Senior Electrical Engineer
Leading Consultancy | Water Sector | Manchester-based | Hybrid Working | Long-term Contract | Outside IR35 | Competitive Rate
The Opportunity
We're recruiting a Senior Electrical Engineer to take overall responsibility for electrical scope delivery across multiple water sector frameworks. You'll lead electrical design and engineering delivery on clean water and wastewater projects, managing schedules, technical documentation, team delivery and stakeholder engagement.
Contract Details: Outside IR35 | Competitive daily/monthly rate | Hybrid working (2-3 days office-based in Manchester) | Remaining days remote | Long-term contract
This is an engineering role for an experienced electrical engineer with extensive clean water or wastewater background. You'll be responsible for the full spectrum of electrical engineering delivery—from power system design and HV protection studies through to equipment specification, supplier management and site support. You'll manage project schedules and budgets, and ensure technical excellence across complex water infrastructure projects.
What You'll Be Doing
Project Delivery
- Assume responsibility for electrical scope delivery across assigned water projects
- Delegate work packages and manage schedules and budgets
- Prepare and manage schedules, MDRs and change control processes
- Lead technical meetings and manage project reporting to senior stakeholders
- Support project estimates including Cost to Rectify assessments
Electrical Design & Technical Delivery
- Provide electrical discipline technical input across the full project lifecycle
- Prepare, check and approve engineering documentation including:
- Basis of Design and Power System Calculations
- Earthing and Lightning Calculations
- Equipment sizing calculations and specifications
- Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), cable schedules, material take-offs
- Block Control Diagrams (BCDs), schematics, equipment and cable routing layouts
- Prepare installation scopes of work for electrical teams
- Conduct HV Power System Modelling and Protection Studies
- Manage electrical equipment ageing and obsolescence across projects
Equipment & Procurement Management
- Prepare equipment and materials requisitions for HV and LV switchboards, transformers, motors, UPS systems, power factor correction, trace-heating, lighting and associated electrical equipment
- Review supplier quotations and prepare technical bid assessments
- Liaise with DNO and other stakeholders on system requirements and constraints
- Ensure all equipment meets relevant standards including ATEX, PED, Low Voltage Directive, Machinery Directive and EMC requirements
Compliance & Standards
- Ensure compliance with all applicable national and international codes of practice, legislation and company/client standards
- Maintain awareness of risk identification, quantification and HSE requirements
- Support CE marking compliance and regulatory requirements for electrical equipment and plant
- Contribute to continuous improvement in electrical design processes and practices
Stakeholder & Site Support
- Represent electrical engineering with clients, suppliers and project teams
- Support site teams with operational and technical issues
- Manage relationships with key stakeholders including DNO, clients and regulatory bodies
- Ensure customer focus and service excellence across all interactions
About You
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in relevant engineering discipline Apprenticeships considered if supported by equivalent professional standing
- Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status with a relevant professional body, or clear evidence of working towards these titles
- Minimum 15+ years' engineering experience in water sector (clean water or wastewater) or similar infrastructure environments
- Extensive knowledge of clean water and wastewater infrastructure design and delivery
- Expert-level understanding of:
- Power system design and analysis
- HV Power System Modelling and Protection Studies
- Electrical equipment specification and sizing
- Earthing, lightning and grounding design
- UK legislation and standards for electrical installations
- ATEX, PED, Low Voltage Directive, Machinery Directive and EMC compliance requirements
- Team leadership experience — proven ability to manage and develop electrical engineering teams to deliver on schedule and budget
- Project management capability — experienced managing schedules, budgets, change control and stakeholder reporting
- Strong communication skills — confident engaging with colleagues, clients and stakeholders at all levels
- Safety and risk management focused — work with safety and HSE requirements at the forefront
- Customer focused — commitment to delivering to client requirements and expectations
- Highly motivated and self-directed — takes ownership of technical and leadership responsibilities
Desirable
- Experience on large, complex water infrastructure projects
- Track record of delivering HV Power System Modelling and Protection Studies
- Experience managing DNO liaison and system connection requirements
- Knowledge of water treatment processes and associated electrical requirements
- Experience with electrical equipment ageing and obsolescence management
- BIM or integrated design management experience
- History of mentoring and developing junior electrical engineers
