Lead Engineer – HVDC Cable Systems
We are looking for a Lead Engineer to take technical ownership of large-scale HVDC cable projects, working on some of Europe's most significant energy infrastructure programmes.
You'll act as the technical lead for an entire HVDC cable system, owning the engineering package from project handover after tender through to commissioning. Working closely with major Transmission System Operators (TSOs), you'll be responsible for translating customer requirements into practical engineering solutions while coordinating multidisciplinary teams across design, manufacturing, testing and installation.
Projects typically run for around 7 years, with values ranging from several hundred million euros to over €1 billion, giving you long-term ownership of technically challenging and high-profile projects.
Key Responsibilities:
As the Lead Engineer, you will be responsible for the technical delivery of the complete HVDC cable package throughout the project lifecycle.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Acting as the technical lead and primary engineering contact for the customer throughout the project.
- Owning the HVDC cable system engineering package from project handover through to commissioning.
- Translating customer requirements into technically robust and executable engineering solutions.
- Coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams across design, manufacturing, testing and installation.
- Reviewing, approving and coordinating technical documentation and engineering reports.
- Leading cable system design activities, including detailed engineering and route-specific design.
- Developing inspection and test plans (ITPs), coordinating laboratory testing and approving test reports.
- Supporting project management with technical risk assessments, planning and decision-making.
- Ensuring engineering activities comply with contractual, quality and HSE requirements.
- Acting as the technical escalation point during manufacturing, resolving technical issues, non-conformities and design deviations.
- Working closely with customers to negotiate technical solutions and agree engineering trade-offs throughout the project.
This role combines approximately 50% technical engineering and 50% technical project leadership.
You'll become the central technical point of contact for both internal teams and the customer, ensuring all engineering disciplines remain aligned throughout the project lifecycle.
The role offers significant exposure to customers, senior stakeholders and some of Europe's most complex HVDC transmission projects.
What We're Looking For
You'll ideally have:
- 10+ years’ experience within HVDC cable systems or high-voltage transmission projects.
- Strong cable system engineering knowledge across design, testing and manufacturing.
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- The ability to review and approve technical documentation and engineering deliverables.
- Strong stakeholder management and customer-facing communication skills.
- Experience translating customer requirements into practical engineering solutions.
- A structured approach to solving technical problems and managing project risk.
Career Development
This position offers a clear route into senior technical and leadership positions within NKT.
Future progression could include:
- Lead Engineering Manager, overseeing a portfolio of HVDC projects.
- Engineering Team Manager, leading a team of specialist engineers.
- Senior Project Leadership or Project Director positions.
For engineers who want to combine deep technical expertise with project ownership and customer engagement, this role provides an excellent platform for long-term career growth.
Kieron Taylor-Thorpe
Recruitment Consultant
