Principal Engineer – Electrical (Aviation)

Job Role -Principal Engineer – Electrical (Aviation) 
Verbal and written communication in English is mandatory
Responsibilities:

• Lead electrical design from feasibility and Basis of Design (BoD) through detailed design, tender and construction support for aviation facilities.
• Own the electrical power strategy for large-scale facilities (e.g., hangar bays): MV/LV distribution, redundancy, load management, earthing, and control philosophies—balancing reliability, safety, and energy performance (IEC/NFPA context).
• Engineer electrical systems for hazardous operations: paint booths/rooms, fuel-cell maintenance areas, welding zones—ensuring compliance with ATEX/IECEx and coordination with mechanical ventilation and controls.
• Design and specify power systems for aviation facilities: transformers, generators, UPS, distribution boards, and backup systems for mission-critical operations.
• Integrate electrical utilities across MRO and workshop environments—ground power units (GPU), PCA interfaces, process equipment loads, and coordination with mechanical, fire/life safety, and control systems.
• Shape electrical systems for catering facilities: resilient power distribution for kitchens, cold-chain systems, and hygienic areas aligned with HACCP/ISO 22000 requirements.
• Deliver BIM-led coordination (Revit/Navisworks) across architecture, structures, MEP, and specialist systems; lead clash resolution and model QA.
• Perform calculations and studies: load estimation, cable sizing, protection coordination, short-circuit analysis, and lighting design.
• Author technical documents: BoD, load schedules, single-line diagrams (SLDs), specifications, and commissioning plans.
• Mentor and review engineers/designers; lead design reviews, HAZOPs, and constructability/operability workshops.
• Engage stakeholders—airlines, MROs, airport operators, and authorities—to secure approvals and ensure smooth delivery.
• Lead retrofit, refurbishment, and brownfield upgrades in operational airport environments—assessing existing systems, planning phased upgrades, and integrating new systems with minimal disruption while improving capacity, compliance, and energy performance.

Key systems & domains you’ll cover:

• Hangars & workshops: MV/LV distribution, ground power units (GPU), PCA electrical interfaces, high-bay lighting, emergency power, earthing and bonding for aircraft safety, and hangar door electrics. 
• Paint/corrosion control: hazardous-area electrical systems, explosion-proof equipment, interlocks, LEL monitoring interfaces, and ATEX/IECEx compliance coordinated with ventilation and controls. 
• Welding & fabrication: power distribution for welding equipment, equipment earthing, task lighting, and integration with extraction/LEV systems aligned with OSHA/ACGIH guidance. 
• Power systems: transformers, generators, UPS, LV panels, and distribution networks designed for redundancy, resilience, and mission-critical operations. 
• Catering facilities: resilient power supply for kitchens, cold rooms/freezers, food processing areas, and hygienic zoning aligned with HACCP/ISO 22000 requirements. 
• ELV & controls: fire alarm systems (NFPA 72), ICT, security (CCTV/access control), structured cabling, and BMS/SCADA integration for operational monitoring and control.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering; Master's degree preferred.
• Professionally registered (CEng, PE, or equivalent).
• 15+ years' experience in electrical building services design, including aviation and complex infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary design teams and delivering major projects.

Technical Expertise:

• Strong knowledge of international electrical design codes, standards, and aviation requirements.
• Expertise in MV/LV power distribution, load assessments, protection systems, and earthing design.
• Proficiency in BIM and industry-standard design software, including Revit, Navisworks, ETAP, and Dialux.
• Experience in airport facilities, terminal buildings, and aviation-related infrastructure is highly desirable

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.