HV cable engineer
High Voltage (HV) cable engineers 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: hv electrical project manager , cable systems design engineer, power system engineer, electrical design engineer
About the job
What it's like
High Voltage (HV) cable engineers are like the electricians for super-strong power lines. You’ll design 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 equipment
figuring out the best routes for cables to go, like planning roads on a map
choosing the right cables and equipment
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.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Transport Engineering and manufacturing Construction and built environment Energy
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.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- factory and site acceptance testing
- low voltage
- short circuits
- ventricular septal defect
- grading (landscape)
- distributed control systems
- document preparations
- high voltage
- thermal management
- comsol multiphysics
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:
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Environmental Science
Computing Science
Engineering Science
Design and Manufacture
Graphic Communication
Practical Craft Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Application of Mathematics
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.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
electrical or electronic engineering
mechanical engineering
marine engineering
offshore engineering
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find work or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
electrical engineering
mechanical engineering
electronic engineering
mechatronics
civil engineering
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
To work on a construction site, you may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.
Some electrician roles require electrical licences and certifications because the work involves live electrical systems and often higher voltages.
Qualifications often required by employers are:
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