Principal Electrical Engineer - Nuclear in Manchester

Principal Electrical Engineer - Nuclear in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead electrical design on Defence and Nuclear Energy projects, from concept to detailed design.
  • Company: Costain delivers smart infrastructure solutions across energy, water, transport, and defence sectors.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with remote options and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Security clearance required; mentoring opportunities available for junior engineers.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact in the nuclear sector while developing your engineering skills.
  • Qualifications: Degree in electrical engineering or equivalent; experience in nuclear sector preferred.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

This is an exciting and challenging role where you will perform the Principal Electrical Engineer role on a range of Defence and Nuclear Energy projects from Concept Studies through to Detailed Design, providing a variety of interesting work. Working predominantly for our Defence and Nuclear Energy clients, there may also be a requirement to support work across other sectors within Costain. Industries can range across Water, Transport and Energy including Green Energy, Nuclear and Oil and Gas.

Working in a multi-disciplinary team delivering projects in the Nuclear Sector, you will be responsible for the production of electrical design deliverables including analysis, calculations, reports and specifications. You will take responsibility for leading projects and sub-tasks from a technical perspective, communicating designs effectively to electrical engineers and designers, other disciplines, construction personnel and stakeholders. This is a hybrid role with a mix of remote and site/office-based work, with attendance occasionally required for site visits, design reviews and client meetings, mainly within the Northwest region. You will also support and guide more junior team members and challenge and deliver value engineering solutions, so you will need to be confident and assertive in front of clients.

Responsibilities

As a client-facing Principal Engineer, your responsibilities will/may involve:

  • Electrical discipline technical input for projects and/or proposals; including preparation, checking and/or approval of engineering documentation
  • Organising discipline staff, allocating work and ensuring delivery against plan
  • Mentoring and developing graduates and less experienced engineers
  • Production of high-quality electrical engineering deliverables to schedule, budget and client satisfaction
  • Ensuring designs are compliant with all applicable national and international codes of practice, legislation and company/client standards
  • Preparing equipment specifications and requisitions for a variety of electrical equipment including HV and LV switchboards, transformers, UPS systems, power factor correction, motors, VFDs, trace-heating, lighting and other electrical equipment
  • Preparing installation scopes of works
  • Reviewing supplier's quotations and preparing technical bid assessments

More specific tasks could include:

  • Protection grading studies and earthing calculations
  • Power system analysis including fault level calculations and load flows
  • Electrical equipment sizing calculations
  • Commissioning support
  • DNO engagement and procurement support

Qualifications

Essential

  • Good knowledge of design working practices and installation requirements of the discipline within the Nuclear sector.
  • Significant electrical engineering experience within the Nuclear sector
  • Security Clearance or capability to achieve it
  • Extensive knowledge of UK legislation and standards
  • Competence in the requirements for installation of equipment on Nuclear plant
  • Experience in the requirements for CE marking of plant and equipment, including ATEX, PED, Low Voltage Directive, Machinery Directive and EMC Compliance
  • Aware of risk identification, quantification, management and of HSE requirements
  • Degree in electrical engineering or suitable equivalent (e.g. Electronic / Electrical / Control Engineering)
  • Apprenticeships may be considered
  • Chartered or Incorporated engineer status with a relevant professional body or evidence of being close to gaining these professional titles

Desirable

  • Experience of working in multi-discipline teams
  • Experience of leading projects in a client-facing role
  • Experience in the requirements for ATEX
  • 18th Edition Wiring Regulations

Costain helps to improve people's lives with integrated, leading edge, smart infrastructure solutions across the UK's energy, water, transportation and defence markets. We help our clients improve their business performance by increasing capacity, improving customer service, safeguarding security, enhancing resilience, decarbonising and delivering increased efficiency. Our vision is to be the UK's leading smart infrastructure solutions company.

We will achieve this by focusing on blue chip clients whose major spending plans are underpinned by strategic national needs, regulatory commitments, legislation or essential performance requirements. We offer our clients leading edge solutions that are digitally optimised through the following five services which cover the whole lifecycle of their assets: future-shaping strategic consultancy; consultancy and advisory; digital technology solutions; asset optimisation and complex programme delivery. Our culture and values underpin everything we do.

Costain appreciates the time and effort taken when applying for one of our positions but, due to the high volume of responses, we are unable to provide individual feedback on candidates at application phase. We do share individual feedback following an interview.

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that discloses they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.

Principal Electrical Engineer - Nuclear in Manchester employer: Costain Group

At Costain, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values diverse perspectives and innovation. As an Area Manager MRP East CMO, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects in the East of England while benefiting from comprehensive employee growth opportunities and a strong commitment to health and safety. Our supportive environment encourages collaboration and personal development, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.

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Contact Details:

Costain Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Electrical Engineer - Nuclear in Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest UK legislation and standards relevant to the Nuclear sector. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and safety, which are crucial in this field.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the Nuclear industry, especially those who have experience in multi-disciplinary teams. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that align with the responsibilities of a Principal Electrical Engineer. Highlight your leadership skills and how you've successfully mentored junior engineers in past roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on the latest technologies and trends in electrical engineering, particularly those related to nuclear energy and green energy solutions. Showing your enthusiasm for innovation can set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Electrical Engineer - Nuclear in Manchester

Electrical Design Engineering
Nuclear Sector Knowledge
Project Management
Technical Documentation Preparation
Client Engagement
Team Leadership
Mentoring and Development of Junior Engineers

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in electrical engineering, particularly within the Nuclear sector. Emphasise your technical skills and any leadership roles you've held, as these are crucial for the Principal Electrical Engineer position.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the job description. Mention your experience with multi-disciplinary teams and client-facing roles, and how you can contribute to Costain's projects in Defence and Nuclear Energy.

Showcase Relevant Qualifications:Clearly list your qualifications, including your degree in electrical engineering and any professional certifications. If you have experience with ATEX or other relevant regulations, make sure to highlight this as well.

Prepare for Technical Questions:Anticipate technical questions related to electrical design deliverables and compliance with UK legislation. Be ready to discuss your experience with power system analysis, equipment specifications, and risk management in the Nuclear sector.

How to prepare for a job interview at Costain Group

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Principal Electrical Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of electrical design principles, especially within the Nuclear sector. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, highlighting your role in producing high-quality deliverables and ensuring compliance with relevant standards.

✨Communicate Effectively

Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Prepare to explain complex technical concepts in a way that is accessible to non-engineers, showcasing your ability to bridge communication gaps within multi-disciplinary teams.

✨Prepare for Client-Facing Scenarios

Given the client-facing nature of the role, think about how you would handle challenging situations or questions from clients. Be ready to discuss how you would assertively present value engineering solutions and manage client expectations while maintaining professionalism.

✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentorship Skills

Highlight your experience in leading projects and mentoring junior engineers. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully guided less experienced team members, fostering their development while ensuring project success.