Lead Electrical Engineer
Nuclear Sector | Manchester-based | Hybrid | Long-term Contract | Outside IR35 | Competitive Rate | SC Clearance Required or ability to obtain
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Lead Electrical Engineer for a FEED on a Nuclear project. This is a purely electrical role with full responsibility for electrical scope delivery, reporting to the Electrical Engineering Manager.
MUST HAVE: Recent electrical engineering experience in the nuclear sector. You'll assume overall responsibility for the electrical scope across this FEED project, managing schedules, technical delivery, equipment procurement, and a team of electrical engineers. This is genuine technical leadership on a strategically important nuclear infrastructure programme.
What You'll Be Doing
Electrical Scope Leadership
- Assume overall responsibility for delivery of electrical scope
- Create and manage schedules, Material Design Records (MDRs) and change control processes
- Lead project reporting and stakeholder meetings
- Delegate work packages to the electrical team
- Support project estimates including Cost to Rectify (CTR) 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 Load Schedules
- Equipment Specifications and Datasheets
- Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), Cable Schedules, Material Take Offs
- Block Control Diagrams (BCDs), Schematics, Equipment and Cable Routing Layouts
- Conduct HV Power System Modelling and Protection Studies
- Manage electrical equipment ageing and obsolescence across the project
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
- Ensure all equipment meets ATEX, PED, Low Voltage Directive, Machinery Directive and EMC compliance requirements
Installation & Commissioning
- Prepare installation scopes of work for construction and commissioning teams
- Support site teams with operational and technical issues
- Ensure designs are installable and maintainable
- Support site construction and commissioning activities
Compliance & Standards
- Ensure compliance with all applicable national and international codes of practice
- Maintain compliance with UK legislation and standards
- Ensure knowledge of equipment installation in potentially explosive areas
- Support CE marking requirements and regulatory compliance
About You
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- MUST HAVE: Recent electrical engineering experience in the nuclear sector - demonstrated track record on nuclear or similar regulated infrastructure projects
- Degree in relevant engineering discipline (Electrical, Electronic or Control Engineering) - 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 professional titles
- Minimum 15+ years' electrical engineering experience in nuclear sector or similar infrastructure environments
- Expert-level knowledge of:
- Electrical design working practices and installation requirements
- HV and LV power systems design and protection
- Equipment specification, sizing and selection
- Earthing, lightning and grounding design
- UK legislation and standards for electrical installations
- ATEX, PED, Low Voltage Directive, Machinery Directive and EMC compliance requirements
- Strong understanding of:
- Design for construction and commissioning
- Commercial and contractual matters
- DNO liaison and system connection requirements
- Risk identification, quantification and management
- HSE requirements for electrical systems
- Team leadership experience - proven ability to manage electrical engineering teams and deliver to schedule and budget
- Excellent communication skills - confident engaging with colleagues, clients and stakeholders at all levels
- Safety and risk management focused - work with safety and HSQE at the forefront of all activities
- Customer focused - commitment to meeting client specifications and expectations
- Highly motivated - takes ownership of technical and leadership responsibilities
Desirable
- Experience on other uranium enrichment or similar fuel cycle projects
- Track record of leading electrical teams on major FEED or EPC projects
- Experience with HV Power System Modelling and Protection Studies
- Familiarity with DNO liaison and complex grid connection requirements
- Knowledge of electrical systems in potentially explosive areas (ATEX Directive)
- Experience on other critical national infrastructure projects
- Mentoring and developing junior electrical engineers
Security Clearance
You must be able to obtain SC (Security Clearance) to work on this nuclear project. BPSS is the minimum starting point.
The Role in Practice
You'll be based in Manchester with hybrid flexibility (2-3 days office, remaining days remote). You'll report to the Electrical Engineering Manager, leading the electrical engineering team.
This is hands-on technical leadership on a strategically important FEED project. You'll be producing electrical designs, managing supplier relationships, leading a technical team, and ensuring the electrical scope is delivered on schedule, to budget, and in compliance with nuclear standards. Your expertise in nuclear electrical systems and your ability to lead teams directly impact project success and programme delivery.
Why This Role
You'll be working on a major Nuclear FEED - a strategically important UK nuclear fuel cycle project. This is professional electrical engineering at the highest level, where your expertise in nuclear systems and technical leadership genuinely matters. You'll be working with experienced project teams on a complex, regulated programme where electrical design excellence and safety rigour are paramount.