AECOM · Madrid
OtherFull-timeposted 5d ago
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Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Associate Director - T&D Primary High Voltage Substations to join our growing Transmission & Distribution team, supporting the delivery of high-voltage substation infrastructure projects.
In this role, you will provide strategic technical oversight and leadership for the design and delivery of HV primary systems, including AIS and GIS substations across transmission and distribution networks. You will guide engineering teams through project development phases, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient technical solutions.
You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, project directors, and clients, contributing to major grid reinforcement, renewable integration, and large-scale infrastructure programs.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Design Oversight
· Provide technical oversight and guidance for the design of HV primary systems for substations (AIS/GIS), including equipment layouts, busbar schemes, and HV cable design.
· Ensure technical consistency and quality across substation projects by reviewing key design decisions, engineering strategies, and equipment selection in accordance with applicable standards and client specifications.
· Oversee development and review of critical primary design deliverables, including:
o Substation general arrangements and equipment layouts and specifications
o Busbar configurations, calcs and conductor sizing
o Electrical clearances, insulation coordination and short-circuit calcs
o Lightning protection and shielding concepts
o Earthing and grounding system
Engineering Coordination
· Act as senior technical authority for primary substation engineering, ensuring coordination between primary, secondary, civil, structural, and commissioning disciplines.
· Support project leadership teams in defining engineering strategies, technical scopes, and delivery approaches for major infrastructure projects.
· Maintain strong engagement with clients, contractors, and suppliers to ensure technical compliance and alignment with project objectives.
Construction & Commissioning Support
· Provide senior engineering support during construction, installation, testing, and commissioning phases.
· Review and guide resolution of complex site queries, technical deviations, and field design changes.
· Ensure that implemented designs comply with technical specifications, safety standards, and project requirements.
Team Leadership & Development
· Lead and mentor teams of primary substation engineers, supporting professional development, technical growth, and knowledge sharing.
· Foster a collaborative engineering culture, ensuring alignment between teams, efficient workload distribution, and high technical standards.
Education
· Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering
Experience
· Typically 12–15+ years of experience in HV primary substation engineering
· Experience delivering large transmission or distribution substation projects across multiple phases (concept, FEED, detailed design, construction support)
· Proven experience leading engineering teams or technical disciplines
Technical Skills
· HV/EHV substation design (AIS/GIS)
· Busbar configurations and substation equipment layouts
· Insulation coordination and electrical clearances
· Short-circuit calculations and equipment rating verification
· Busbar and conductor sizing (thermal and short-circuit withstand)
· Mechanical and electrodynamic force calculations for conductors
· Integration of HV equipment, cables, and overhead lines
· Earthing and grounding system design
· Lightning protection and shielding studies
· Transformer and reactive power compensation systems
· Technical design reviews
Experience with engineering tools such as:
· ETAP
· DigSilent
· CDEGS
· CYMCAP
· Revit
· AutoCAD or similar design software
Soft Skills
· Strong leadership and team management capabilities
· Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities
· Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
· Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams
Nice to Have
· Experience working on UK transmission or distribution substation projects
· Exposure to National Grid standards and technical specifications
· Experience with EHV substations (220kV–400kV)
· Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional certification
· Experience supporting construction, commissioning, or site engineering activities
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.