Principal Electrical Engineer in London

Urenco is a global leader in the production of low carbon energy. We work at the cutting edge of the transition to a sustainable, net zero world. We are looking for a Principal Engineer (Electrical) based at our Capenhurst site to manage and lead internal and external resources in delivering design solutions.

In this role, you will lead a sizeable team that takes overall responsibility for the development of Electrical designs, both within major Capital Expenditure schemes and smaller plant projects/modifications. You and your team shall provide subject matter expertise, ensure codes, standards and good engineering practices are applied, and ensure efficient delivery of engineering solutions. Your work will focus on solving complex issues, maintaining an excellent level of safety, and driving improvements in plant performance and reliability. Your team shall work directly with other disciplines (C&I, Mechanical, Process and Civil), other functions (e.g. Project Management, Operations, Maintenance) and the Supply Chain to deliver optimised solutions.

This is an exciting role within a client organisation that operates a site of national significance, with a substantial HV/LV network and diverse electrical plant and equipment. We are undergoing a very large programme of investment and have a strong order book extending well into the future. To ensure our success, this role shall directly support the transformation of the Engineering function.

At Urenco we’re committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. If you feel you meet some, but not all of what we’re looking for, please still apply. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people, and to achieve this we offer market leading training and development experiences.

What you’ll do:

• Subject Matter Expertise: Ensure inherent safety is integrated into design solutions, considering engineering behaviours, human factors, and failure modes.
• Design Considerations: Incorporate full range of engineering, operational, process and maintenance conditions into design.
• Documentation Management: Ensure all documents are marked and managed correctly from a security and export control perspective.
• Legislative Compliance: Guarantee engineering designs are compliant with all relevant regulations.
• Design Reviews and HAZOP: Drive efficient progression through design reviews and HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Studies).
• Operational Requirements: Design systems that align with start-up, shutdown, and turndown processes, adhering to operational requirements.
• Team Leadership: Foster a collaborative engineering environment and encourage teamwork to drive excellence.
• Performance Improvement: Continuously improve project delivery, commissioning, and operational support to enhance engineering systems.
• Change Management: Lead change management initiatives and support electrical safety and incident investigations.
• Problem Solving: Provide solutions to complex problems, improving plant performance and reliability.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Act as a trusted advisor to the wider Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance teams.
• Coaching & Mentoring: Provide guidance and support to engineers.
• Engineering Delivery: Improve the delivery of electrical engineering, ensuring all operating modes and conditions are considered.
• Standards Enhancement: Enhance engineering standards to ensure long-term maintainability of electrical systems.
• Project Leadership: Lead the design of new projects and significant plant modifications, ensuring safety, operability, and quality are met.
• Quality Improvement: Improve engineering quality by ensuring timely input, leading to reduced re-work.
• Engineering Documentation: Ensure all engineering documentation is fit for purpose and maintainable.

What do you need to thrive in this role?

• Chartered/Incorporated Engineer status preferred.
• Degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering with 10+ years’ experience.
• 10+ years in regulated environments (ideally chemical/nuclear, COMAH or heavy industry).
• Experience in management and leadership of Engineering teams.
• Strong knowledge of Electrical technologies and equipment.
• Proven experience in multi-disciplinary teamwork and understanding engineering contributions.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to adapt to different audiences.
• Ability to work with technical experts and plant teams at all levels.
• In-depth knowledge of design standards, change management, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with Electrical system design.
• Ability to achieve and retain required security clearances.

What can you expect from us?

• Generous Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days, increasing by one day every two years (up to 30 days), plus 13 additional flexible days. Option to buy or sell up to 5 holiday days.
• Family-Friendly Policies: A wide range of policies to support work-life balance and family needs.
• Bonus Scheme: A competitive bonus scheme based on company and individual performance.
• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution plan with up to 16% employer contribution.
• Private Medical & Dental Cover: Single coverage with the option to purchase additional benefits.
• Flexible Benefits: Life assurance, income protection, and other options tailored to your lifestyle, with tax and National Insurance savings.
• Training & Development: A focus on continuous learning, with personalised training packages to support your career growth, including mandatory health and safety courses.

Creating a diverse and inclusive workforce

As a truly global company with a presence in the UK, USA, Germany, and the Netherlands, we know that our individual differences make us stronger. Putting people at the heart of our business, we strive to create an open and inclusive workplace that allows every voice to be heard and diversity to thrive. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, please let our talent acquisition team know.

Because together, we are one Urenco. We are enriching the world. And enriching your future.

How to Apply

Urenco is committed to encouraging equality and diversity within our workforce. Are you enthusiastic about this position and you don't meet every single requirement? The real fit for a job is not always in your current experience or education. We are striving towards strong, diverse and complementary teams, in an inclusive and authentic workplace. So if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be just the right candidate for this or other roles and we would like to meet you!

We outsource our recruitment process to Morson Group. If you choose to apply, the data you enter will be processed on behalf of Urenco by Morson as our recruitment partner.