Lead Electrical Systems Engineer

Job Description Summary

The Marine Power Test Facility (MPTF) is a dedicated, full power, land-based test facility and plays a crucial role in de-risking present and future power and propulsion technologies, systems and from product development and verification through to complete, full-scale integrated power and propulsion including new ‘clean ship’ technologies. The MPTF is the only commercial land-based facility in the world that is capable of full-scale testing of complete integrated naval power and propulsion systems from ship fit prime movers through to propulsion at up to 20MWscale

Job Description

Lead Electrical Systems Engineer

The Lead Electrical Systems Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, integration and validation of electro-mechanical systems across complex dedicated test beds.

This role provides technical leadership from concept through implementation, ensuring compliance with applicable standards, safety requirements, quality expectations, and performance objectives.

You will collaborate and provide technical leadership with cross-functional and customer facing teams, overseeing each phase of the project delivery to make sure that we deliver valuable systems solutions with an excellent operational rigor.

The ideal candidate combines deep electrical systems expertise with strong project leadership skills, the ability to serve as a key technical interface to customers, and a commitment to mentoring engineers and driving innovation.

As the Lead Engineer, you are essential to the successful execution of our projects.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Design

• Lead electrical systems design from concept through commissioning, including system architectures, schematics, wiring diagrams, single-line diagrams, and interface definitions
• Develop and review technical specifications, engineering documentation, and design deliverables
• Perform and oversee electrical calculations, load analysis, simulations, protection coordination, and fault analysis
• Ensure electrical designs meet performance, safety, regulatory, customer, and industry standards (IEC, BS, IEEE, UL)
• Drive root cause analysis and resolution of complex electrical system issues during development, testing, commissioning, and field operation
• Provide technical leadership, advice and assistance to the overall project team as appropriate

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, controls, manufacturing, procurement, quality, testing) to ensure integrated system solutions
• Fully engage with Business Engineering Leadership, Lead Engineering Management, Project Management, and Supply Chain, as appropriate, in order to execute projects with excellence
• Lead a team of multidisciplinary engineers specialising in power systems, power conversion, automation, control, and mechanical integration, ensuring the overall solution meets customer, contract, and regulatory requirements
• Manage team activities for technical delivery of projects, including planning as required using management tools to ensure on-time delivery and quality targets are met
• Act as the main technical point of contact for customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders on electrical engineering topics
• Support project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and technical execution for multiple concurrent initiatives
• Ensure projects meet cost, schedule, and quality targets
• Respond to technical queries and manage their resolution
• Liaise with other departments, GE businesses, subcontractors, and suppliers, as appropriate, in order to support the project for the best outcome of the customer and business
• Support and help drive improvements in the efficiency of the engineering process, systems, and solutions to improve customer value
• Communicate solutions across the wider Engineering community
• Coordinate resources to deliver system projects including complying with quality processes and resolving problems
• Report project status, plans, and risks
• Own the project engineering resource budget

Testing & Commissioning

• Plan and progress all design engineering related activities including testing and commissioning for specific projects
• Contribute to test plans, create and execute test scenarios, and manage test operations
• Analyse test data to support delivery of class-leading power system solutions
• Monitor, control, and manage engineering budgets, project documentation, risk management processes, FMEA, design reviews, and the change control system in accordance with company guidelines
• Manage customer requirements, derive sub-system and equipment requirements, and cross-reference with validation evidence

Innovation, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Comply with all company and customer health and safety regulations
• Apply life-saving rules and safety-first principles in all work activities
• Identify opportunities to improve electrical system performance, reliability, and efficiency
• Champion new technologies and methodologies that advance capabilities
• Lead continuous improvement efforts in engineering processes, tools, and design practices
• Support risk assessments, design reviews, and hazard analyses for electrical systems
• Contribute to lessons learned and knowledge sharing across the organization
• Establish, drive, and maintain the engineering quality control system for projects in line with company guidelines

In this role you will:

• Lead a multidiscipline team of engineers specialising in power systems, power conversion, automation, control and mechanical integration ensuring the overall solution meets customer, contract, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Have the opportunity to work on one of the most unique power system design and test facilities in the world, supporting major UK infrastructure projects.
• Work closely with Customers, Suppliers, third-party stakeholders and multi-disciplinary colleagues, to drive engineering excellence and deep collaboration.
• Support Power System studies and analysis.
• Generate main and balance of plant equipment specifications, functional and test documents, for LV or HV Switchboards, Generators, Cables, power electronic Converters, Transformers, Motors, auxiliaries, etc. for AC and DC system architectures.
• Ensure System designs comply with requirements, relevant health & safety, international standards where applicable.
• Collaboratively produce clear and concise engineering documentation. Manage the engineering review cycle, and host and present technical meetings with domain experts.
• Provide technical input, to participate in commissioning, and to contribute to testing operations.
• Review and analyse data from multiple sources, prepare technical reports demonstrating validation and verification.

• Provide technical leadership, advice and assistance to the overall project team as appropriate.
• Monitor, control and manage engineering budgets, project documentation, risk management process, design reviews and quality & change control system in accordance with company guidelines.

We are looking for a professional engineer who:

• Has applicable, transferrable equipment or systems level knowledge & experience, with ideally industrial, marine or naval defence domain experience.
• Capable of leading a large multi-disciplinary team with a wide experience of integrating electrical, mechanical systems.
• Can work initiatively on challenges, problem solving, ambitious, highly motivated and driven to succeed with a lean mindset.
• Can take a practical approach to the design and implementation of test platforms.
• Has working knowledge of marine classification society, IEC, MIL or DEF standards.
• Candidates with demonstrable expertise in one or more of the following areas-Power System modelling, generator excitation systems, Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD) are encouraged to apply.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, organisational, presentation and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrates good attention to detail.
• Experience of owning the job, making it their own, and adding value beyond.
• Ability to multi-task on a variety of tasks to strict time scales.
• Customer-centric mind set, experience in translating customer issues / needs into profitable business solutions.

Qualification Requirements:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent qualification, and relevant practical experience in an electrical engineering environment.
• Working towards or hold CEng qualification.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in a project engineering or technical lead role.
• Proficiency in electrical schematic design.
• Experience in industrial equipment, electrical equipment, or defence related engineering environments.
• Previous experience supporting UK naval engineering projects.

Work Authorisation

• Candidates must hold, or be eligible to obtain, UK Security Clearance at SC level.

You can expect from us:

• Challenging and exciting projects.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Career development & training.
• Opportunities for learning and personal development.
• Attractive compensation package.
• Flexible benefits you can personalise.
• Company pension contribution; income protection; private health insurance; life assurance, healthy lifestyle account.
• Payment of a professional accredited membership fees (IET…).
• 34 days’ vacation including national holidays.

Circumstances

• Willing to travel within UK and overseas for short term working.
• Full UK Driving license.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No