Principal Engineer - Power Systems

Datacenter People are currently supporting a specialist energy & digital infrastructure advisory practice in the appointment of a Principal Power Systems Engineer to help lead complex grid and substation mandates across Europe and wider international markets.

This is not a traditional consultancy design role.

The business operates at the intersection of:

• Grid intelligence & TSO/DSO engagement
• HV substation strategy (11-132kV+)
• Private wire & connection optimisation
• Renewable PPAs & commercial energy modelling
• Hyperscale data centre power strategy

They advise on multi-GW infrastructure developments and support clients from early feasibility and connection strategy through to RIBA Stage 2 design oversight, tender management and energisation.

Why This Role Stands Out…

• Operates upstream - shaping power strategy, not just delivering drawings
• Direct engagement with hyperscalers, developers and infrastructure investors
• Multi-country exposure across Europe & international markets
• Influence across grid, generation, storage and PPA structures
• Lean, high-calibre technical team with genuine autonomy

This is particularly well suited to engineers currently within utilities, EPCs, data centre design teams or HV contractors who want to step into a more strategic, system-level advisory position.

What the Job Involves...

• Review and assessment of both DSO and TSO electricity grids across Europe to identify optimal connection opportunities (mostly demand focused)
• Advise on appropriate grid connections based on end Client requirements
• Make grid applications and manage the grid connection process on behalf of clients from application stage through to energisation
• Advise on DSO and TSO tariff structures in European markets. Advise on electricity prices including negotiation of PPAs
• Production of RIBA Workstage 2 substation design packages which shall include integration with identified temporary power opportunities
• Technical and commercial input to development (Data Centre and Energy Centre) master planning, including generation, storage, and site wide energy distribution considerations
• Tender for delivery of substation infrastructures. Review and recommend preferred bidders to end Client based on technical and/or commercial tender return assessment
• Review of substation delivery partners designs in accordance with RIBA Workstage 2
• Complete power strategy reviews for clients depending on their DC requirements (based on country, voltage level, required dates, revenue mechanisms, end customer requirements)
• Design reviews against Hyperscaler specifications and sustainability and ESG targets
• Client and workload management to anticipate bottlenecks and manage internal and external risks

We're Looking for Someone Who...

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, from an accredited university or college
• Good level of experience in data centre electrical design and/or construction required
• Knowledge of UK/EU substation design practices/principles
• Experience of running tenders for HV Substations including scoring and review of tender returns (Technical and Commercial)
• Experience of management and technical review of HV delivery contractors during the design (RIBA stages 3/4) and delivery (RIBA stages 5/6/7) project phases
• Knowledge of HV Substation Testing and Commissioning
• Strong working knowledge of HV distribution systems and alternative power generation technologies
• Technical report writing
• Knowledge of Revit, AutoCAD, MS Office, BIM
• Awareness and Experience of Generation (engine and or turbine) selection and delivery
• Project Management
• Contracts management (FIDIC and NEC as a minimum)

We regret that due to the high volume of applications we are unable to acknowledge each one. Please bear in mind that if you are selected for interview we will contact you within the next seven days.