CDAE

Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE) – National Grid Substation Projects

Overview

We are currently seeking an experienced Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE) to support National Grid transmission projects across the UK.

This role will be responsible for the independent technical review and approval of substation designs, ensuring all engineering deliverables comply with National Grid standards, technical specifications, policies, procedures and applicable industry regulations.

The successful candidate will provide technical assurance throughout the project lifecycle, working closely with design teams, contractors, commissioning personnel and project stakeholders to ensure designs are safe, compliant, buildable and fit for purpose.

Key Responsibilities

* Review and approve engineering designs associated with National Grid transmission projects.

* Provide independent technical assurance across 132kV, 275kV and 400kV substation schemes.

* Ensure compliance with National Grid technical specifications, procedures and governance requirements.

* Review protection and control designs, substation layouts, engineering calculations, drawings and technical documentation.

* Identify technical risks, design issues and non-compliances and provide appropriate recommendations.

* Support design reviews, technical workshops and project assurance activities.

* Liaise with contractors, consultants, project teams and commissioning engineers throughout the project lifecycle.

* Ensure designs meet relevant safety, quality and regulatory requirements.

* Support project delivery through stage-gate reviews and engineering approval processes.

* Promote best practice in engineering assurance, safety by design and risk management.

Essential Requirements

* Previous experience acting as a Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE) or Design Assurance Engineer on National Grid projects.

* National Grid TP141 authorisation relating to Design Assurance activities.

* Ability to provide evidence/certification of CDAE or relevant TP141 authorisation.

* Extensive experience working on National Grid transmission projects.

* Strong understanding of National Grid technical specifications, engineering policies and governance procedures.

* Experience reviewing and approving designs for HV transmission substations.

* Strong understanding of protection & control systems and/or transmission substation engineering.

Desirable Experience

* Experience across 132kV, 275kV and 400kV transmission substations.

* Previous National Grid, SSE, ScottishPower, UK Power Networks, Siemens, GE, Hitachi Energy, ABB or equivalent utility/OEM experience.

* Protection & Control Design Assurance experience.

* Commissioning, TP141 Commissioning Officer or TP141 Settings Engineer authorisations.

* Knowledge of IEC 61850, digital substations and modern transmission technologies.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a technically strong engineer who can provide robust challenge to engineering designs whilst maintaining a practical approach to project delivery. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record within National Grid projects and be comfortable operating as an independent assurance authority responsible for maintaining engineering standards and governance throughout project execution.