HV cable engineer
You'll design and work on the systems that carry very powerful electricity – making sure it gets from power stations to homes and businesses safely.
Also known as: electrical design engineer, power system engineer, cable systems design engineer, hv electrical project manager
About the job
What it's like
High Voltage (HV) cable engineers are like the electricians for super-strong power lines. You’ll design, install and fix cables that carry electricity from power stations to our homes. You’ll make sure these powerful cables work safely and reliably so we all have lights and power.
You could work offshore, laying and maintaining cables that connect offshore wind turbines to onshore power grids. This includes both inter-array cables (between turbines) and export cables (to shore). This is both an onshore and offshore position, that requires onsite working.
Your tasks might include:
writing and maintaining technical specifications and guidance notes for cables
reviewing test plans for technology and choosing the right cables and equipment
figuring out the best routes for cables to go, like planning roads on a map
overseeing the work of putting cables in the ground or on towers
working with teams of electricians and other engineers
providing expertise on design reviews
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
My Energy Future – find out more about working in energy
Scottish Renewables – learn about careers in renewable energy
Skills Development Scotland – Career Opportunities in Scotland across Offshore Wind
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- cooperating
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- ethical
- adaptability
- problem solving
- researching
- resilience
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Environmental Science
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Computing Science
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Engineering Science
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Design and Manufacture
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Graphic Communication
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Practical Craft Skills
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
To become a HV cable engineer, you'll need qualifications and formal HV training. Your employer will often fund your HV training once you've landed a job.
Explore the qualification routes you can take to get into this career.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Electrical Installation or Power Distribution.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include Electrical Engineering or Power Engineering.
Use the My World of Work course search to find HNCs or HNDs.
University
A degree could be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
electrical or electronic engineering
mechanical engineering
marine engineering
offshore engineering
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a HV cable engineer. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
To work on a construction site, you may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.
Some electrical-based roles require electrical licences and certifications because the work involves live electrical systems and often higher voltages. Qualifications often required by employers are Electrical installer at Level 3 NVQ by City & Guilds 18th edition and Inspection & Testing 2391-52 or equivalent.
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