Principal ICA Engineer in London

Are you an experienced ICA Engineer who wants to make a genuine impact? Do you thrive on taking a leading role in some of the UK’s most exciting and forward-thinking engineering projects? We’re recruiting for a driven and highly skilled Principal ICA Engineer to join a dynamic, multi-disciplinary design and technology team delivering innovative solutions for major Water sector clients—including United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, Scottish Water and Northern Ireland Water—along with other regional authorities.

In this role, you’ll help drive transformational programmes across critical UK infrastructure, with opportunities to contribute to landmark engineering projects both nationally and internationally. You’ll be part of a team that supports clients through every stage of the project lifecycle, from early design through construction and delivery.

We’re committed to cultivating an environment where every voice is valued and diverse perspectives fuel better outcomes. Collaboration, inclusion, and professional recognition are at the heart of the team culture. We also understand that people have different priorities—so flexibility matters. This role offers hybrid working, with three days per week office/site based. Positions are available in Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, or Newcastle.

Your Role

As a Principal ICA Engineer, you’ll take on a challenging and rewarding position that allows you to apply your technical expertise, leadership skills, and problem-solving abilities while continuing to grow your career. Responsibilities include:

• Leading and coordinating a team of Electrical & ICA engineers to deliver high-quality technical design work on complex multi-disciplinary projects.
• Managing project timelines, workloads, and budgets to meet key milestones.
• Producing and leading the development of core technical deliverables—such as Single Line Diagrams, Cable Block Diagrams, Load Schedules, MCC specifications, Control Philosophies, and Control Network Architecture.
• Providing ICA-focused technical input across major design packages and supporting effective project delivery.
• Collaborating closely with clients, project managers, and multi-disciplinary teams across the UK and internationally.
• Mentoring and developing junior engineers to strengthen Electrical & ICA capability across the team.
• Working independently, exercising sound engineering judgement, and supporting colleagues with technical guidance.
• Supporting bid proposals and contributing to business development initiatives.
• Ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards through checking and reviewing both your own work and that of others.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings both technical excellence and strong leadership qualities. Ideally, you will have:

• A degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status.
• Proven experience leading or managing an ICA engineering design team within a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Strong, practical knowledge of ICA design and relevant industry standards, including water industry specifications such as WIMES.
• Awareness of HAZOP, lightning protection assessments, earthing and bonding, lighting design, DSEAR and ATEX practices.
• Competency with digital analysis tools such as Trimble/Amtech.
• The ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Experience within industrial or process environments (essential); experience in the water sector is preferred but not mandatory.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset and a passion for contributing to team success.