Resident Engineer

Rubicon Consulting is currently recruiting for a Resident Engineer on a 6 month rolling contract, based in South of England

About the role

Our Client are specialist substation contractors with an established track record delivering complex, high-value transmission infrastructure across the UK. They are currently delivering a major substation upgrade project on behalf of a leading UK transmission network operator, and are seeking an experienced resident engineer to lead our on-site delivery.

The project involves the extension of an existing 400kV outdoor switchgear installation alongside the construction of a new 132kV indoor switchgear facility incorporating the latest SF6-free technology. It is a technically demanding, high-profile project with significant programme and quality requirements.

The resident engineer will be our primary on-site representative throughout construction and commissioning, acting as the interface between our project management team, the contractor, the designer, and the client.

Key responsibilities

Construction oversight

· Oversee all site activities, ensuring works conform to approved design drawings and specifications

· Monitor contractor methods, sequences, and temporary works arrangements

· Identify and formally record non-conformances, ensuring timely close-out

· Witness key equipment installations including large power transformers, busbar erection, earthing systems, and HV cable installation

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Quality assurance & inspection

· Witness and record inspections at client hold points and witness points throughout the programme

· Verify material deliveries and equipment against approved submittals and factory acceptance test records

· Oversee installation and commissioning of indoor GIS equipment, ensuring manufacturer procedures and client requirements are followed and fully documented

· Ensure all quality records are completed in real time and maintained in the project document management system

Documentation & reporting

· Maintain a detailed site diary recording progress, resource levels, weather, and any issues or incidents

· Produce regular progress reports for the project manager and the client

· Manage the RFI and technical query register, coordinating responses between the contractor, designer, and client

· Administer site instructions and variation orders in accordance with the contract

Health, safety & environment

· Monitor contractor compliance with the Construction Phase Plan and CDM 2015 regulations

· Participate in and witness permits to work, particularly during interface works adjacent to live high-voltage plant

· Ensure compliance with client safety rules and relevant standards including BS EN 61936 and applicable EATS specifications

· Verify that all gas handling activities comply with F-gas regulations and the client's environmental commitments

Commissioning

· Witness and record all pre-commissioning and commissioning tests including insulation resistance, contact resistance, protection relay settings, and functional testing

· Coordinate with the client for outage windows and energisation hold points

· Manage the commissioning programme across both the AIS extension and the GIS building

· Ensure all commissioning documentation and as-built records are complete and accepted prior to handover

Stakeholder liaison

· Act as the primary point of contact between our organisation, the contractor, designer, and the client on site

· Chair or attend regular site meetings and produce accurate minutes

· Manage site access and interfaces with other contractors working in the vicinity

Essential requirements

· Demonstrable experience as a resident engineer or site engineer on HV substation construction projects, ideally at 132kV or above

· Strong knowledge of transmission network standards, client technical specifications, and HV safety rules

· Familiarity with AIS construction and GIS installation on live or adjacent-to-live transmission sites

· Experience witnessing and recording large power transformer installation and commissioning

· Understanding of protection relay testing and HV commissioning procedures

· Sound knowledge of CDM 2015 and construction health and safety legislation

· Proficient in document management and quality assurance systems

· Degree or HNC/HND in electrical engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience

Desirable requirements

· Experience with GIS technology, particularly SF6-free or eco-efficient switchgear

· Previous involvement in NEC3/NEC4 contract administration

· Chartered or working towards chartership with IET or similar professional body

· Experience on transmission or distribution network operator projects in a principal contractor environment

· Familiarity with battery storage or data centre grid connection interfaces

Our Company

Rubicon Consulting is a Talent management consultancy which helps you to optimise business performance and competitive advantage by choosing the right people first time!