Principal MEP Electrical Engineer

Principal MEP Electrical Engineer

Outside IR35

Hybrid working

Role Purpose

The Principal MEP Electrical Engineer will lead the electrical delivery of residential and commercial construction projects from pre-construction through to commissioning and handover. Acting as the senior technical authority, the role ensures electrical systems are safe, compliant, coordinated, commercially viable, and buildable, while supporting programme and quality objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Delivery Leadership

• Lead electrical engineering delivery across multiple residential and commercial projects.
• Take ownership of electrical design development, technical submissions, and construction-stage design responsibility (including D&B projects).
• Review, challenge, and manage consultant designs to ensure buildability, value, and programme efficiency.
• Ensure full compliance with UK regulations and standards, including:
• BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations)
• Building Regulations (Part L, Part B, Part E, etc.)
• BS 5839 (Fire Detection & Alarm Systems)
• BS 5266 (Emergency Lighting)
• BS 9991 / BS 9999 (Residential & Commercial Fire Safety)
• CIBSE Guides and Technical Memoranda
• Provide technical leadership on LV/HV systems, lighting, small power, fire alarm, access control, CCTV, data, EV charging, PV, and smart building systems.

Pre-Construction & Design Management

• Support tendering and pre-construction activities, including:
• Technical input into bids, clarifications, and contractor proposals
• Review of Employer's Requirements and Contractor's Proposals
• Value engineering and cost optimisation
• Lead design coordination with MEP consultants, architects, structural engineers, and supply chain partners.
• Manage design change control, RFIs, and technical queries.
• Ensure electrical designs align with procurement strategy and construction sequencing.

Site Support & Construction Phase

• Provide senior-level technical support to site teams and project managers.
• Attend site meetings, design workshops, and coordination reviews.
• Support installation quality, inspections, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Assist in resolving on-site technical issues, non-conformances, and clashes.
• Ensure compliance with commissioning plans, O&M documentation, and handover requirements.

Commercial & Programme Awareness

• Work closely with commercial teams to manage variations, value engineering, and risk.
• Support cost forecasting, procurement decisions, and supply chain engagement.
• Ensure electrical scope is delivered in line with programme milestones and cost targets.

Leadership & Team Development

• Act as technical authority and mentor for electrical engineers, design managers, and site teams.
• Support the development of junior engineers and review technical competence.
• Promote best practice in safe systems of work, quality, and buildability.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Promote and embed safe-by-design principles and contractor H&S standards.
• Fulfil Designer duties under CDM Regulations 2015 where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with company QA systems and ISO standards.

Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong contractor-side experience with residential (high-rise and low-rise) and commercial developments.
• In-depth knowledge of construction-stage electrical engineering and D&B procurement.
• Experience with temporary electrical systems, builders' works interfaces, and logistics planning.
• Good working knowledge of BIM Level 2, Revit, Navisworks, and coordination workflows.

Professional Skills

• Strong leadership and decision-making ability in live project environments.
• Excellent communication skills with site teams, clients, consultants, and subcontractors.
• Commercially astute with a practical, solutions-focused mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering or Building Services Engineering (or equivalent).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status desirable; working towards acceptable.
• Typically 10+ years' experience in UK building services, with significant contractor-side experience.
• Proven track record delivering residential and commercial projects through construction and handover.

Desirable Experience

• High-rise residential schemes (including fire strategy and compliance).
• EV infrastructure, PV systems, and low-carbon technologies.
• Experience working with Tier 1 or Tier 2 main contractors.
• Knowledge of MMC, off-site manufacturing, and modular systems.

ersg are an equal opportunities employer; we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all job applicants. We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or religious background; all decisions are based on merit.