Strong understanding and application knowledge of UK Transmission (e.g., National Grid, SSE, SPEN, NGED, UKPN) and Distribution standards.

• CAD & 3D Modeling: Proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software; familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D tools such as Revit and Navisworks is highly advantageous.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with UK CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations and a strong understanding of safe-by-design principles.

• Technical Leadership: Proven ability to provide technical leadership, guide engineering teams, and mentor junior engineers.

• Communication Skills: Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities, with a proven track record of engaging effectively with clients and internal teams.

• Quality Assurance Principles: Understanding and application of quality assurance and design governance methodologies.

Preferred Skills:

• BIM/3D Tool Proficiency: Advanced skills in Revit and Navisworks for integrated 3D modeling and clash detection.

• Tender & Execution Experience: Comprehensive experience across the full project lifecycle, from initial tender/bid stages through to final project execution.

• International Standards Awareness: Familiarity with international substation design standards beyond the UK.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is flexible, stating "Preferred: 5–7 years" but also encouraging applicants with "3+ years of strong technical experience." This suggests GE Vernova is looking for a blend of experience and potential, valuing strong technical acumen and leadership aptitude. The emphasis on UK-specific standards is a critical differentiator for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase detailed case studies of past HV/EHV substation primary design projects, demonstrating your technical approach, problem-solving methodologies, and design outcomes.

• 3D Model & Drawing Samples: Include examples of 3D models, general arrangement drawings, section drawings, and layout designs that highlight your proficiency in CAD and 3D modeling tools.

• Standards Compliance Examples: Provide evidence of how you have ensured compliance with relevant national regulations (e.g., CDM 2015) and industry standards in your design work.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Illustrate examples where your primary design work was integrated with other disciplines (e.g., civil, protection & control) to achieve a holistic substation design.

• Technical Leadership & Mentorship: If applicable, include examples or descriptions of how you have led engineering teams or mentored junior engineers, showcasing your leadership capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Demonstrate experience in documenting and potentially optimizing design workflows for primary substation components, from concept to detailed design.

• Quality Assurance Protocols: Showcase understanding and application of quality assurance protocols and design governance processes within an engineering project context.

• System Integration Documentation: Provide examples of how primary plant designs are documented to ensure seamless integration with protection and control systems, civil works, and other substation elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate the candidate's thought process, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage complex technical challenges in a regulated environment. Highlighting specific contributions to safety and compliance within projects will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Primary Design Engineer/Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the UK, specifically in specialized engineering fields like power systems and substations, the estimated salary range would be between £55,000 and £80,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the specialized technical skills, leadership responsibilities, and the critical nature of the role in delivering green energy infrastructure. The exact figure will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the final negotiation. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical coverage for employees and potentially dependents, often including dental and vision.

• Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions to a company pension plan, a standard and valuable benefit in the UK.

• Life Assurance: Coverage providing financial support to beneficiaries in case of death.

• Annual Leave: A competitive number of paid vacation days, typically starting around 25 days plus bank holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and support for professional certifications relevant to power engineering and project management.

• Relocation Assistance: (Note: The posting explicitly states "No" for relocation assistance, so this would not apply).

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees facing personal or work-related challenges.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses based on individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, as indicated by the input data. While the role involves leading remote teams, the primary work arrangement is on-site, suggesting a need for consistent office presence. Flexibility might be available, but adherence to core business hours and project deadlines is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical UK engineering salaries for senior roles in specialized sectors like power transmission and distribution, considering the current market demand for skills related to the energy transition. The absence of relocation assistance is a key point for candidates considering a move.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Power Generation & Distribution Equipment, Energy Infrastructure, Green Energy Transition. GE Vernova operates at the forefront of the global energy sector, focusing on delivering solutions that support decarbonization and the integration of renewable energy sources.

Company Size: GE Vernova is a large, multinational corporation, a spin-off from General Electric, indicating a significant global presence with a substantial workforce. This size implies access to extensive resources, established processes, and a wide network of expertise.

