Principal Engineer (Smartgrids)

As Smartgrids Technical Lead, you guide technical delivery for distribution grid, private networks and renewable connections. You will shape multidisciplinary projects, mentor engineers, and uphold safety and quality targets. Your work strengthens Arcadis’ capability in Smartgrids and builds trusted client relationships. This role offers impact across projects, training, and strategic growth in a leading sustainability-focused firm.

• Provide technical leadership on Smartgrids projects (distribution grid, private networks, renewable connections)
• Lead delivery within project teams, coordinating with cross-functional resources
• Develop and uphold training and professional development for the Smartgrids team
• Manage client relationships to ensure technical compliance and high satisfaction
• Oversee project governance, quality, safety and budget adherence
• Support recruitment, performance management and mentorship of staff
• Contribute to winning bids through technical input and Go-No-Go discussions
• Promote continuous improvement and Safe by Design culture
• Stay abreast of industry and regulatory changes and represent Arcadis professionally
• Lead design innovation for client solutions and facilitate stakeholder coordination
• Provide CPD records and participate in professional commitments
• Engage in business development and cross-region capability building
• Champion inclusion and mentorship within the team
• Perform independent technical reviews for major projects
• Manage project tendering processes and ensure compliant multidisciplinary input
• Keep up-to-date with Grid, DNO, IEC, ENA standards and relevant software tools
• Contribute to the broader impact of decarbonisation initiatives (EV charging, heat pumps, BESS)
• Support major clients with embedded temporary resources as needed

• Significant knowledge and proven track record in Smartgrids, distribution grid, private networks and/or renewable connections delivery
• Bachelor in Electrical Engineering (2:1)
• Membership of a professional engineering body (e.g., IET)
• Chartered status or potential to achieve it in future
• Strong experience with multidisciplinary project delivery and stakeholder coordination
• Knowledge of Grid, DNO, British, IEC and ENA standards
• Experience with modelling/analysis software used to validate designs
• Understanding of EPC/IPC/IDNO roles in renewables connections
• Awareness of Net Carbon Zero, decarbonisation, EV charging and heat pumps deployment
• Experience with safety, quality management and project governance
• Excellent communication of technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Proactive in professional development and CPD

• leadership
• client relationship management
• mentoring and coaching
• Smartgrids design and delivery
• distribution grid and private networks engineering
• renewable generation connections