Principal EC&I Engineer

Overview

Location: Staffordshire based
Working Pattern: Hybrid
Sector: Special Purpose Machinery / Highly Regulated Engineering

We are seeking an experienced Principal EC&I Engineer to take technical ownership of complex special purpose machinery projects. This is a senior, hands‑off leadership role suited to someone comfortable operating with autonomy, managing projects from concept through to manufacture, commissioning and handover.

While nuclear or highly regulated industry experience is desirable, we are equally open to senior EC&I professionals from a special purpose machinery background who understand high‑integrity systems, safety‑critical design and regulated delivery environments.

Key Responsibilities

Full technical ownership of EC&I work packages for complex machinery systems
Translate design input requirements into compliant, buildable engineering solutions
Lead and mentor EC&I engineers and designers across project lifecycles
Deliver projects to agreed cost, quality and programme constraints
Produce and approve EC&I deliverables including schematics, calculations, FDS, software documentation, cable schedules and test documentation
Act as the senior EC&I interface across mechanical, manufacturing, commissioning and client teams
Ensure compliance with UK H&S legislation and applicable industry standards
Support manufacturing through to site installation, testing and client handover
Lead and participate in design reviews, HAZOPs and technical assurance activities
Manage change control, technical risk and variation identification

Essential Experience & Skills

Degree qualified in Electrical / Control Engineering (or equivalent experience)
Significant senior‑level EC&I experience within special purpose machinery, automation or complex engineered systems
Proven ability to run projects independently with minimal supervision
Experience working in highly regulated environments (nuclear, defence, pharma, oil & gas, etc.)
Strong knowledge of electrical design, control systems and instrumentation
Confident technical authority capable of making and defending engineering decisions
Experience leading engineering teams and interfacing with multiple disciplines

Desirable

Nuclear industry exposure
Chartered Engineer or working towards
Knowledge of functional safety standards (e.g. IEC 61508)

Why This Role?

This is a true Principal‑level position - not a hands‑on design support role. You will be trusted to own projects, shape technical direction and deliver high‑value engineered solutions with minimal oversight. Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now and make your impact count!!

Please click to find out more about our Key Information Documents. Please note that the documents provided contain generic information. If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement.

To find out more about Progressive please visit

Progressive Recruitment, a trading division of SThree Partnership LLP is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy | Registered office | 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom | Partnership Number | OC(phone number removed) England and Wales