Project Technical Lead
About the role
Join us and play a key role in delivering world‑class HVDC projects that will shape the future of the UK’s energy system.
Our Strategic Infrastructure (SI) business unit is driving a major programme of new projects across the UK to help us achieve our net zero ambitions and support the Government’s goal of connecting around 50GW of renewable energy by 2030.
We’re now looking for a Project Technical Lead to join our SI Engineering & Project Delivery team. You’ll be part of the group responsible for delivering a portfolio of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems that are critical for connecting increasing levels of renewable generation to the grid.
Our portfolio includes the Eastern Green Link projects – HVDC links transferring clean energy between Scotland and England – and Sea Link, which will strengthen the transmission network between Suffolk and Kent. And with the scale of the challenge ahead, even more exciting projects are already in development.
This role is open to applicants across the UK. We offer hybrid working and the flexibility you need to shape how and where you work. You’ll join a dynamic team at the heart of the UK’s energy transition.
What you'll be doing
As a Project Technical Lead, you'll play a critical role in delivering National Grid's HVDC projects, ensuring they meet technical, safety, and regulatory standards. You will be responsible for managing the engineering aspects of HVDC projects from conception and specifications through to commissioning, working closely with internal teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes.
- Own the engineering delivery plan for the project.
- Lead and manage the engineering design, development, and integration of HVDC projects within National Grid's transmission network.
- Ensure compliance with UK transmission regulations, Grid Code, and international HVDC standards (e.g., IEC, CIGRE). Collaborate with regulators, stakeholders, and internal departments to ensure alignment with NGET policies and strategic objectives.
- Provide technical leadership, coaching, guidance, to multi-disciplinary engineering teams, including power systems, civil, cable and electrical engineers.
- Develop the design specifications of the project with JV partners, and support the procurement, and evaluation of HVDC equipment, working with vendors and technology providers.
- Manage engineering risks, ensuring project designs adhere to safety, reliability, and environmental requirements.
- Lead the review and approval of technical designs, ensuring compliance with National Grid's technical policies and procedures.
- Provide engineering expertise to support cost estimation, planning, and feasibility studies for future infrastructure projects. There will be an opportunity to influence the future standards.
About you
Essential:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related field (Chartered Engineer is a bonus).
- Ability to distil complex technical information into simple concepts for all audiences.
- Proven experience in project engineering within a Transmission System Operator (TSO), utility, or Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) environment.
Desirable:
- Understanding of HVDC assets (e.g., converter stations, system design, control systems, and DC cable systems).
- Commercial acumen in dealing with the supply chain.
- Experience working with Grid Code requirements, system studies, and network integration.
- Good knowledge of relevant engineering standards.
- Ability to manage engineering teams and coordinate multidisciplinary technical workstreams.
- Ability to show good interpersonal and communication skills. You'll be capable of leading and influencing devolved teams and gaining support and commitment from a wider group of stakeholders, engaging with suppliers, regulatory bodies, and project partners.
- Experience in risk management, safety compliance, and environmental considerations for HVDC projects.
What you'll get
- A competitive salary between £73,000 - £86,000 – dependent on capability.
- An annual performance bonus of up to 30% of your eligible earnings in the performance year.
- A job requirement company car.
- 28 days annual leave plus eight statutory days.
- The option to buy additional or sell holiday days.
- A generous contributory pension scheme - we will double-match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
- Financial support to help cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, course fees, books, exam fees and time off for study leave - so long as it's relevant to your role.
- Access to flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
- Family care benefits including a back-up care service for when your usual care arrangements fall through (six paid days each year as standard with the option to purchase further days).
- Access to apps that support health, fitness and wellbeing.
About us
National Grid Strategic Infrastructure is a Business Unit created to propel our grid forward to deliver in 5 years, what has been achieved in the previous 30. By 2030 we aim to have 17 new major infrastructure projects live across England, Scotland and Wales.
Here at National Grid, we connect homes and businesses to power, making sure supply and demand match each other. We make sure the lights are on in schools, operating theatres, and sporting arenas; we’re thousands of people working on behalf of millions of people.
Our investment in Strategic Infrastructure via The Great Grid Upgrade will mean more home-grown power, greater energy security and a cleaner future.
Whatever your role, wherever you work with us, you’ll help us hit stretching targets and achieve our far-reaching goal: to secure, clean energy that supports our world far into the future. Here, you will be at the heart of energy.
More information
This role closes on 20 March 2026 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.
#LI-SM1
#LI-HYBRID
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates – we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.
Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.