Whitehaven (Hybrid - 2-3 days per week in office)
Contract - 12 Months
Rate - £65 per hour
We are seeking an experienced Principal EC&I Engineer to lead the design, development, and delivery of EC&I solutions across complex, safety-critical projects. This role is heavily design-focused, requiring ownership of electrical power system studies, protection design, and technical assurance, ensuring all outputs meet regulatory, safety, and engineering standards.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Delivery
Lead the design and development of EC&I systems, ensuring solutions are technically robust, compliant, and fit for purpose.
Own and maintain the electrical power system model (ETAP or equivalent) to support design development and validation.
Produce and review key design deliverables including: Fault level calculations, Protection coordination studies, Arc flash risk assessments.
Ensure all designs align with relevant standards, specifications, and best practice.
Act as the technical authority for power distribution and protection design.
Lead the design and analysis of 11kV and 400V electrical systems and substations.
Carry out and review unit protection schemes (differential and high impedance).
Support the wider design team with power system expertise, ensuring integration across disciplines.
Contribute to the development and improvement of engineering design standards and procedures.
Design Assurance & Reviews
Act as Lead Design Engineer, overseeing:Design reviews, Technical queries, Formal design approvals.
Ensure all engineering outputs meet required levels of design assurance, safety, and quality.
Identify and mitigate design risks throughout the project lifecycle.
Technical Support & Stakeholder Engagement
Provide expert design support and guidance to internal teams and stakeholders.
Act as the primary technical interface for all EC&I design-related matters.
Leadership & Mentorship
Mentor engineers in design best practice and technical development.
Promote a strong design culture focused on quality, compliance, and innovation.
Requirements
Strong working knowledge of BS EN 60909 fault calculations within a design environment.
Experience using power system modelling software (e.g. ETAP or equivalent) for design and analysis.
Proven experience in design of power distribution and protection systems (11kV & 400V)
Experience in substation design and electrical infrastructure upgrades.
Strong understanding of design for ageing assets and system integration.
Experience developing and reviewing detailed engineering design documentation.
Desirable Experience
Experience working within highly regulated or safety-critical design environments.
Familiarity with tools such as Trimble, ERACS, DigSilent.
Knowledge of IEC 61850 and SCADA system design.
Chartered Engineer status or working towards.
Qualifications
Degree in Electrical, Instrumentation, or Control Engineering
HNC/HND with significant relevant design experience
Please note that this role will require security clearance.
If you are qualified and interested please apply, or email (url removed)
Salary description
£65.00 - £65.00 per hour