Principal Electrical Engineer

Principal Electrical Engineer – Major Projects
Location: Reading
Salary: £70,000 – £75,000 + £5,800 Car Allowance + Bonus
Working Pattern: 36 hours per week (Mon–Fri)

Shape the Future of Critical Infrastructure
This is not a typical engineering role.
You will take a lead position in delivering major infrastructure programmes, influencing how electrical engineering is defined, delivered, and improved across large-scale, safety-critical projects.
Working at the forefront of complex capital delivery, you will set standards, build capability, and lead technical excellence across a portfolio that directly impacts millions of people.

The Role
As Principal Electrical Engineer, you will operate at both strategic and technical leadership level, driving engineering quality across the full project lifecycle.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading and developing a high-performing electrical engineering team (from graduates through to senior engineers)
Providing technical authority across HV/LV design, including specifications, SLDs, load schedules, and power system studies
Owning engineering assurance and compliance, ensuring robust, safe, and user-focused designs
Acting as the DSEAR technical lead, embedding best practice and ensuring programme-wide compliance
Driving continuous improvement in engineering standards, consistency, and delivery efficiency
Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams and supply chain partners to deliver integrated solutions
About You
You are an experienced engineering leader who combines deep technical expertise with the ability to influence at senior level.
You will bring:

Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent); Chartership preferred
Significant experience (15+ years) in electrical engineering within utilities or comparable regulated environments
Strong background in HV/LV design and complex project delivery
Proven ability to build, lead, and develop engineering teams
In-depth understanding of DSEAR and safety-critical compliance frameworks
A track record of raising engineering standards and improving delivery performance
Confidence engaging senior stakeholders, offering pragmatic and commercially aware solutions
The Opportunity

Play a key leadership role in major infrastructure programmes
Influence engineering strategy across a large, complex organisation
Build and shape a new electrical engineering capability
Work on projects with long-term national impact and sustainability focus
What’s on Offer

£70,000 – £75,000 salary
£5,800 car allowance
Annual bonus
26 days holiday (rising to 30) + bank holidays
Private medical insurance
Generous pension scheme
Flexible / hybrid working (2–3 days on-site or office)
Wider benefits including wellbeing support, cycle to work, and retail discounts
The Company
A leading UK infrastructure organisation delivering essential water and wastewater services to millions. Known for long-term investment, complex project delivery, and a strong focus on sustainability, this is an environment where engineering plays a central, valued role in shaping the future.

Apply
If you are looking to take on a strategic leadership role within major engineering programmes, apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion