Principal Electrical Consulting Engineer

Overview

As Principal Electrical Consulting Engineer, you will lead complex power systems projects and guide technical design for high-voltage infrastructure within a global, employee-owned organization. You’ll drive client engagement, mentor engineers, and shape project delivery from FEED through commissioning. This role supports GHD’s energy-transition work across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Australia, delivering technically rigorous and commercially sound solutions. You’ll be at the forefront of shaping resilient electrical networks and leading cross-functional teams.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-linked benefits
• Hybrid working
• 25 days annual leave plus up to 4 extra weeks
• Pension, private medical, income protection
• Enhanced parental leave and family-friendly policies
• Cycle to work, gym discounts, retail savings

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical lead on major power system projects (transmission, distribution, generation)
• Lead design, specification, and integration of high-voltage systems (substations, cables, transformers, switchgear, reactive compensation)
• Deliver FEED and conceptual studies, due diligence, and act as Owner’s Engineer
• Provide input on power system protection, equipment specification, and system performance
• Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and on-site construction activities
• Build strong client relationships, identify opportunities, and contribute to business development and tendering
• Mentor and develop junior engineers across UK and international teams

Key requirements

• Degree in Electrical Engineering (BEng/BSc minimum; MEng/MSc desirable)
• 10+ years’ experience in power systems engineering (transmission, distribution, or generation)
• Broad understanding of UK electricity sector, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholders
• Expertise in at least one: HV plant/equipment, power cable systems, or power system protection and control
• Experience with design, specification, operation and maintenance of HV infrastructure
• Client-facing consulting experience with technically rigorous, commercially grounded advice
• FAT/SAT, commissioning and on-site works exposure (desirable)
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or working towards with a relevant institution (e.g. IET)

• Client engagement
• Leadership and mentoring
• Cross-functional collaboration
• High-voltage plant and equipment (switchgear, transformers, harmonic filters, dynamic reactive compensation)
• Power cable system design and specification
• Power system protection and control

…