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.