Principle Engineer

Principle Projects Engineer | 2 Roles Available | Electrical / Controls Projects | Nuclear / Defence Industry | Up to £65,000 + Benefits | Stafford | Hybrid (3 days per week on-site)

Zed Rail are excited to be working with a fast growing Automation / Controls Engineering Consultancy. They’re looking for 2 Principal Engineers to join their 30 strong engineering team to oversee complex multidisciplinary engineering projects across defence and nuclear industries.

As a Principal Engineer (Projects), you will be responsible for leading all engineering activities across high-value contracts. This includes managing multidisciplinary teams, developing technical strategies, ensuring project compliance, and acting as a key technical authority throughout the project lifecycle.

You will mentor engineers, drive performance across the board, and play a pivotal role in ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with industry standards and customer expectations.

Projects include Electrical / Hardware Engineering, Control Systems / Automation & Software Engineering. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in one of these areas & the ability to step up into a leadership role.

They’re based in Stafford & offer hybrid working with 3 days a week on-site & 2 days per week remote. They require candidates to be eligible for SC level security clearance.

Main Responsibilities:

Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team including software, hardware, design, and control systems engineers to deliver end-to-end project solutions.
Ensure project delivery aligns with scope, timeline, budget, and quality standards, while identifying risks and opportunities.
Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction to engineering teams, enhancing team capability and culture.
Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to present progress, resolve challenges, and support business development efforts.
 

Required Skills:

Strong technical experience in Electrical, Software, or Control System Engineering ideally within a regulated sector (Aerospace, Defence, Nuclear, Pharma, Rail etc).
Proven experience in leading complex engineering projects within an ISO 9001:2015 / 14001:2015 / 45001 environment.
Strong understanding of systems integration, cyber security, and functional safety – ideally with exposure to the nuclear industry.
Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills with a track record of delivering successful technical outcomes.
 

Benefits:

Salary up to £65,000 (potentially higher)
30 days holiday + bank holidays
Private medical insurance
Matched pension scheme up to 6%
Flexible / hybrid working options

Tagged as: systems engineer, systems engineers