At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-impact energy conversion projects and drive innovative solutions.
- Company: GHD, a global leader in engineering and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and ethical leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy and make a real impact on sustainability.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in energy projects, strong technical skills, and project leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At GHD we are committed to addressing the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of energy, water and communities.
We are a global network of multi-disciplinary professionals providing clients with integrated solutions through engineering, environmental, design and construction expertise. Our future-focused, innovative approaches connect and support communities around the world, building resiliency and sustainability for generations to come. Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 10,000+ diverse and skilled individuals connected by over 200 offices, across five continents.
Shape the Future of Energy with GHD. At GHD, we don’t just work on projects—we help shape a sustainable future. We currently have exciting opportunities available for Principal Engineers in our Energy Solutions Business Group delivering cutting-edge energy solutions for a diverse portfolio of clients across the UK and globally. You will work at the intersection of innovation, technical excellence, and purpose, joining a high-performing team tackling the UK’s and the world’s energy transition challenges head-on. From decarbonising power generation to enabling circular energy systems, this is an opportunity to deliver high-impact work on the technologies that will define the decades ahead. We’re seeking someone who brings not only strong technical acumen but also the ability to lead projects, collaborate across disciplines, and influence the future of energy.
The Role
- Lead and deliver high-impact projects across energy conversion technologies—from conventional thermal power to next-generation renewable and bioenergy systems.
- Drive the design, performance modelling, and feasibility analysis of energy generation and storage systems.
- Provide technical leadership on major project deliverables, mentoring junior engineers and interfacing with clients at senior levels.
- Apply your expertise to power generation, energy storage, waste-to-energy and hybrid system projects.
- Conduct and manage technical due diligence, feasibility studies, process evaluations, and system integration reviews for utility-scale and industrial clients.
- Collaborate on multi-disciplinary projects, working closely with process, mechanical, electrical, and civil teams.
- Support business development by contributing to proposals, client presentations, and technical strategy.
Key Skills
- 10+ years of relevant experience in energy generation and conversion projects (e.g. power plants, renewables, WtE, CHP, hydrogen, biofuels).
- Strong foundation in thermodynamics, energy systems modelling, and process engineering.
- Proven experience with power plant performance analysis and simulation tools (e.g. Aspen Plus, EBSILON, Thermoflex, or similar).
- A solid understanding of energy conversion cycles (e.g. Rankine, Brayton, combined cycle, ORC, etc.).
- Demonstrated success in project leadership, including client engagement and multi-disciplinary coordination.
- Strong grasp of technical due diligence, conceptual design, and lifecycle project development in the energy sector.
- Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) with a relevant institution (e.g. IMechE, IChemE).
- A degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Process or Energy Engineering (or related discipline).
Why Join GHD?
- Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package (pension, medical, income protection, enhanced parental leave, and more).
- Up to 25 days annual leave + option to buy up to 4 additional weeks.
- Flexible, team-led working model that respects your life outside work.
- Clear career pathways—whether your passion lies in technical excellence, client leadership, or people management.
- A global, employee-owned company where your contribution shapes the future.
- Access to our Employee Network Groups and tools to support your mental health and wellbeing.
- The chance to be part of a company committed to diversity, sustainability, and ethical leadership.
Let’s put your ideas into action. If you see the world differently and are driven by a desire to make real change, together we’ll make it happen. Everybody at GHD has their own commitment, and we’re here to support yours. Your success is our success, and together we’ll make a lasting impact on our world for generations to come.
Principal Engineer - Energy Conversion employer: GHD
At GHD, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through clear career pathways and access to diverse projects that shape the future of energy. With a competitive benefits package and a focus on sustainability and ethical leadership, joining our team means contributing to meaningful change while enjoying a supportive and flexible work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer - Energy Conversion
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the energy sector! Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more you engage with professionals, the better your chances of landing that Principal Engineer role at GHD.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with energy conversion projects and how you've tackled challenges. This is your moment to shine and show why you're the perfect fit for GHD.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Make sure to tailor your conversations and presentations to highlight your skills in thermodynamics and energy systems modelling. GHD is looking for someone who can lead and innovate, so let them know how you can contribute to their mission!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through the GHD website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in being part of a company that’s shaping the future of energy.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer - Energy Conversion
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your expertise in energy generation and conversion projects, and don’t forget to mention any relevant software tools you’ve used!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about energy solutions and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Be sure to connect your experience with the key skills mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading projects and mentoring junior engineers, make sure to include examples of your leadership experience. We want to see how you've successfully managed teams and engaged with clients in past projects.
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 details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at GHD
✨Know Your Energy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of energy conversion technologies. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving power generation and renewable systems. This will show that you not only understand the technical aspects but also have hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves leading projects and mentoring junior engineers, prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as well as how you engaged with clients at senior levels.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
GHD values collaboration across disciplines, so be ready to talk about your experience working with different teams. Highlight any multi-disciplinary projects you've been part of and how you contributed to their success. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a diverse environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some in-depth technical questions related to thermodynamics, energy systems modelling, and performance analysis tools. Brush up on your knowledge of energy conversion cycles and be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in real-world scenarios.
