High Voltage Jobs
Authorised persons, cable jointers, HV engineers and commissioning roles across UK power networks and infrastructure.
Key High Voltage Capabilities
The skills and strengths employers look for in this field.
HV Switching & Operations
Carrying out authorised switching operations, isolations and earthing on HV networks under a safe system of work, including issuing and receiving permits to work.
Cable Jointing & Terminations
Jointing and terminating HV cables (e.g. 11kV, 33kV) using heat-shrink and cold-shrink techniques on paper-insulated and XLPE cables.
Substation & Switchgear
Installing, maintaining and fault-finding on HV switchgear, transformers, ring main units and substation plant.
Testing & Commissioning
Primary and secondary injection testing, protection relay testing, insulation resistance, VLF and partial discharge testing to prove equipment before energisation.
Protection & Control
Understanding of protection schemes, relay settings, SCADA and control systems used across distribution and transmission networks.
Safety & Compliance
Applying the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, network operator safety rules, and risk assessment / method statement (RAMS) procedures.
HV Design & Estimating
Designing HV distribution schemes, cable sizing, load calculations, and producing accurate estimates for connection and reinforcement works.
Fault Location
Locating cable faults using thumping, time-domain reflectometry and surge methods to minimise network downtime.
High Voltage Market Overview
High voltage work covers the generation, transmission, distribution and switching of electricity at voltages above 1,000V AC. Demand in the UK is driven by grid reinforcement, substation upgrades, the connection of renewable generation, electric vehicle infrastructure, and large commercial and industrial developments. Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), National Grid, utility contractors and ICPs (Independent Connection Providers) are consistent employers in this space.
The sector faces a persistent skills shortage, particularly for experienced HV authorised persons, senior authorised persons and time-served cable jointers. This shortage supports strong permanent salaries and attractive contract day rates, especially for candidates holding current authorisations and willing to travel or work shifts.
Roles span field-based operational work (jointing, switching, commissioning, cable pulling) and office or design-based functions (HV design, protection and control, estimating). Many positions require willingness to be on call, to work nights and weekends during outages, and to hold a full driving licence. Safety discipline and compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are fundamental across the whole field.
High Voltage Salary Guide
Indicative ranges — actual pay varies by location, experience and employer.
Indicative UK ranges for 2024–2025. Pay varies considerably by region (London and the South East command premiums), by employer type (DNO vs contractor), and by whether on-call, shift and travel allowances are included. Experienced, currently authorised candidates sit at the top of these ranges.
High Voltage Job Roles
Common job titles and roles for High Voltage professionals.
Professional Bodies & Qualifications
City & Guilds 2339 / HV Authorisation
Formal HV training underpinning authorisation; actual authorised-person status is granted by the employer or network operator after assessment on their apparatus and safety rules.
NVQ Level 3 in Electrotechnical / Power Engineering
The standard competence qualification for electricians and jointers, often achieved via an apprenticeship.
ECS / JIB Card (with HV endorsement)
The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme card proves qualifications and site safety competence; the JIB grades skilled electricians and jointers.
CSCS / Site Safety
Construction Skills Certification Scheme card required for site access on many HV construction and infrastructure projects.
National Grid / DNO Safety Rules Authorisation
Operator-specific authorisations (e.g. NG, UK Power Networks, SSEN, SP Energy Networks) required to work on or operate their networks.
IET Membership / CEng
For HV design and engineering roles, Institution of Engineering and Technology membership and Chartered Engineer status enhance progression.
18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671)
Current wiring regulations qualification, expected across most electrical and HV-adjacent roles.
Career Path & Progression
Apprentice / Trainee
Complete an electrical or power engineering apprenticeship, building core competence in LV work before progressing toward HV exposure under supervision.
HV Technician / Jointer
Work hands-on under supervision on HV jointing, maintenance or commissioning, accumulating the experience needed for authorisation.
HV Authorised Person
Gain employer or network-operator authorisation to carry out switching, isolation and permit issuing on defined HV apparatus.
Senior Authorised Person / Lead Engineer
Take responsibility for complex switching programmes, supervise others, and act as the safety authority on major outages and projects.
Principal / Management
Move into HV design authority, commissioning management, project management or network operations leadership.
Latest High Voltage jobs
Electrical Engineer - Walsall
National Grid
Electrical Engineer - Kearsley
National Grid
Principal HV Design Engineer
Amey
HV Design Engineer
Amey
Senior HV Design Engineer
Amey
High Voltage Control Engineer
UK Power Networks