Founded: GE Vernova was formed in 2021 as a distinct entity from GE, though its roots and technologies are deeply embedded in GE's long history in the energy sector. This formation signifies a focused commitment to the energy transition.

Team Structure:

• Global Engineering Centre (GEC) Integration: The role involves leading and coordinating with remote global engineering teams, implying a matrixed structure where the Primary Design Manager in Stafford/Glasgow acts as a central point of technical leadership and coordination for design activities executed by teams in various international locations.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The team structure necessitates close collaboration with various internal departments including Civil Engineering, Protection & Control, Systems Studies, Valve Engineering, and Building Services to ensure comprehensive substation design.

• Reporting Hierarchy: While not explicitly stated, a "Manager" title suggests reporting to a higher-level engineering director or program manager within the Grid System Integration (GSI) or broader Grid Solutions organization. Junior engineers would report into this role for primary design tasks.

Methodology:

• Project-Centric Delivery: Operations within GE Vernova's Grid Solutions are highly project-centric, with a strong emphasis on delivering turnkey HV AC and DC transmission projects.

• Data-Driven Design & Analysis: Engineering decisions are underpinned by rigorous technical analysis, including system studies, and adherence to strict design standards and quality assurance protocols.

• Safe-by-Design Principles: A core methodology is the proactive integration of safety considerations throughout the design process, adhering to regulations like CDM 2015.

• Agile & Collaborative Workflows: While not explicitly stated, leading remote teams often implies adopting agile principles for task management and fostering a collaborative environment to overcome geographical barriers.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GE Vernova's mission around the "Green Energy transition" and "electrifying the world" provides a strong mission-driven context for this role. Candidates should align with these values. The emphasis on global teams suggests the need for strong cross-cultural communication skills and experience working with distributed teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into engineering management or a highly specialized senior technical leadership track within the power systems and substation design domain. It bridges the gap between hands-on technical design and team/project leadership, requiring a blend of deep technical expertise and people management skills.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a senior leadership position within GE Vernova's Grid Solutions, likely a Director of Engineering or Head of GSI Projects. The individual will be responsible for managing and mentoring a team of primary design engineers, both locally and remotely.

Operations Impact: The Primary Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on the success of critical green energy infrastructure projects. Their work is fundamental to the reliable and efficient delivery of power from generation to consumers, directly contributing to GE Vernova's mission of accelerating the energy transition and achieving carbon neutrality. High-quality primary design ensures project profitability, client satisfaction, and operational safety.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Management: Progression to roles such as Head of Primary Design, Engineering Director, or Program Manager overseeing multiple large-scale projects.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific HV/EHV technologies (e.g., advanced GIS, HVDC converter stations) or related fields like grid integration of renewables.

• International Assignments: Opportunities to lead design efforts for projects in different global regions, leveraging experience with international standards.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Taking on initiatives to enhance design processes, implement new technologies (like advanced BIM or digital twins), and drive efficiency gains across the engineering function.

• Technical Authority: Becoming a recognized Subject Matter Expert (SME) and technical authority within GE Vernova for primary substation design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Manager" title, coupled with leading global teams and providing technical leadership, positions this as a pivotal role for career advancement within GE Vernova's engineering structure. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their leadership philosophy and how they foster growth in their teams.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Stafford, United Kingdom, with potential for involvement in Glasgow. This implies a traditional office environment with dedicated workspace for engineers.

Office Location(s):

• Stafford, England: A historically significant location for power engineering in the UK, offering access to a skilled workforce and established infrastructure.

• Glasgow, Scotland: Another major city with a strong industrial and engineering presence, providing an alternative or supplementary operational hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office will likely feature open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and individual workstations designed to facilitate collaboration among engineering teams, including those working remotely.

