Project Lead Engineer

Project Lead Engineer

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Centrica Plc

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead engineering activities for innovative energy projects and ensure technical excellence.
  • Company: Join Centrica, a family of brands transforming the energy landscape.
  • Benefits: Flexible work options, competitive pay, and comprehensive support for your well-being.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusivity and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy solutions while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Master's in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and experience in utility-scale projects.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.

We’re so much more than an energy company. We’re a family of brands revolutionising how we power the planet. We're energisers. One team of 21,000 colleagues that's energising a greener, fairer future by creating an energy system that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels, whilst living our powerful commitment to igniting positive change in our communities. Here, you can find more purpose, more passion, and more potential. That’s why working here is #MoreThanACareer.

Centrica Power is developing our next generation of power and storage assets, and operates our share in the UK’s existing nuclear fleet, as well as Whitegate power station, our portfolio of batteries, renewable generation and gas peaking plants. Centrica has also invested into the planned Sizewell C nuclear power station, reinforcing our long-term support for the UK’s low carbon energy future.

The Project Lead Engineer (Mechanical or Electrical) will lead discipline specific engineering activities across a diverse project portfolio (~1 GW) of utility‐scale energy assets, including but not limited to gas peaking plants, grid‐scale solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and synchronous condensers. The role provides technical leadership from early-stage project development through FEED, detailed design, construction, commissioning, and handover. Working closely with project teams, contractors, and external stakeholders, the role ensures engineering excellence, robust governance, and compliance with Centrica Power standards, specifications, and regulatory requirements.

The Project Lead Engineer plays a key role in ensuring safe, compliant, and optimised engineering design and delivery across the portfolio with a current focus on UK & Ireland. The role can be aligned to a Centrica UK & Ireland office with travel required in UK & Ireland for team meetings and site visits. Office locations include Cork, Dublin, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, and Reading (very soon).

Role Accountabilities:
  • Provide technical oversight and assurance across all project phases: development, FEED, detailed design, construction, commissioning, and handover to O&M.
  • Review, coordinate, and assure discipline specific engineering deliverables produced by EPCs, OEMs, and consultants (including designs, specifications, studies, and calculations).
  • Ensure compliance with discipline specific standards, specifications, and regulatory requirements, in line with Centrica Power governance.
  • Identify, assess, and manage technical risks and deviations from standards, ensuring appropriate mitigation and governance.
  • Lead the coordination of engineering technical interfaces between project stakeholders, including EPC contractors, OEMs, TSO/DNO representatives, and engineering consultancies, ensuring effective integration and issue resolution.
  • Constructively challenge the technical design(s) to ensure optimum solution has been chosen and is being effectively delivered.
  • Contribute to procurement activities, including technical evaluations, tender development, and contractor/supplier selection (EPC, OEM, consultants).
  • Act as a key interface between internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and delivery certainty.
  • Champion engineering best practice, continuous improvement, and lessons learned, promoting consistent and high quality engineering outcomes across the portfolio.
  • Support capability development within the engineering function, including mentoring and development of project engineers and graduates.
The Person:
  • Strong technical knowledge in either mechanical or electrical engineering systems associated with utility‐scale energy assets (e.g. turbomachinery, balance of plant, HV/LV systems, protection & control, grid interfaces).
  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Understanding of relevant mechanical or electrical codes, standards, and legislation.
  • Demonstrable experience delivering utility-scale power generation or renewable energy projects from a mechanical or electrical engineering background.
  • Experience operating in a lead engineering role on complex infrastructure projects.
  • Proven track record in engineering design and construction delivery within contractor or consultancy environments.
  • Strong project management capability, including managing multiple concurrent workstreams.
  • Effective stakeholder engagement and communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Commercial awareness with the ability to challenge designs, assumptions, and supplier proposals.
  • Proactive, solutions-focused mindset with strong risk awareness.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and professional development.

We’re not a perfect place – but we’re a people place. Our priority is supporting all of the different realities our people face. Life is about so much more than work. We get it. That’s why we’ve designed our total rewards to give you the flexibility to choose what you need, when you need it, making sure that you and your family are supported not only financially, but physically and emotionally too.

If you're full of energy, fired up about sustainability, and ready to craft not only a better tomorrow, but a better you, then come and find your purpose in a team where your voice matters, your growth is non-negotiable, and your ambitions are our priority.

We’re looking for people to add to our culture – not fit in with it. We're building a community where you can be unapologetically you, where differences are celebrated, and where everyone can belong. Real inclusivity also means supporting the different realities our people face.

Project Lead Engineer employer: Centrica Plc

Centrica is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a flexible work environment across various UK locations. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, employees are empowered to contribute to meaningful projects in the energy sector while enjoying comprehensive benefits and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusivity. Join us to be part of a team where your voice matters and your professional development is a shared priority.

Centrica Plc

Contact Detail:

Centrica Plc Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Lead Engineer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or at industry events. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role at Centrica. Personal connections can make all the difference!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching Centrica’s projects and values. Show us you’re not just interested in the job, but in being part of our mission to create a greener future. Tailor your answers to reflect how your skills align with our goals.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your technical expertise and project management experience clearly and confidently.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. It shows us you’re genuinely interested and professional.

We think you need these skills to ace Project Lead Engineer

Technical Oversight
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Risk Management
Engineering Design

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Lead Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in mechanical or electrical engineering, especially in utility-scale energy projects. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to our vision of a greener future. Be genuine and let your personality come through.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your technical knowledge and project management capabilities. We’re looking for someone who can lead engineering activities effectively, so give us examples of your past successes!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company culture there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Centrica Plc

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to mechanical or electrical engineering systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving utility-scale energy assets. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Project Lead Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage multiple workstreams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects in the past, highlighting your stakeholder engagement and communication skills. This will help the interviewers see you as a strong candidate for the role.

Understand the Company’s Vision

Familiarise yourself with Centrica's commitment to sustainability and innovation. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of creating a greener, fairer future. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their journey.

Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and company culture. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. Ask about their approach to continuous improvement and how they support professional development.