Technical Designer

Context

A leading Belgian electricity transmission system operator and a central actor in Belgium's energy transition. The client Engineering division is responsible for engineering all infrastructure projects related to the development, expansion, and renovation of the Belgian electricity transmission network from 36 kV to 380 kV. Projects range from new HV substation installations to the adaptation of existing high-voltage installations, in close coordination with civil works, cable infrastructure, and grid connection disciplines.

Key responsibilities

Design and documentation

• Assist in feasibility and pre-study phases in collaboration with the Project Engineer

• Autonomously execute design studies and produce all drawings and documents required for correct project execution

• Prepare permitting drawings (plans required for permit applications)

• Prepare execution drawings: site layout plans, equipment layout plans, and steel structure drawings

• Produce associated documents: drawing lists, terminal lists, and steel structure bills of materials

• Ensure design coherence with adjacent disciplines (Powerlinks, Civil Works)

• Guarantee quality of designs by using approved equipment in accordance with client norms, standards, and methodologies

Planning and project coordination

• Produce a personal study schedule (based on the team leader's planning) and report progress to the team leader and project manager

• Work within the project team in close collaboration with the Project Leader and Project Engineer, fulfilling a strong support function

• Provide ad hoc support to the Project Leader / Project Engineer during works execution relating to the delivered study

• For projects involving external design bureaux: coordinate with and validate the quality of externally produced studies

Quality, mentoring, and improvement (experience-dependent)

• Conduct quality reviews of design studies produced by fellow designers

• Support the onboarding and coaching of new colleagues

• Participate in working groups to propose process improvements

Training programme

Client provides a structured 4-month onboarding programme for incoming designers. The programme is designed to give a solid grounding in HV substation components, client's design tools, and project workflows.

• Introduction to the key components of a high-voltage substation

• Training on client's design tools (CAD-based, 3D)

• Practical design exercises progressing from guided to autonomous completion

• Realistic project exercises covering all phases of a real project end-to-end

• Site visits and visits to operational HV substations

The training is conducted in Dutch. Upon completion, participants have the knowledge and skills to take on their first assignments as a Technical Designer – Substation.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree or A2 diploma in a relevant technical discipline: electrical engineering, electromechanics, automation, civil/construction engineering, or similar

Technical skills

Must-have:

• Basic knowledge of electrical engineering principles

• Proficiency in MS Office suite

• Experience with CAD software (3D preferred)

Nice-to-have:

• Prior experience in HV substation design or electrical infrastructure drawing production

• Familiarity with client's design tools or Belgian transmission network standards

• Experience with steel structure design documentation

Soft skills

• Autonomous and proactive: capable of executing tasks independently and anticipating needs without being prompted

• Problem-solving oriented: approaches design challenges pragmatically and finds solutions within project constraints

• Quality-focused: rigorous application of norms and standards; high attention to detail in drawing production

• Strong team player: works collaboratively in a project team while maintaining accountability for personal deliverables

• Client-oriented communicator: clear and assertive communication with internal clients and project stakeholders

Languages

• Dutch: excellent level – mandatory (team working language and training language)

• French: appreciated – beneficial for coordination in a bilingual Belgian work environment

Additional information

Hybrid work: Up to 3 days remote per week after successful completion of the training programme

For non-EU candidates: a valid work permit authorising employment in Belgium and a valid Belgian residence permit are required before any assignment can commence.