• Advanced Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance workstations equipped with specialized engineering software (CAD, BIM, simulation tools) and robust IT infrastructure to support global connectivity.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with local engineering colleagues, project managers, and support functions, fostering a strong team spirit and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical for such roles. However, given the global nature of the projects and the need to meet demanding deadlines, some flexibility may be required, potentially involving occasional extended hours or working across different time zones to coordinate with remote teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is on-site, the emphasis on leading remote global teams means candidates should be comfortable with a hybrid approach to collaboration, balancing in-office presence with virtual communication and coordination.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and potentially a brief introductory call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions with hiring managers and senior engineers focusing on your technical expertise in HV/EHV substation design, UK standards, CAD/BIM proficiency, and problem-solving skills. Expect scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, explaining your design approach, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the impact of your work. This is a critical stage.

• Leadership & Team Fit Interview: An interview focusing on your leadership style, experience managing teams (especially remote ones), mentoring capabilities, and how you align with GE Vernova's culture and values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or director to discuss your strategic vision, long-term career aspirations, and overall fit for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your primary design expertise, leadership, and adherence to standards. Prioritize projects relevant to HV/EHV substations.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the project scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the technical challenges, your design methodology, key decisions made, the solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, safety improvements, compliance adherence).

• Highlight 3D Modeling & CAD: Visually showcase your proficiency with 3D models, general arrangement drawings, and other relevant technical documentation. Be prepared to walk through specific aspects of these visuals.

• Emphasize Safety & Compliance: Clearly demonstrate how you incorporated CDM 2015 and other safety-by-design principles into your work.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to illustrate the success of your designs and leadership. For example, "Reduced design iteration time by X% through improved 3D modeling coordination," or "Ensured 100% compliance with CDM 2015 regulations on Project Y."

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical design challenges related to substation layouts, equipment selection, or integration issues. Think about how you would approach problem-solving under pressure.

• Regulatory Application: Practice explaining how you would apply CDM 2015 or other relevant standards to a given design problem.

• Remote Team Management: Prepare examples of how you have successfully managed or collaborated with distributed teams, including strategies for communication, motivation, and conflict resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a crucial element for this role. Candidates should treat it as a presentation, not just a Q&A. Demonstrating visual proficiency with design tools and a clear, logical approach to problem-solving will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD is standard. Proficiency is a must.

• 3D Modeling & BIM: Revit and Navisworks are specifically mentioned as advantageous. Experience here will significantly strengthen an application, enabling integrated design reviews and clash detection.

• Substation Design Software: While not explicitly named, specialized tools for electrical design, load flow analysis, and equipment modeling may be used. Familiarity with industry-standard packages is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Tools like MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress, especially for global teams.

• Data Analysis Tools: Excel is a minimum; proficiency with more advanced analytics tools might be helpful for reporting on design metrics or team performance.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP/PLM Systems: Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems used for managing project data, engineering documentation, and workflows within a large organization.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for communication and collaboration with remote global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Revit and Navisworks indicates a move towards more integrated and digital design processes. Candidates with strong BIM experience will have a distinct advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A fundamental value focused on delivering high-quality, technically sound engineering solutions that meet and exceed customer expectations.

• Safety & Compliance: Paramount importance placed on ensuring the safety of designs, personnel, and the public, with strict adherence to all relevant regulations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively across diverse teams, both locally and globally, to achieve shared project goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, embracing technological advancements, and constantly seeking ways to optimize processes and designs for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong relationships, and delivering value through reliable energy infrastructure solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Hybrid & Global: Expect a blend of in-person collaboration with local colleagues and extensive virtual collaboration with international teams. Strong communication and active listening are key.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to design and project management, with clear workflows and established quality assurance gates.

• Feedback-Rich: An environment where constructive feedback is encouraged to drive continuous improvement in designs, processes, and team performance.

• Solution-Driven: A culture that prioritizes finding effective solutions to complex engineering challenges, often requiring creative problem-solving and cross-disciplinary input.

