At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering activities for innovative energy projects, ensuring technical excellence and compliance.
- Company: Centrica Power, a leader in low-carbon energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to shape the future of energy.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's energy future with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Master's in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and experience in utility-scale projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Company Overview
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 in the planned Sizewell C nuclear power station, reinforcing our long‑term support for the UK’s low‑carbon energy future.
Role Summary
The Project Lead Engineer (Mechanical or Electrical) leads discipline‑specific engineering activities across a diverse project portfolio (~1 GW) of utility‑scale energy assets—including gas peaking plants, grid‑scale solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and synchronous condensers—through all project phases from early‑stage development to handover.
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 the 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.
Qualifications
- 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.
Project Lead Engineer in Whitegate employer: Centrica
Centrica Power is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets sustainability in the energy sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and mentorship, ensuring that our team members thrive as they lead impactful projects in the UK's low-carbon energy future. Our collaborative culture fosters creativity and excellence, making Centrica Power a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to meaningful energy solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Lead Engineer in Whitegate
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Project Lead Engineer role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your technical expertise and project management experience. We want to see how your background in mechanical or electrical engineering can bring value to their projects. Be ready to discuss specific examples!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research Centrica Power and understand their projects and values. We recommend preparing answers to common questions and thinking of questions to ask them too. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their low-carbon energy future.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Lead Engineer in Whitegate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Lead Engineer role. Highlight your experience with utility-scale energy assets and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background in mechanical or electrical engineering makes you a perfect fit. Let us know what excites you about working with Centrica Power.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical knowledge in your application. Mention specific systems or projects you've worked on that relate to gas peaking plants, solar, or battery storage. We love seeing concrete examples of your expertise!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at Centrica
✨Know Your Technical 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 not only understand the theory but also have practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your project management capabilities. Talk about how you've managed multiple workstreams and coordinated with various stakeholders. This is crucial for the Project Lead Engineer role, so be ready to demonstrate your ability to keep everything on track.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve effectively engaged with both technical and non-technical audiences in the past. Be prepared to share instances where you’ve had to communicate complex ideas clearly. This will show that you can bridge the gap between different teams and ensure everyone is aligned.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Centrica values innovation and continuous improvement, so come armed with examples of how you've championed best practices or implemented lessons learned in previous roles. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and commitment to enhancing engineering outcomes.
