Associate Electrical Engineer (Direct Current Power Systems) – London, Bicester or Newcastle

Overview

In this role you will establish RED’s DC power design capability for high-density AI data centre infrastructure and become the in-house expert on DC power systems. You will develop reference designs with R&D, support technical assurance, and upskill teams from AC to combined AC/DC design. Your work will shape RED’s solutions for AI-ready data centre environments while aligning with European market needs. This is a strategic position with an emphasis on practical consultancy and capability building.

Pay / Benefits

• 23 days annual leave increasing
• Hybrid Working
• Contributory pension
• Healthcare scheme
• Non-contractual bonus awards
• Training sponsorship

Responsibilities

• Establish in-house DC design and power modelling capability for AI data centre infrastructure
• Develop DC reference designs in collaboration with R&D
• Serve as central SME for DC power system design, modelling, integration and assurance
• Create design guidance, calculation methods and training paths for upskilling AC designers to AC/DC capability
• Lead technical development of DC power distribution concepts for high-density data centres
• Develop DC power system studies (load flow, voltage drop, fault conditions, protection, resilience, maintainability)
• Define DC reference architectures including interfaces with AC utilities, transformers, UPS, energy storage, and rack-level power delivery
• Assess equipment availability, standards compliance, and local approvals
• Support R&D in comparing AC vs DC distribution and establish design rules for reference solutions in Europe
• Develop technical standards, design notes, checklists, and calculation templates for DC systems
• Advise project teams on DC topology, safety, earthing, isolation, protection, and commissioning
• Represent RED in technical discussions with clients, partners, and suppliers on DC power infrastructure
• Support bids and client-facing strategy for AI and data centre power architectures
• Train and mentor engineers to develop practical DC design competence alongside AC capability
• Maintain awareness of standards, product ecosystems, and market directions for DC power in data centres

Key requirements

• Deep understanding of DC power distribution principles and topology
• Knowledge of power electronics, protection methods, fault strategies and arc mitigation
• Understanding of differences between traditional DC and high-density DC for data centres/AI infrastructure
• Strong power modelling capability using electrical analysis tools and advanced spreadsheet methods
• Ability to compare AC vs DC options for high-density AI data centres (technical, safety, resilience, spatial, operational, commercial)
• Ability to develop earthing, bonding, and fault management principles for DC systems with interfaces to AC supplies, UPS, storage, etc.
• Ability to interpret and apply UK/European/international standards and evolving market regulations
• Ability to produce design narratives, reports, calculation packs, and reference design documents
• Strong communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines, and operate in a central advisory role across teams and regions
• Good understanding of the data centre market and mission-critical engineering
• Awareness of evolving AI factory infrastructure impact on electrical design assumptions
• Understanding of international working and global consultancy operating model
• Commitment to ethical conduct, technical integrity, and quality assurance

• Strong communication
• Stakeholder management
• Problem solving
• DC power distribution
• Power modelling and analysis
• Protection and fault management

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