Electrical Principal Design Engineer
Job Description
Note for Recruitment Agencies:
We prefer to hire directly and we will be in touch with our PSL Agencies if this role is eligible for release.
We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If speculative CVs are sent, no fee will be applicable – please direct all queries to the relevant Resourcing Partner.
Job Title: Electrical Principal Design Engineer
Location: UK Wide
Division: Infrastructure – Environment
Reports to: Design Delivery Manager
About Us
Galliford Try is one of the UK’s leading construction businesses, delivering vital infrastructure that creates lasting value for communities. As a FTSE 250 organisation employing over 3,500 people, we offer long-term stability, technically challenging projects and genuine career development across our Infrastructure, Building and Specialist Services divisions.
Our Infrastructure – Environment Business
Following several strategic acquisitions, we are now the largest Tier 1 contractor operating in the UK Water and Environment sector, with a long-term portfolio of around £500m per year. As part of our 2030 Strategy, all engineering design capabilities have been brought together under a single business unit, providing in-house design expertise to regional teams across the UK.
Purpose of the Role
As an Electrical Principal Design Engineer, you will play a key technical leadership role within the Engineering Design team, taking ownership of discipline-specific design delivery across water and wastewater projects. This is a hands-on role requiring deep technical expertise, governance responsibility and direct involvement in complex project delivery.
You will provide technical direction, assurance and innovation across electrical design activities, ensuring compliance with Galliford Try processes, BMS, CDM and relevant legislation. You will also support supply chain engagement, construction delivery and the ongoing development of electrical engineering capability within the business.
Key Accountabilities
Act as technical authority and default approver for electrical design outputs, ensuring quality, compliance and assurance.
Lead the development of efficient, buildable electrical designs balancing capital and operational expenditure.
Provide Principal Designer support where required, ensuring CDM compliance across design activities.
Drive innovation, value engineering and digital design within electrical engineering delivery.
Provide technical problem-solving and governance across the full project lifecycle, from concept through to construction support.
Undertake pre-contract technical governance and review of supplier and subcontractor design submissions.
Champion lessons learned and continuous improvement across projects.
Line manage and mentor Senior Electrical Engineers, supporting professional development and accreditation.
About You
Technical Expertise:
Strong experience producing and approving electrical design packages within the water and wastewater sector.
Expert in LV electrical design, including cable calculations, single line diagrams, earthing schematics, cable schedules and installation packs.
Experience producing control philosophies, URS and FDS documentation aligned to client specifications.
Competent in reviewing supplier and subcontractor electrical designs.
Proficient in AMTECH and AutoCAD / DraftSight.
HV and DSEAR experience desirable.
Strong knowledge of BS7671 (18th Edition), NICEIC certification and relevant British Standards.
Experience & Qualifications:
Degree qualified in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent).
10+ years’ experience delivering electrical design within the municipal water and wastewater sector.
Chartered Engineer status strongly preferred (or working towards).
Proven experience operating in a contractor or consultancy environment with commercial awareness.
Strong understanding of QA, H&S legislation and design governance.
What We Can Offer in Return
With a secured and growing order book, Galliford Try offers long-term career stability, technically complex projects and the opportunity to influence how design is delivered across a leading Tier 1 contractor. You’ll be part of a collaborative, high-performing design function with clear investment in people, innovation and professional development.
Our Benefits
Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with service, plus the option to purchase additional days
Competitive pension scheme
Cycle to Work scheme
Wide range of corporate discounts
Save As You Earn share scheme
Private medical options for salaried employees
24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
Paid annual membership of one relevant professional institution
Additional Information
Galliford Try welcomes applications from candidates seeking full-time, reduced hours or flexible working arrangements.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every requirement but believe they can add value. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to candidates who meet the essential criteria.
For more information about this role, please contact:
[email protected]
A full job description is available upon request.
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Our vision is to be a people-orientated, progressive business, driven by our values to deliver lasting change for our stakeholders and the communities we work in.
Our purpose is to improve people’s lives through building the facilities and infrastructure that communities need, providing opportunities for our people to learn, grow and progress, working with our supply chain to promote the very best working practice and caring for the environment in which we work.
We do this by holding true to our values, delivering excellence for our clients and the community, being passionate about our role in providing vital services, putting integrity at the heart of our business by doing the right thing, and working with our clients, supply chain and stakeholders to deliver lasting change and long-term value.
We are committed to agile working, giving our people the freedom and flexibility to adapt their working life around their home life to achieve a proper balance. Our smart working approaches allow greater use of technology in the way we carry out our business, ensuring we provide a working environment that works for everyone.
In addition to working on some of the UKs most exciting construction projects we offer a comprehensive benefits package to including a competitive salary, car or car allowance, pension, healthcare, discretionary bonuses and 28 days holiday plus bank holidays. We will be committed to your wellbeing, training and professional development and we will always consider flexible working hours and arrangements. Galliford Try are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.