Senior Electrical Design Engineer in Manchester

About Net Zero People

Net Zero People (NZP) is a specialist recruitment consultancy focused exclusively on the renewable energy, infrastructure, and sustainability sectors. We partner with ambitious organisations across the UK and internationally to place exceptional talent at every level from technical specialists to senior leadership. This role is being recruited on behalf of a leading provider of sustainable facilities management, decarbonisation, and energy services operating across the UK.

Role Purpose

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Design Engineer to lead the delivery of high-quality electrical designs for decarbonisation and sustainable retrofit projects. The focus is on low-carbon systems including solar PV, battery energy storage, LED lighting, and building power infrastructure. You will provide technical leadership, design coordination, and mentoring within a multidisciplinary engineering team playing a pivotal role in accelerating the UK's transition to net zero.

Key Responsibilities

• Electrical Design & Engineering

• Provide strong technical grounding in LV electrical design to integrate low-carbon energy solutions including power distribution, solar PV, battery storage, LED lighting, and smart controls for heat pump integration and energy-efficiency measures in commercial, public-sector, and mixed-use buildings.
• Proven experience in solar PV design, including ground-mounted systems and building-integrated solutions (BIPV).
• Ability to integrate PV systems with electrical infrastructure and low-carbon technologies for retrofit and new-build projects.
• Apply a sound understanding of mechanical building services to enable effective multidisciplinary coordination.
• Deliver competent detailed design from RIBA Stage 2 to Stage 5, including calculations, single-line diagrams (SLDs), schematics, schedules, and technical reports.
• Manage engagement with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) from feasibility through to grid connection applications.
• Use AutoCAD proficiently with a good working knowledge of BIM workflows (Revit desirable).
• Lead electrical design packages on multi-disciplinary projects.
• Check, QA, and sign off electrical designs in line with BS 7671, IET Wiring Regulations, and UK Building Regulations.

• Undertake design coordination and management, integrating mechanical and energy systems for seamless project execution.
• Produce and develop technical reports, drawings, and specifications to a high standard.
• Lead client and contractor discussions, including technical presentations, with confidence.
• Work across Design & Build and Traditional procurement routes.
• Mentor junior engineers and actively enhance overall team capability.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines with strong organisational skills.
• Apply commercial awareness to support bids, scopes of work, and fee proposals.
• Identify design risks and contribute to risk mitigation strategies; maintain and manage design risk registers.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Essential

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or Building Services Engineering (BEng or equivalent).
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or demonstrably working towards chartership.
• Experience in design and design management, risk assessment, and project delivery of sustainable retrofit, low-carbon technologies, and energy efficiency projects.
• Experience working across full RIBA stages on multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in public sector or funding-driven decarbonisation projects such as PSDS and WH/SHDF.
• Proven expertise in electrical building services design, with a strong portfolio of delivered projects.
• Strong expertise in electrical systems design, retrofit strategies, and energy optimization including power systems, solar PV, battery storage, lighting systems, and smart controls.
• Strong working knowledge of BS 7671, IET Wiring Regulations, CIBSE, PAS 2035, MCS, Building Safety Act, and relevant UK building regulations.
• Strong presentation and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Working knowledge of BIM and CAD software for seamless design coordination and collaboration.

• Experience managing transmission-connected or large-scale energy assets.
• Postgraduate qualification or MBA.
• Knowledge of ESG reporting frameworks and sustainability standards.
• Track record of implementing robust design management systems.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Life cover equivalent to 2x annual salary
• Employee discount schemes on major brands and retailers
• Gym membership discounts and cycle to work scheme
• Holiday purchase scheme
• 2 corporate social responsibility days per year
• Broad learning opportunities including professional qualifications, collective and individual training, and personalised support programmes
• Attractive employee referral rewards scheme
• Access to growing employee networks
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and access to a mental wellbeing app
• Dynamic, supportive team culture with a shared commitment to the clean energy transition