At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative AC power systems for cutting-edge synthetic fuel plants.
- Company: Join one of Europe's most exciting hardware startups with a high-ownership culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic startup environment with a focus on creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable technology while challenging conventional engineering norms.
- Qualifications: 5-15 years in industrial electrical design and experience with functional safety standards.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
We are looking for a Senior Electrical Design Engineer with 5-15 years of experience to take ownership of our industrial AC power architecture as we scale from 1 megawatt to multi-megawatt synthetic fuel plants. You'll be joining a lean, high-ownership engineering team at one of Europe's most well-funded hardware startups, designing electrical systems that power modular direct air capture, electrolyzer, and reactor subsystems.
We need someone who combines deep technical experience in power systems and functional safety with the creativity to challenge conventional engineering approaches because we're designing for lowest cost of methane production, not highest efficiency. This is a foundational hire to bring in-house expertise that prevents costly redesigns as we scale toward 50MW unit production.
What will you be doing?
- Own the full AC power system architecture — optimizing power conversion, distribution, and balance of plant for cost, manufacturability, and reliability at megawatt scale.
- Produce and maintain power architecture schematics, protection strategies, cable sizing calculations, and panel designs that meet regulatory requirements.
- Lead or contribute to safety system architecture including HAZOPs, HAZIDs, FMEAs, and functional safety standards (IEC 61508) — ensuring designs are safe for environments with hydrogen present.
- Design electrical systems (3-phase, motors, pumps, heaters, I/Os) across the reactor, electrolyzer, and direct air capture subsystems, accounting for variable solar-powered production profiles.
- Lead panel certification activities under the Machinery Directive and Low Voltage Directive (CE/UKCA) and mentor junior engineers.
Seniority
- 5 - 15 years of experience in industrial electrical design (power systems, process plants, or industrial machinery).
Work experience
- Designed megawatt-scale AC power architectures for industrial or process plant systems.
- Experience with functional safety (IEC 61508, SIL/SIF) in regulated or hazardous environments.
- Worked in a fast-paced startup or novel technology environment (e.g. eVTOL, solar, carbon capture, vertical farms).
Education
- Degree in electrical engineering or closely related discipline.
- Strong academic background (top university or demonstrable high performance).
Hard skills
- Industrial power system design: protection strategies, cable sizing, panel design, 3-phase systems.
- Electrical CAD proficiency (EPLAN, Solidworks Electrical, or AutoCAD Electrical).
- ATEX/hazardous area classification or high-power DC systems experience.
Soft skills
- Creative problem-solver who challenges conventional engineering approaches rather than defaulting to standard industry practice.
Miscellaneous
- Willing to work in-person 5 days/week in London (Bermondsey); relocation support available.
Traits to avoid
- Rigid process-followers who only replicate existing designs without adapting to novel constraints.
- Purely managerial profiles with no recent hands-on technical IC work.
- Candidates whose experience is entirely outsourced/contractor-managed with no direct design ownership.
Senior Electrical Design Engineer in London employer: American IT Systems
Palantir is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among high-complexity teams. With a focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development in cutting-edge technologies like Kubernetes and Terraform, all while contributing to meaningful projects that support UK Government programs in defense. Our London location not only offers a vibrant city life but also a unique chance to work on secure and scalable infrastructure that makes a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Electrical Design Engineer in London
✨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 Senior Electrical Design Engineer role you’re after at American IT Systems.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at American IT Systems a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at American IT Systems.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Senior Electrical Design Engineer at American IT Systems, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Electrical Design Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior 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 American IT Systems 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 American IT Systems 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 American IT Systems
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with American IT Systems, 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 American IT Systems 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.
