Principal Power Systems Design Engineer

Advance Training & Recruitment Services; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consultancy firm is seeking a Principal Electrical Consulting Engineer in Manchester. This role involves technical leadership on complex power system projects, mentoring junior engineers, and fostering client relationships. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years’ experience in power systems engineering with expertise in high-voltage systems. The position offers competitive salary, hybrid working, and extensive benefits including professional development support.

Benefits

Competitive salary and performance‑linked rewards

Hybrid working and flexible arrangements

25 days annual leave plus options

Pension scheme and private medical insurance

Enhanced parental leave and family policies

Voluntary benefits including gym discounts

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in power systems engineering.
• Strong understanding of the UK electricity sector.
• Experience in FAT, SAT and commissioning (beneficial).

Responsibilities

• Acting as technical lead on major power system projects.
• Leading the design and integration of high-voltage systems.
• Developing and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Mentoring and developing junior engineers.

Skills

High-voltage plant and equipment

HV cable system design

Power system protection & control

Client-facing skills

Technical leadership

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering (BEng/BSc minimum)

MEng/MSc (desirable)

Job description

My client is a global, multi-disciplinary consultancy delivering innovative engineering, environmental and design solutions across major energy and infrastructure markets. With more than 10,000 professionals across five continents, they help shape resilient, sustainable communities through forward‑thinking engineering.

They are now seeking a Principal Electrical Consulting Engineer to join their expanding UK Power team. This is a key technical leadership role delivering complex, high‑impact projects across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. You’ll be working at the forefront of the global energy transition, supporting clients as they design, deliver and operate next‑generation electrical infrastructure.

The Role

As Principal Engineer, you will provide technical leadership, mentor future talent and drive excellence across multi‑disciplinary project teams. You will be responsible for:

• Acting as technical lead on major power system projects across 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 studies, conceptual designs, due diligence and Owner’s Engineer services
• Providing expert input into protection & control, system performance and equipment specification
• Supporting FAT, SAT, commissioning and on‑site construction activities
• Developing and maintaining strong client relationships, supporting tenders and identifying new opportunities
• Mentoring and developing junior engineers across UK and international teams

About You

You will be a seasoned electrical engineer with both technical depth and strong client‑facing skills. You’ll bring:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering (BEng/BSc minimum; MEng/MSc desirable)
• 10+ years’ experience in power systems engineering
• Strong understanding of the UK electricity sector, regulatory frameworks and stakeholder landscape
• Expertise in at least one of:
  • High‑voltage plant and equipment
  • HV cable system design
  • Power system protection & control
• Experience across design, specification, construction, operation or maintenance of HV infrastructure
• Previous consulting or client‑facing experience with a commercial mindset
• Experience in FAT, SAT and commissioning (beneficial)
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards

What’s on Offer

My client offers a supportive, flexible and inclusive environment where your expertise will be recognised and your career ambitions backed. Benefits include:

• Competitive salary and performance‑linked rewards
• Hybrid working and flexible arrangements
• 25 days annual leave, with the option to buy up to 4 additional weeks
• Pension scheme, private medical insurance and income protection
• Enhanced parental leave and family‑friendly policies
• Voluntary benefits including cycle to work, gym discounts and retail savings
• Active employee networks and wellbeing programmes
• Transparent career pathways‑technical leadership, client leadership or people management
• International opportunities across a 10,000‑strong global network
• Full support towards chartership and ongoing professional development

This role can be located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Guildford, Manchester or London.

If you want to lead transformative power projects, influence the future of energy systems and play a key role in developing engineering talent, this is the ideal next step in your career.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.