Principal Electrical Engineer

Navantia UK; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading naval engineering firm in Bristol is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead the design and integration of advanced electrical systems for naval vessels. The role involves ensuring compliance with safety regulations, mentoring junior engineers, and driving innovation in energy management. Candidates should have a degree in Electrical Engineering and significant experience in power system design. Hybrid working is offered, with competitive salary and career growth opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Career growth opportunities

Hybrid working

Qualifications

• Significant experience in power generation and distribution system design.
• Knowledge of naval/maritime codes, standards, and regulations.
• Understanding of energy management solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and integration of electrical systems.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines for system integration.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or related field

Job description

Are you ready to take the lead on some of the most advanced naval engineering projects in the world? As Principal Electrical Engineer, you'll provide technical leadership in the design and integration of electrical systems, from initial concept through to in‑service support. Working with a multidisciplinary team, you'll ensure our platforms meet demanding performance, safety, and regulatory standards while driving forward innovation in energy management and emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration and optimisation of electrical systems for naval and government vessels.
• Develop and specify power generation and distribution systems, ensuring reliable and efficient energy management.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to achieve seamless integration of systems.
• Deliver energy management strategies that improve efficiency, support sustainability, and reduce emissions.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, regulatory and operational standards.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers.
• Engage with clients, suppliers, and regulatory bodies to deliver high‑quality solutions.
• Contribute to innovation in areas such as alternative power sources, future fuels, autonomy, and digital systems.
• Support projects during build and through life, ensuring systems meet evolving operational needs.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or related field; Master's desirable.
• Significant experience in power generation and distribution system design, integration, and optimisation.
• Experience with HV and LV systems and the challenges of integrating electrical systems with ship platforms.
• Knowledge of naval/maritime codes, standards and regulations.
• Understanding of energy management solutions and sustainable technologies.
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it).
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Eligibility for BPSS and potentially SC clearance.

Company Information

Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state‑owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. Navantia UK is part of the global Navantia Group – a leader in innovative naval solutions that specialise in the design, construction, and through‑life support of ships and systems for naval and government customers.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid working – typically 3 days per week in our Bristol office.
• Career growth opportunities within a global organisation.
• The chance to work on complex, cutting‑edge naval projects.
• An inclusive, collaborative workplace where your contributions make a difference.