Principal Electrical Consulting Engineer

GHD; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Private medical cover

Income protection

Global opportunities

Job summary

GHD in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Electrical Consulting Engineer to lead complex power systems projects across the UK, Europe and beyond. You will help shape design, HV equipment specs, and project delivery while mentoring teams and engaging with clients to drive successful outcomes.

Hybrid working is available; you will contribute to business development, technical excellence and chartered status progression within a global, employee-owned firm.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering (BEng/BSc min; MEng/MSc desirable).
• 10+ years’ experience in power systems engineering.
• Broad understanding of UK electricity sector and regulations.
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or working towards (IET).

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery on major power system projects.
• Design, specify and integrate HV systems and substations.
• Deliver FEED, due diligence and Owner’s Engineer input.
• Mentor junior engineers and grow UK/international teams.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Power systems experience

Client-facing

Leadership

CEng or working towards

Education

BEng/BSc Electrical Engineering

MEng/MSc desirable

Job description

Job Description

At GHD we are committed to addressing the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of energy, water and communities.

About Us

We are a global network of multi-disciplinary professionals providing clients with integrated solutions through engineering, environmental, design and construction expertise.

Our future-focused, innovative approaches connect and support communities around the world, building resiliency and sustainability for generations to come.

Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 10,000+ diverse and skilled individuals connected by over 200 offices, across five continents.

Shape the Future of Energy with GHD

At GHD, we’re helping to reimagine how energy systems are designed, delivered and operated to meet the challenges of the future. We’re seeking a Principal Electrical Consulting Engineer to join our growing UK Power team and provide technical leadership on transformative projects across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. This is an opportunity to be part of a global, employee-owned business where your expertise will help clients navigate the complex energy transition—while also shaping the next generation of engineering talent.

Your Role

As a Principal Engineer, you will lead and deliver complex electrical engineering projects, while also playing a key role in client engagement, technical development and team leadership. Your responsibilities will include:

• Acting as technical lead on major power system projects (transmission, distribution and generation).
• Leading the design, specification and integration of high-voltage systems, including substations, cable systems, transformers, switchgear, and reactive compensation equipment.
• Delivering FEED and conceptual studies, technical due diligence and serving as Owner’s Engineer.
• Providing expert input into power system protection, equipment specification, and system performance assessments.
• Supporting factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning, and construction support.
• Building strong client relationships, identifying new opportunities and contributing to business development and tendering activities.
• Mentoring and developing junior engineers, sharing knowledge across UK and international teams.

What You’ll Bring: Skills & Experience

We’re looking for an engineer who combines deep technical knowledge with strong consulting and leadership skills. You will have:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering (BEng/BSc minimum; MEng/MSc desirable).
• 10+ years’ experience in power systems engineering within transmission, distribution, or generation projects.
• Broad understanding of the UK electricity sector, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder landscape.
• In-depth technical expertise in at least one of the following:
• High-voltage plant and equipment (switchgear, transformers, harmonic filters, dynamic reactive compensation)
• Power cable system design and specification
• Power system protection and control
• Experience with design, specification, construction, operation and maintenance of HV electrical infrastructure.
• Previous exposure to consulting or client-facing roles, with the ability to deliver advice that is both technically rigorous and commercially grounded.
• Experience with FAT, SAT, commissioning and on-site works (desirable).
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or working towards with a relevant institution (e.g. IET).

Why Join GHD

At GHD, we know that great people make great business. That’s why we offer a supportive, flexible and inclusive culture, plus:

• Competitive salary and performance-linked benefits.
• Hybrid working – manage your time to achieve balance.
• 25 days annual leave, plus option to buy up to 4 additional weeks.
• Pension scheme, private medical cover, and income protection.
• Enhanced parental leave and family-friendly policies.
• Voluntary benefits, including cycle to work, discounted gym membership, and retail savings.
• Access to Employee Network Groups and wellbeing programmes.
• A clear pathway for career development—whether you want to grow as a technical expert, client leader, or people manager.
• International opportunities across GHD’s global network of 10,000+ professionals.
• Strong support for professional development and achieving/maintaining chartered status.

About GHD

Founded in 1928, GHD is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, delivering iconic projects that shape communities across water, energy, environment, property & buildings, and transport. As a global, employee-owned business, we put our people first—empowering them with autonomy, opportunities and a voice in shaping the future.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive.