JOBS IN UK: Jacobs Seeks Director for UK Substation Projects
JOBS IN UK: Global engineering firm Jacobs has announced multiple senior-level openings in the United Kingdom as part of its expanding Energy & Power portfolio. The company is looking to appoint Associate Director, Director and Senior Director level professionals to strengthen its Substation Primary, Secondary, OHL and Cable System design capabilities. These roles are being offered on a hybrid work model, with flexibility across several UK locations.
Strategic Expansion Across UK Energy Networks
Jacobs’ latest hiring move comes amid growing investment in energy infrastructure and grid modernisation across the UK and Europe. The company is actively involved in high-voltage transmission systems, renewable integration projects and energy storage solutions. With the global push toward clean energy, Jacobs is scaling up its technical leadership team to manage increasingly complex infrastructure programmes.
The Director – Substation Primary role will play a key part in guiding high-voltage AIS and GIS substation design projects, along with HVDC interconnectors and transmission assets. The selected candidate will be responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the company’s substation engineering capability across the UK and Continental Europe.
Role Responsibilities and Leadership Scope
The position requires executive-level oversight of both FEED and detailed design activities for major clients, including National Grid and regional Distribution Network Operators. The role involves chairing high-level design reviews, leading hazard assessments and ensuring technical governance standards are consistently met.
In addition, the appointed leader will guide recruitment, onboarding and capability development of engineering teams to support long-term growth. Resource planning, team performance metrics and bid strategy alignment will also fall under the Director’s responsibilities. The role demands strong commercial awareness and client engagement experience, particularly in large-scale infrastructure bids.
Candidates will also be expected to review and approve high-voltage plant layouts, earthing systems, busbar calculations, interlocking schemes and related technical specifications. Site visits, FAT and SAT participation may be required depending on project needs.
Qualifications and Technical Requirements
Jacobs has specified that applicants must hold a degree in Electrical Engineering or an equivalent discipline. Chartered Engineer status through the IET is mandatory. Additionally, LCDAE and TP141 authorisations are required for eligibility.
The company is seeking professionals with at least 13 years of experience in high-voltage substation engineering, ideally within the 132kV to 400kV range. Demonstrated expertise in AIS, GIS and HVDC systems will be considered essential. Leadership experience across multidisciplinary engineering teams and infrastructure programmes will be a key selection criterion.
Flexible Work Model and Locations
The Energy & Power team operates from multiple offices including London, Birmingham, Reading, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow and Exeter. However, Jacobs has indicated flexibility in work arrangements, offering hybrid, part-time and flexible scheduling options depending on business requirements.
This approach reflects the company’s broader focus on work-life balance and employee wellbeing while maintaining operational efficiency.
Employee Benefits and Inclusive Culture
Jacobs offers a competitive compensation package aimed at attracting experienced engineering professionals. UK-based employees receive medical coverage, digital GP access and enhanced parental leave benefits. The company also provides professional development reimbursement and encourages participation in community initiatives through its corporate social responsibility programmes.
Inclusion and diversity remain central to the company’s workplace culture. Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to support diverse hiring initiatives and operates multiple employee networks that promote equal opportunity across various communities. As a Disability Confident employer, the company has committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet minimum eligibility criteria.
Application Process and Further Information
Interested professionals can apply through Jacobs’ official careers portal. The company has indicated that reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process can be arranged upon request.
Official application link: https://careers.jacobs.com
The role is classified under Design Engineer within the Engineering & Construction sector and is offered as a full-time, permanent position.