Principal Electrical Engineer - Energy from Waste

Job Description:

Astute People are working with a leading Waste Management Company who own & operate a number of Waste to Energy facilities across the UK. With two plants in Operation and a further two under construction, now is a great time to join the business as it grows. As part of their growth plans, they are looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer to join their centralised Engineering Team.

As the Principal Electrical Engineer you act as the subject matter expert across their existing and future assets. This pivotal role will provide technical leadership, ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and compliance of all electrical systems and supporting strategic business objectives.

If you have the relevant experience (please see below) and are looking for a rewarding role in the Power sector, then please apply.

Responsibilities and duties of the Principal Electrical Engineer role
Reporting to the Head of Engineering & Maintenance, you will be responsible for:

• Act as the technical authority for all electrical engineering across all UK power generation sites including the development and implementation of electrical engineering standards, design criteria, and best practices.

• Provide expert support to site engineering teams on complex technical challenges, including root cause analysis (RCA) and continuous improvement (CI) initiatives.

• Drive the implementation of strategic maintenance methodologies, including Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) and Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM).

• Oversee and review the design, specification, installation, and commissioning of new electrical systems and plant upgrades.

• Support CAPEX project development, including feasibility studies, cost estimation, and risk assessments.

• Monitor asset performance and propose targeted improvements to enhance system reliability and operational efficiency.

• Contribute to and support electrical safety initiatives, including functional safety assessments, arc flash studies, switching schedules, and site-wide safety programs.

• Lead and participate in HAZOPs, design reviews, and technical audits.

• Assist with High Voltage (HV) SAP authorisation panels and support electrical competence assessments.

• Liaise with external stakeholders including consultants, DNOs/TSOs, OEMs, and regulatory bodies.

• Prepare and deliver technical reports and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and investors.

Professional qualifications
We are looking for someone with the following:

• Ideally qualified with a Degree in Electrical Engineering or relevant discipline. ONC / HND / HNC will be considered with suitable experience.

• Working towards or attained Chartership Status (IEng / CEng)

• IET Membership

• IOSH or NEBOSH in Health & Safety or similar

• Qualified High Voltage Senior Authorised Person

Personal skills
The Principal Electrical Engineer role would suit someone who has:

• Experience working with electrical assets from a similar environment such as Waste to Energy, Biomass, CCGT, CHP, Refinery, COMAH, Utilities plant etc

• At least years experience working with low voltage & high voltage systems.

• Proven work experience with maintenance, design and upgrade of generators, LV / HV switchgear, protections systems and control systems.

• Experience working with electrical modelling tools including ETAP, DIgSILENT PowerFactory

Salary and benefits of the Principal Electrical Engineer role

• Industry competitive salary

• Car Allowance

• Pension

• Bonus opportunity

• Further full company benefits

• Opportunity to join a growing organisation in a new fleet wide Engineering role

INDPOW

Astute People are acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and comply with all relevant UK legislation. We encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Astute is also committed to the government's Disability Confident Employer initiative. We endeavour to get back to everyone, however, if you have not heard anything after 7 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.