Senior Hardware & Electrical Design Engineer

With a focus on operational technology and digital transformation, Capula, part of the EDF Group, has been a leader in advanced system integration for decades; optimising efficiency & delivering performance on a massive scale. But with continuous innovation at the heart of our business, we’ve always got our sights set on the future. We work in some of the most highly regulated and challenging industrial environments, and have delivered critical projects across energy, water, renewables and manufacturing.

At Capula, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is celebrated in all its forms. We actively encourage applications from individuals of minority backgrounds, underrepresented groups, and those with disabilities. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives.

Summary of Role:

Capula is seeking a Senior Hardware & Electrical Design Engineer to support engineering delivery across major projects in the UK Energy Generation, Storage, and Transmission & Distribution sectors.

You will be responsible for producing high‑quality secondary systems designs, hardware solutions, and LV electrical engineering deliverables. Working closely with Lead Engineers and Project Managers, you will contribute throughout the full project lifecycle—from concept through detailed design, manufacture, testing, and site implementation.

This role requires strong technical capability, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within multi‑disciplinary teams. You will play an important part in delivering safety‑critical infrastructure projects and developing engineering standards within the business.

Design & Engineering

• Produce and review engineering drawings and documentation including:
  • Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), Key Line Diagrams (KLDs), and concept designs
  • Schematics diagrams, wiring diagrams, General Arrangement drawings,
  • Electrical Cable routing, termination schedules, and associated engineering deliverables
  • Electrical calculations and studies supporting system design
  • Communications Network Cable routing, termination schedules, and associated engineering deliverables
  • Technical documentation such as Functional Design Specifications, Design Intent Documents, and compliance matrices and supporting reports.
• Produce and review engineering in relation to the following:
  • Hardware test strategy & Quality documentation including installation & test plan and documentation to support solution delivery both for Factory and Site Testing.
  • I/O Mapping between the Scheme and the Control / Automation solution
  • Interface of LV Power including Battery Systems, LVAC Systems and various systems and plant items.
  • Interface of Protection & Control and Automation solutions to Plant items including Circuit Breakers, CT’s, VT’s, Disconnectors, Transformers, Etc.
• Integrate Protection & Control, Automation, and Communications solutions using equipment from manufacturers such as GE, Siemens, SEL, etc.
• Produce Bill of Materials to support manufacture and site deployment of systems.
• Support the application of IEC 61850, substation communications, and cyber security principles within designs
• Ensure all designs comply with ENA, BS, IEC standards, and specific DNO/National Grid standards (e.g., TP-series).

Project Delivery & Support

• Support Lead Engineers in delivering the hardware, secondary systems, and LV electrical design scope to agreed time, cost, and quality.
• Provide technical input to design reviews, workshops, and assurance activities.
• Assist with design queries, change control inputs, risk identification, and engineering progress updates.
• Contribute to factory and site testing activities through preparation of test documentation and technical support

Site & Stakeholder Engagement

• Undertake site surveys and visits to support design development, validation, and implementation.
• Provide engineering support during installation, commissioning, and integration phases.
• Liaise professionally with clients, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure clear communication and coordination.

Essential Requirements

Technical Expertise

• Strong experience in producing engineering drawings using E‑Plan, AutoCAD Electrical, or equivalent.
• Proven experience delivering hardware, secondary systems, or LV design for high‑voltage substation environments (132kV, 275kV, 400kV).
• Demonstrable capability in:
  • Protection & Control panel design
  • LVAC/DC systems, batteries, UPS arrangements
  • Control & instrumentation wiring, marshalling, cabinet designs
  • SLDs, KLDs, bay diagrams
• Good understanding of transmission‑level plant interfaces (CBs, CTs, VTs/CVTs, disconnectors, transformers).
• Understanding of tele‑protection, intertrip schemes, and network communications.
• Working knowledge of IEC 61850 and substation communication architectures.

Design, Delivery & Communication

• Ability to produce accurate, quality designs and documentation with minimal supervision.
• Experience delivering designs through multiple project stages.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications & Practical Requirements

• Degree‑qualified (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, or significant relevant industry experience.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project and client sites.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience delivering Protection & Control designs within UK Transmission and/or Distribution sectors.
• Site installation, testing, or commissioning experience.
• Understanding of BS7671 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
• Awareness of DSEAR, hazardous area applications, and functional safety standards (IEC 61508/61511).
• Knowledge of SCADA/EMS/DMS systems and modern substation automation architectures.
• Familiarity with cyber security in operational technology environments (IEC 62443, NIS Regulations).
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or supporting capability development.
• Working towards professional registration (IEng or CEng).
• Experience contributing to tenders or technical proposals.

Personal Qualities:

• Motivated, detail‑focused, and committed to producing high‑quality engineering deliverables.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
• Clear communicator with the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.
• Adaptable and proactive when facing new challenges or technologies.
• Professional integrity suitable for safety‑critical and highly regulated environments.

In return Capula offers the following benefits to permanent employees

• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Flexible working
• Pension
• Life assurance policy
• Private health care
• Lifestyle screening
• Salary sacrifice programme
• Mental health assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Green car scheme
• Support in achieving professional engineer status (IEng, CEng) if required and professional memberships fees covered

NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES: We are currently working with only our preferred suppliers.

To express an interest in this position, simply apply below or you can e-mail hr@capula.com with a cover letter and CV, quoting the job reference number.