Principal ICA Engineer

AtkinsRéalis; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis invites an experienced Principal ICA Engineer to lead electrical & ICA design delivery within our Design & Advanced Technology practice. You will steer a multi-disciplinary team across landmark water infrastructure projects in the UK and abroad, ensuring high-quality deliverables and strong collaboration with clients and internal teams.

The role requires Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status, extensive ICA design know‑how, and a proactive, collaborative approach to grow

Qualifications

• A degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer.
• Proven experience in coordinating or managing an ICA engineering design delivery team within a multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions to design problems.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience in ICA designs.
• Practical knowledge of water company design codes and standards as well as industry best practices, such as WIMES.
• Good awareness of HAZOP assessments, lightning strike risk assessments, earthing and bonding, lighting designs, DSEAR and ATEX installation practices.
• Proficiency in designing appropriate digital analysis packages, following local and national guidance (e.g., electrical design software such as Trimble/Amtech).
• Ability to work independently with minimal technical guidance.
• Experience in the water market is preferred but not required.
• Experience in industrial and process environments is essential.
• Demonstrates strong communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly and effectively within diverse multi‑disciplinary teams.
• A proactive, highly motivated mindset with a collaborative approach to drive teamwork and share success across projects.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate or manage a team of Electrical & ICA engineers for delivery of technical design work on complex multi‑disciplinary projects following relevant client and project‑specific design codes and standards, and to high‑quality levels.
• Successfully manage time and budgets of the Electrical & ICA team to key project milestones and programmes.
• Lead and produce technical deliverables such as Single Line Diagrams, Cable Block Diagrams, Load Schedules, MCC specifications, Control Philosophies, and Control Network Architecture.
• Provide technical input into project design deliverables for ICA aspects of complex multi‑disciplinary projects and work with the project management team to successfully manage time and budgets to key project milestones and programmes.
• Collaborate with client, operational, project, or service activities within your immediate team and other related team members.
• Provide mentorship to less experienced colleagues and help grow the Electrical & ICA capabilities within the local team and the wider technical network.
• Work independently with minimal technical guidance, exercising personal judgement to solve difficult problems where appropriate and provide guidance to junior team members.
• Provide technical support for bid proposals.
• Work closely with multi‑disciplinary teams in the UK and overseas to deliver integrated design solutions.
• Adhere to quality assurance standards in design, including checking and reviewing your own work as well as others.
• Contribute to business development initiatives to drive growth of the water market.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Project leadership

Team coordination

Communication

Problem solving

Quality assurance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Chartered or Incorporated Engineer

Tools

Trimble Amtech

Job description

Overview

Shape the Future of our cities and environments. Are you an ICA Engineer who is passionate about making the world a better place? Are you ready to take up a vital role in some of the UK’s most exciting and innovative projects?

We are looking for an energetic and experienced Principal ICA Engineer to join our team within the Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) practice. You’ll help deliver cutting‑edge, iconic projects to our Water market clients such as United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, Scottish Water, Northern Ireland Water, and other regional water authorities.

As a key member of our team, you’ll play a vital role delivering transformational programmes for critical UK infrastructure, with opportunities to work on landmark engineering projects both domestically and internationally.

Your Role

The role will offer a challenging and rewarding opportunity to apply knowledge, experience, and problem‑solving skills while providing good opportunities for career development.

Hybrid working: 3 days per week office/site based. The position is based in our Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester or Newcastle offices.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate or manage a team of Electrical & ICA engineers for delivery of technical design work on complex multi‑disciplinary projects following relevant client and project‑specific design codes and standards, and to high‑quality levels.
• Successfully manage time and budgets of the Electrical & ICA team to key project milestones and programmes.
• Lead and produce technical deliverables such as Single Line Diagrams, Cable Block Diagrams, Load Schedules, MCC specifications, Control Philosophies, and Control Network Architecture.
• Provide technical input into project design deliverables for ICA aspects of complex multi‑disciplinary projects and work with the project management team to successfully manage time and budgets to key project milestones and programmes.
• Collaborate with client, operational, project, or service activities within your immediate team and other related team members.
• Provide mentorship to less experienced colleagues and help grow the Electrical & ICA capabilities within the local team and the wider technical network.
• Work independently with minimal technical guidance, exercising personal judgement to solve difficult problems where appropriate and provide guidance to junior team members.
• Provide technical support for bid proposals.
• Work closely with multi‑disciplinary teams in the UK and overseas to deliver integrated design solutions.
• Adhere to quality assurance standards in design, including checking and reviewing your own work as well as others.
• Contribute to business development initiatives to drive growth of the water market.

About You

• A degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer.
• Proven experience in coordinating or managing an ICA engineering design delivery team within a multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions to design problems.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience in ICA designs.
• Practical knowledge of water company design codes and standards as well as industry best practices, such as WIMES.
• Good awareness of HAZOP assessments, lightning strike risk assessments, earthing and bonding, lighting designs, DSEAR and ATEX installation practices.
• Proficiency in designing appropriate digital analysis packages, following local and national guidance (e.g., electrical design software such as Trimble/Amtech).
• Ability to work independently with minimal technical guidance.
• Experience in the water market is preferred but not required.
• Experience in industrial and process environments is essential.
• Demonstrates strong communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly and effectively within diverse multi‑disciplinary teams.
• A proactive, highly motivated mindset with a collaborative approach to drive teamwork and share success across projects.

Benefits

Competitive salaries, employee rewards, and a range of benefits tailored to your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Opportunities for training and professional development, flexible holiday allowances, and a hybrid working culture to balance work and personal life.

Security Clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the United Kingdom of 5 years or longer.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong — a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.