Principal Electrical Design Engineer

As part of the United Infrastructure Group, we are a dynamic and innovative specialist engineering services, solutions and products provider focused on servicing our clients’ immediate and future needs. We do this through the development of industry-changing cleantech products as well as through engineering delivery excellence. We specialise in the design and delivery of process, mechanical, electrical and ICA engineering-based projects, products and solutions. Regardless of the project, they all pursue the same goal: to improve the efficiency and sustainability of our water, wastewater and waste treatment. We have a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals with extensive consulting and contracting experience, including engineers, scientists and commercial managers. Our knowledge and expertise spans more than 30 years, across industries including: water, wastewater, marine, energy and power sectors. At AFECO, we cover all stages of the innovation and project delivery cycle from concept through to operations. Our aim is simple – to provide the most effective solutions and products on the market and thus, exceed clients expectations through market-leading technology. From technical through to commercial and management expertise, we have the in-house expertise to execute a range of projects from the most basic to highly complex. Job title | Principal Electrical Design Engineer Location | Havant or Tamworth Line Manager I Design Manager About us AFECO is an engineering services provider, delivering high quality process and MEICA design and installation projects predominantly across the South of England and Midlands for the water industry. We have excellent inhouse engineering teams capable of delivering all stages of the project cycle, from concept through to commissioning, with a strong focus on process led innovative and robust yet appropriate solutions. We have a portfolio of varied projects covering both wastewater and clean water projects for planned and reactive projects. Due to the expansion of our team, we are currently recruiting for a Principal Electrical Design Engineer to work within our multi-disciplinary teams. This is a great opportunity for enthusiastic individuals who fit in with our company values and are keen to develop in a forward-thinking organisation. Role Purpose As the Principal Electrical Design Engineer you will provide technical leadership and oversight of electrical engineering design for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. This role leads multidisciplinary teams through feasibility, outline, and detailed design stages, ensuring compliance with industry standards, client expectations, and water-company asset requirements. Your responsibilities will be to ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design of electrical distribution, control, and power systems across treatment plants and network assets. Key Responsibilities Technical Design & Engineering Lead the electrical design of water industry assets including: LV and HV distribution systems Motor control centres (MCCs), variable speed drives (VSDs) Power system protection and discrimination ICA/SCADA interfaces (in collaboration with ICA engineers) Pumping station electrical systems Treatment works electrical infrastructure Produce, review, and approve design documents: single-line diagrams, cable calculations, load assessments, control philosophies, electrical schedules, and technical specifications. Ensure designs align with CDM, BS7671, IEC/SI standards, WIMES, and individual water-company standards. Carry out electrical fault level studies, protection grading, and energy efficiency analysis where required. Project Delivery Act as the electrical technical lead on multi-disciplinary projects across all design stages. Undertake optioneering, feasibility studies, and value engineering to determine robust, cost-effective solutions. Provide technical input during procurement, supplier evaluations, FAT/SAT, and commissioning support. Coordinate with process, mechanical, civil, and ICA design teams to ensure integrated MEICA designs. Leadership & Collaboration Mentor and support the development of electrical engineers and designers within the team. Lead design reviews, HAZOP/HAZID workshops, and client meetings. Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including water utility clients, contractors, and suppliers. Drive best practice, innovation, and continuous improvement in electrical engineering processes. Quality, Compliance & Governance Ensure design outputs meet ISO 9001 quality requirements and water industry regulatory standards and client specifications Ensure electrical designs adhere to safety standards and good engineering practice, including compliance with: BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) current edition EN 61439 (Switchgear & Controlgear) WIMES specifications DSEAR/ATEX where applicable Support digital engineering development (BIM, 3D modelling, asset information delivery). Skills & Experience Required Essential Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent; Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working toward Chartership. Extensive experience in electrical design for water and/or wastewater treatment infrastructure. Strong understanding of UK water utility standards and regulatory environments. Proven ability to lead teams on complex multi-disciplinary design projects. Proficiency with electrical design software tools (Solidworks, CAD platforms). Strong technical writing skills and the ability to produce high-quality documentation. Desirable Experience with AMP capital delivery programmes and framework delivery. Knowledge of ICA/controls principles and ability to collaborate effectively with ICA specialists. Familiarity with sustainability, energy optimisation, and low-carbon design principles. Experience of site inspections, electrical installation quality checks, and commissioning. Personal Attributes Strong leadership and stakeholder-management skills. Proactive, organised, and technically curious. Excellent communication and decision-making ability. Commitment to safety, quality, and collaboration. Typical Deliverables Electrical load studies, SLDs, and equipment sizing calculations. Cable routing layouts, cable schedules, protection and discrimination studies. Technical specifications, tender documentation, and scope definitions. FAT/SAT documentation, inspection reports, and commissioning support notes. Risk assessments, HAZOP input, and design review outputs. Salary and benefits Salary subject to experience Car allowance Medicash plan Life insurance Benefits portal Company pension 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) At AFECO, we value our employee’s and encourage and support them to development themselves and their career through training and progression. We offer the opportunity to work on a range of project types and size in the water sector including our own internally developed products and solutions. We are a privately owned business with a friendly and open culture and are dedicated to creating and maintaining and workforce that is highly skilled and motivated. As a Company we are committed to equal opportunities for all and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, sex, disability or age. Join us at AFECO and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK. Here at United Infrastructure, we invest in our people and firmly believe that our workforce is our most valuable asset. A driving force for success and the core to achieving our vision of creating a connected and sustainable future, our team is the heart of our organisation. Are you looking to be part of an exciting journey within an evolving business? Want to learn something new, every single day? Then you’ve come to the right place. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. A fast-paced, diverse, and hugely ambitious business, we welcome challengers, innovators and people who embrace change. Establish yourself in a creative environment that champions freedom of expression, and supports you in your personal and professional development – because together, we achieve more. Ready to take the next step in your career? United Infrastructure operates a direct sourcing model and does not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies. Any CVs submitted without prior agreement will be considered a gift and the candidate will be deemed to have been introduced directly. No fees will be payable in these circumstances