📝 Enhancement Note: GE Vernova's mission-driven culture around the energy transition should be a key theme. Candidates should articulate how their personal values align with these organizational goals and how they foster a positive and productive team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Distributed Teams: Effectively leading and motivating a remote, global engineering team across different time zones and cultural backgrounds presents a significant challenge requiring strong communication and leadership skills.

• Complex Project Integration: Ensuring seamless integration of primary design with numerous other disciplines (civil, electrical, control systems) on large, complex substation projects.

• Evolving Standards & Technologies: Keeping abreast of rapidly changing industry standards, regulatory requirements, and emerging technologies in the HV/EHV and renewable energy sectors.

• Balancing Quality with Speed: Delivering high-quality, compliant designs within tight project deadlines and budget constraints.

• Navigating Global Regulations: Understanding and applying diverse regulatory frameworks beyond UK standards when working on international projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and certifications in cutting-edge HV/EHV technologies, grid integration, and digital design tools.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone management and leadership skills through internal training, workshops, and mentorship.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in key industry events to stay updated on trends, network with peers, and gain insights into best practices.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to gain deeper understanding of other engineering disciplines and project management aspects through collaborative work.

• Mentorship from Senior Experts: Learning from highly experienced engineers and leaders within GE Vernova, gaining invaluable industry knowledge and career guidance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they have overcome similar challenges in their past roles and how they approach continuous learning and professional development within a dynamic industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Leadership & Team Management: "Describe a time you had to lead a remote engineering team through a challenging project. What strategies did you employ, and what was the outcome?" "How do you mentor junior engineers, and how do you foster a culture of safety and quality within your team?"

• Technical Problem-Solving: "Walk me through your process for designing an EHV substation primary layout, considering factors like land constraints, environmental impact, and safety regulations." "Imagine a clash detected between primary equipment and a control panel during a 3D model review. How would you resolve this?"

• Stakeholder Management: "How do you handle technical disagreements with clients or key stakeholders regarding design specifications?" "Describe your experience liaising with vendors to review and approve equipment specifications and drawings."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about GE Vernova's mission to drive the green energy transition?" "How do you align with our company values of engineering excellence, safety, and collaboration?" "Describe your experience working within a large, matrixed organization." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the 'Why': Clearly articulate the project's objective and its significance within the broader energy transition context.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (drawings, 3D models, diagrams) extensively. Be prepared to zoom in and explain specific design elements and decisions.

• Quantify Your Impact: Use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and leadership contributions (e.g., "Achieved X% reduction in design time," "Ensured Y compliance with safety standards").

• Focus on Process: Explain your methodology for design, collaboration, and problem-solving. How did you ensure quality and safety?

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed technical questions about your chosen projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Design Task: Be prepared for a short, practical design challenge or a complex scenario analysis related to substation design or team coordination. Focus on your structured approach and decision-making process.

• Regulatory Application Exercise: You might be asked to apply CDM 2015 principles to a given design scenario.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should research GE Vernova's recent projects, their strategic goals regarding renewable energy integration, and any public statements about their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Tailoring responses to these themes will be highly effective.

📌 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: Curate your professional portfolio to prominently feature your strongest HV/EHV substation primary design projects. Ensure you include detailed case studies highlighting your leadership, technical solutions, and adherence to UK standards like CDM 2015. Showcase your proficiency with CAD and 3D modeling tools through visual examples.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience in primary substation design, technical leadership, global team coordination, and familiarity with UK transmission and distribution standards. Use keywords from the job description such as "HV/EHV," "AIS," "GIS," "HVDC," "CDM 2015," "3D modeling," and "technical leadership." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly prepare for technical interviews by reviewing core concepts in power systems engineering and substation design. Practice articulating your design process and leadership philosophy. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to managing teams, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement.

• Company Research: Deeply research GE Vernova's mission, values, and recent achievements in the energy transition sector. Understand the role of Grid Solutions within the company and identify how your skills and experience align with their strategic objectives. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the company's future direction.

⚠️ 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.