Graduate Power Systems Engineer

We have an exciting opportunity for a Graduate Power Systems Engineer to join our Power Systems Team at CPW, based in our Solihull Office. This is a permanent full-time position working 36.25 hours per week. At times, we find ourselves travelling to various sites across the UK for surveying private distribution networks and for coordinating our electrical designs with other designers and contractors; therefore, a moderate amount of travelling is expected.

This role will often challenge your problem-solving capabilities through developing solutions for our clients’ engineering problems, help you develop your analytical skills through network modelling and simulations, and offer you the opportunity to be involved with projects from the inception stage through to delivery on site.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing technical input and coordination with multidisciplinary design teams on a variety of project types, including privately owned and DNO distribution networks, substations and renewable energy integration.
• Liaison with DNOs and working closely with clients, contractors and other design teams.
• Network modelling and simulations (we use the ETAP software but experience with this or another similar platform is a requirement).
• Developing technical reports and specifications.
• Attendance at design team meetings and presenting designs to clients.
• Visiting sites to inspect installations and review contractor’s work.

Activities Undertaken

• Network design for electrical distribution networks from 400V up to 132kV, including grid connections, substation layouts, cable networks, embedded generation and earthing systems.
• Use of power systems software to model electrical infrastructure and produce studies that include: Load Flow Analysis, Fault Level Assessments, Protection and Grading studies, Determination of Arc Flash incident energy levels, Grid compliance studies as per ENA ER P28, P29, G5/5, Transient Stability.
• Earthing Systems following BS EN 50522, BS7430, ER S36-1, ENATS 41-24.
• Design and assessments in support of generation schemes, including standby and peak power, wind turbines, photovoltaic systems and battery storage.
• Connection applications for demand or generation schemes and obtaining compliance and approval from DNOs for disturbing loads or embedded generation to be connected.
• Preparation of drawings from concept to detailed design (single line diagrams, substation layouts, cable route and containment etc.) in AutoCAD and Revit.
• Production of specifications and technical reporting.
• Undertaking site surveys, investigations and liaison with contractors during project execution and commissioning.
• Offering power system advice to building services engineers.

Key Attributes

• The successful candidate will have a Degree in Power System Engineering or related discipline and previous experience of working in an engineering environment.
• Member of an appropriate professional body such as IET or an equivalent engineering institution.
• Aspiring to become Chartered Engineer status.
• Understanding of HV principles, transmission and distribution networks.
• Experience of using network modelling/simulation software.
• Good communication skills, a strong willingness to learn and a desire to develop new and existing skills.
• A desire for personal and professional development and a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Organised and methodical in your approach to managing your tasks and priorities.
• Collaborative in nature, able to empathise with clients' needs and utilise excellent communication skills, both in writing and verbally, with internal and external stakeholders.
• Good interpersonal communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.
• Able to use initiative to overcome challenges and have a positive, can-do attitude.
• Computer literacy and a willingness to learn new software programmes.
• Current UK driving licence (or at least learning).

What we offer

• Continuous professional development and training courses.
• Professional membership subscription.
• Support on your path to achieving Chartered status.
• Excellent growth and career opportunities.
• A forward-thinking, agile approach to working.
• Competitive pay and enhanced sickness/maternity/paternity pay schemes.
• Generous annual leave entitlement with the opportunity to buy and sell leave.
• Interesting and technically challenging projects.
• Recruitment referral bonus scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Electric vehicle scheme.
• Eye care vouchers.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Full allowance for team building activities.

Social and charitable giving is at the heart of CPW as a business. You will have the opportunity to engage in difference-making charity events, client events and local education initiatives, helping protect the future of our industry, our communities and the environment.

Building an inclusive work environment

We recognise our industry is underrepresented in terms of diversity and we are working hard to change this at CPW. CPW is a place where we want all staff to feel safe, protected and listened to. Our mission is to create a truly inclusive environment, building on diversity where all staff can flourish, have a sense of belonging and reach their full potential. We are committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to all candidates. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application. We would welcome a conversation to discuss a flexible working environment to suit your personal circumstances.

About CPW

We are passionate and experienced mechanical, electrical and low-carbon engineers who enjoy bringing buildings to life in ways that are better for the world. We’re a friendly team intent on bringing sustainability to the building services industry through design. We relish working collaboratively with our clients to solve their biggest problems. Our clients span a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, residential, commercial, industrial, pharmaceutical, zero carbon and public sector. Through the application of research-led design, innovation, and sustainable methodologies we can create tailored solutions that meet the needs of our clients, whilst also being positive for the environment and delivering on net-zero carbon.

Our people are the beating heart of our organisation. With over 400 staff across 13 office locations, we run an international operation spanning the UK, Poland and India. Our business is a family, where each person plays an important role in the day-to-day operation which contributes to its success. As such, staff well-being is our top priority. We are invested in our people; we strive to ensure that each member of our staff is fulfilled to be the best they can be. Ultimately, our people are our power.