Principal Electrical Design Engineer

We Are Zenith; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

We Are Zenith seeks a Principal Engineer – MV/HV Cable Design to lead technically complex submarine cable projects for offshore wind. You will shape design rules, perform analyses, and drive product development across the lifecycle from R&D through qualification and manufacturing.

A strong background in high-voltage cable systems and IEC/CIGRE standards is essential. You will mentor engineers, coordinate with customers and suppliers, and push for innovative tooling and processes to improve

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or Physics or related field
• Extensive experience in high-voltage submarine cable design within offshore wind/renewable sectors
• Strong background in cable system design, development, qualification and manufacturing processes
• Demonstrable experience leading technically complex engineering projects
• Experience working within research and development environments
• Exposure to Orcaflex and its application in offshore cable analysis is essential
• In-depth knowledge of submarine cable construction, design, rating methodologies, manufacturing processes, installation and operational performance
• Strong understanding of IEC standards and CIGRE recommendations
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced engineering environments
• High attention to detail and strong technical reporting capability
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Responsibilities

• Act as a recognised technical authority for MV/HV submarine cable systems.
• Lead, manage and deliver complex R&D and product development projects.
• Develop, maintain and continuously improve cable design rules and engineering standards.
• Produce and review technical reports, calculations and design documentation.
• Conduct cable design studies and engineering assessments.
• Interface with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders on technical matters.
• Provide specialist technical guidance throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support technical risk assessments and specification reviews.
• Resolve complex engineering issues and customer technical queries.
• Support management of non-conformances, concessions and design deviations.
• Deliver technical solutions aligned with project, quality and commercial objectives.
• Lead or support the development and implementation of new technologies, methodologies and engineering tools.
• Drive improvements in engineering efficiency, quality and standardisation.
• Support technology qualification and product enhancement programmes.
• Provide coaching, mentoring and technical development support to engineers at all levels.
• Share best practice and promote technical excellence across the engineering function.

Skills

High-voltage submarine cable design

Technical leadership

Mentoring & development

Education

Degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a related engineering discipline

Tools

Orcaflex

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Job description

We Are Zenith is partnering with an innovative engineering organisation operating within the offshore wind and renewable energy sector to recruit a Principal Engineer – MV/HV Cable Design.

This is a senior technical leadership role focused on the design, development and lifecycle management of MV/HV submarine cable systems supporting offshore wind applications. You will act as a technical authority within a specialist engineering team, driving product innovation, supporting complex engineering challenges, and influencing future technology development.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the development of dynamic cable solutions for floating offshore wind projects while providing technical leadership across research, development, qualification and product improvement activities.

The Role

As Principal Engineer, you will provide technical leadership for MV/HV submarine cable engineering activities, ensuring designs, calculations, standards and methodologies meet industry best practice and project requirements.

You will lead research and development programmes, support engineering teams throughout the product lifecycle, and contribute to the advancement of new technologies, tools and engineering processes.

Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership

• Act as a recognised technical authority for MV/HV submarine cable systems.
• Lead, manage and deliver complex R&D and product development projects.
• Develop, maintain and continuously improve cable design rules and engineering standards.
• Produce and review technical reports, calculations and design documentation.
• Conduct cable design studies and engineering assessments.
• Interface with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders on technical matters.

Engineering Support

• Provide specialist technical guidance throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support technical risk assessments and specification reviews.
• Resolve complex engineering issues and customer technical queries.
• Support management of non-conformances, concessions and design deviations.
• Deliver technical solutions aligned with project, quality and commercial objectives.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Lead or support the development and implementation of new technologies, methodologies and engineering tools.
• Drive improvements in engineering efficiency, quality and standardisation.
• Support technology qualification and product enhancement programmes.

Mentoring & Development

• Provide coaching, mentoring and technical development support to engineers at all levels.
• Share best practice and promote technical excellence across the engineering function.

Essential Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a related engineering discipline.

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience in high-voltage submarine cable design within offshore wind, renewable energy, subsea or offshore energy sectors.
• Strong background in cable system design, development, qualification and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrable experience leading technically complex engineering projects.
• Experience working within research and development environments.
• Exposure to Orcaflex and its application in offshore cable analysis is essential.

Essential Technical Skills

• In-depth knowledge of submarine cable construction, design, rating methodologies, manufacturing processes, installation and operational performance.
• Strong understanding of industry standards and specifications relating to submarine cable design, qualification and testing.
• Experience interpreting and applying IEC standards and CIGRE recommendations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced engineering environments.
• High attention to detail and strong technical reporting capability.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking engineering environment where you'll have the chance to shape next-generation offshore wind technologies, influence product development strategy and play a key role in the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

We Are Zenith is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.