Principal Engineer

At GHD we are committed to addressing the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of energy, water and communities. 

About us
We are a global network of multi-disciplinary professionals providing clients with integrated solutions through engineering, environmental, design and construction expertise. 

Our future-focused, innovative approaches connect and support communities around the world, building resiliency and sustainability for generations to come. 

Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 10,000+ diverse and skilled individuals connected by over 200 offices, across five continents.

Shape the Future of Energy with GHD

At GHD, we don’t just work on projects—we help shape a sustainable future. 

We currently have exciting opportunities available for Principal Engineers in our Energy Solutions Business Group delivering cutting-edge energy solutions for a diverse portfolio of clients across the UK and globally. You'll work at the intersection of innovation, technical excellence, and purpose, joining a high-performing team tackling the UK’s and the world’s energy transition challenges head-on. From decarbonising power generation to enabling circular energy systems, this is an opportunity to deliver high-impact work on the technologies that will define the decades ahead.

We’re seeking someone who brings not only strong technical acumen but also the ability to lead projects, collaborate across disciplines, and influence the future of energy.

The Role

As a senior technical leader, you will:

• Lead and deliver high-impact projects across energy conversion technologies—from conventional thermal power to next-generation renewable and bioenergy systems.
• Drive the design, performance modelling, and feasibility analysis of energy generation and storage systems.
• Provide technical leadership on major project deliverables, mentoring junior engineers and interfacing with clients at senior levels.
• Apply your expertise to power generation, energy storage, waste-to-energy and hybrid system projects.
• Conduct and manage technical due diligence, feasibility studies, process evaluations, and system integration reviews for utility-scale and industrial clients.
• Collaborate on multi-disciplinary projects, working closely with process, mechanical, electrical, and civil teams.
• Support business development by contributing to proposals, client presentations, and technical strategy.

Key Skills 

We’re looking for someone with deep technical knowledge and a track record of delivering results across a range of energy technologies. You should bring:

• 10+ years of relevant experience in energy generation and conversion projects (e.g. power plants, renewables, WtE, CHP, hydrogen, biofuels).
• Strong foundation in thermodynamics, energy systems modelling, and process engineering.
• Proven experience with power plant performance analysis and simulation tools (e.g. Aspen Plus, EBSILON, Thermoflex, or similar).
• A solid understanding of energy conversion cycles (e.g. Rankine, Brayton, combined cycle, ORC, etc.).
• Demonstrated success in project leadership, including client engagement and multi-disciplinary coordination.
• Strong grasp of technical due diligence, conceptual design, and lifecycle project development in the energy sector.
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) with a relevant institution (e.g. IMechE, IChemE).
• A degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Process or Energy Engineering (or related discipline).

Why Join GHD?

At GHD, we support your growth, well-being, and ambition. We offer:

• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package (pension, medical, income protection, enhanced parental leave, and more).
• Up to 25 days annual leave + option to buy up to 4 additional weeks.
• Flexible, team-led working model that respects your life outside work.
• Clear career pathways—whether your passion lies in technical excellence, client leadership, or people management.
• A global, employee-owned company where your contribution shapes the future.
• Access to our Employee Network Groups and tools to support your mental health and wellbeing.
• The chance to be part of a company committed to diversity, sustainability, and ethical leadership.
   

Let's put your ideas into action.

If you see the world differently and are driven by a desire to make real change, together we'll make it happen. Everybody at GHD has their own commitment, and we’re here to support yours.

Your success is our success, and together we'll make a lasting impact on our world for generations to come. 

Our Pledge to You
At GHD, we don’t just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day.

That’s why we pledge to empower our people to make a positive impact. Combining our deep technical expertise with the capabilities of our clients and partners, we respond to some of the most complex challenges facing our planet today. 

See where your commitment could take you.

That’s the #PowerOfCommitment

The Power of Commitment is our brand promise. It’s what makes us different. We are bound to our stated vision and determination to address humanity’s most urgent needs: to make water, energy and urbanisation sustainable for generations to come.