Resident Engineer, South East

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

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!