At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative electrical design for water and wastewater projects, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Company: Join United Infrastructure, a rapidly growing company focused on critical infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Career development, health support, discounts, and a vibrant employee network.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the utility sector while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience in water industry design required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Company Description
United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects, across the utility and social infrastructure sectors.
Our team of highly skilled and hardworking specialists deliver innovative solutions to the complex challenges our clients face.
Our company is split into two business areas
Utility Infrastructure –
Our team of Utility Infrastructure specialists design, build and maintain critical water, energy (gas), power and telecoms infrastructure, for the UK’s largest network owners and operators.
Social Infrastructure -
Our team of Social Infrastructure specialists revitalise homes and communities by carrying out a wide range of work, from retrofit to refurbishment, and maintenance.
Job Description
Role Purpose
As the Principal Electrical Design Engineer you will provide technical leadership and oversight of electrical engineering design for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
This role leads multidisciplinary teams through feasibility, outline, and detailed design stages, ensuring compliance with industry standards, client expectations, and water-company asset requirements.
Your responsibilities will be to ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design of electrical distribution, control, and power systems across treatment plants and network assets.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Design & Engineering
· Lead the electrical design of water industry assets including
o LV and HV distribution systems o Motor control centres (MCCs), variable speed drives (VSDs) o Power system protection and discrimination o ICA/SCADA interfaces (in collaboration with ICA engineers) o Pumping station electrical systems o Treatment works electrical infrastructure
- Produce, review, and approve design documents: single-line diagrams, cable calculations, load assessments, control philosophies, electrical schedules, and technical specifications.
- Ensure designs align with CDM, BS7671, IEC/SI standards, WIMES, and individual water-company standards.
- Carry out electrical fault level studies, protection grading, and energy efficiency analysis where required.
- Project Delivery
- Act as the electrical technical lead on multi-disciplinary projects across all design stages.
- Undertake optioneering, feasibility studies, and value engineering to determine robust, cost-effective solutions.
- Provide technical input during procurement, supplier evaluations, FAT/SAT, and commissioning support.
- Coordinate with process, mechanical, civil, and ICA design teams to ensure integrated MEICA designs.
- Leadership & Collaboration
- Mentor and support the development of electrical engineers and designers within the team.
- Lead design reviews, HAZOP/HAZID workshops, and client meetings.
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including water utility clients, contractors, and suppliers.
- Drive best practice, innovation, and continuous improvement in electrical engineering processes.
- Quality, Compliance & Governance
- Ensure design outputs meet ISO 9001 quality requirements and water industry regulatory standards and client specifications
- Ensure electrical designs adhere to safety standards and good engineering practice, including compliance with:
o BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) current edition o EN 61439 (Switchgear & Controlgear) o WIMES specifications o DSEAR/ATEX where applicable
- Support digital engineering development (BIM, 3D modelling, asset information delivery).
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
- Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent; Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working toward Chartership.
- Extensive experience in electrical design for water and/or wastewater treatment infrastructure.
- Strong understanding of UK water utility standards and regulatory environments.
- Proven ability to lead teams on complex multi-disciplinary design projects.
- Proficiency with electrical design software tools (Solidworks, CAD platforms).
- Strong technical writing skills and the ability to produce high-quality documentation.
Desirable
- Experience with AMP capital delivery programmes and framework delivery.
- Knowledge of ICA/controls principles and ability to collaborate effectively with ICA specialists.
- Familiarity with sustainability, energy optimisation, and low-carbon design principles.
- Experience of site inspections, electrical installation quality checks, and commissioning.
- Personal Attributes
- Strong leadership and stakeholder-management skills.
- Proactive, organised, and technically curious.
- Excellent communication and decision-making ability.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and collaboration.
- Typical Deliverables
- Electrical load studies, SLDs, and equipment sizing calculations.
- Cable routing layouts, cable schedules, protection and discrimination studies.
- Technical specifications, tender documentation, and scope definitions.
- FAT/SAT documentation, inspection reports, and commissioning support notes.
- Risk assessments, HAZOP input, and design review outputs
- Additional Information
Some of our benefits include
- Career development – from the moment you join, you’ll be supported to develop, grow your skill set and progress your career the way you want.
- Cultivate – access to our idea and innovation platform, empowering you to drive positive business change.
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounts – access to our leisure and shopping discounts and rewards platform.
- Employee networks – opportunity to join our organisation wide employee networks such as our Veteran’s network, Women’s network, and Young People’s network which is dedicated to supporting and retaining employees in the early stages of their careers and empowers young employees and future leaders through Continuous Professional Development (CPD), Social Value and Team Building initiatives.
- Health and Wellbeing Support – access to our employee programme which includes access to a virtual GP and Dentist, mental health support and counselling, fitness and nutrition, and financial and legal advice.
- Health Cash Plan
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Payroll Giving – the opportunity to donate regularly from your gross pay to support charities of your choice.
- Pension – you will be eligible to join our pension scheme which we will also contribute to.
- Personal Support Network – you will receive a dedicated buddy and mentor and will join an early careers community of peers that will support you forward every step of the way.
- Reward and Award Schemes – access to our long service awards and above and beyond rewards.
- Social Value – you will be encouraged to support social impact activities each year to support charities and local community organisations.
Principal Electrical Design Engineer in Havant employer: AFECO
AFECO is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and career progression. With a focus on innovative engineering solutions in the water industry, employees have the opportunity to work on diverse projects while benefiting from a comprehensive benefits package, including life insurance and a company pension. Located in the South of England and Midlands, AFECO fosters a friendly environment where safety and quality are paramount, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Electrical Design Engineer in Havant
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal Electrical Design Engineer role you’re after at AFECO.
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✨Engage with Online Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Electrical Design Engineer in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Electrical Design Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at AFECO a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to AFECO specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at AFECO
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with AFECO, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like AFECO want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
