A fast-growing clean-energy engineering business is seeking a hands-on senior electrical design engineer to act as the functional technical lead across R&D and live delivery projects.
This role suits an experienced engineer who still enjoys being deeply involved in design, review and problem-solving, while developing leadership responsibility for a small team (4–5 engineers).
Lead Electrical Design Engineer
Permanent, full time
Cranleigh, Surrey
Salary: Competitive
The role
You will act as the technical authority for electrical design, owning quality, compliance and delivery of electrical systems across new technology development and customer projects.
Key responsibilities
· Act as the functional technical lead for electrical engineering across projects and product development.
· Produce, review and approve electrical designs and schematics for industrial systems and control panels.
· Define and own system-level electrical architectures and design documentation.
· Support build, integration, commissioning and FAT activities.
· Lead electrical input into safety and compliance activities (HAZID/HAZOP, FMEA, SIL).
· Specify electrical equipment and components (motors, transformers, protection, instrumentation and cabling).
· Act as the main electrical design interface with manufacturing, suppliers and project teams.
· Provide day-to-day technical mentoring to a small team (4–5 engineers), with scope to grow formal line management over time.
· Drive continuous improvement of electrical standards, tools and processes.
About you
· Degree qualified in Electrical Engineering (or similar).
· Strong, hands-on industrial electrical design experience.
· Background in control panels, machinery electrical systems, industrial power and instrumentation.
· Confident using electrical CAD tools to produce and review designs.
· Good working knowledge of BS 7671 and EN 60204.
· Experience supporting functional safety activities (EN 61511 desirable).
· Experience with PLC-based control systems (Siemens preferred).
· ATEX / hazardous area exposure highly desirable.
· Comfortable supporting build, test and fault-finding on real hardware.
· Motivated to develop leadership and people management capability.
· Willing to travel occasionally in the UK and internationally.
Why this role
A rare opportunity to take ownership of electrical design within a rapidly growing clean-energy technology business, with a clear pathway into broader technical leadership.
To apply or discuss the role confidentially, contact lewis@cranleighstem.co.uk
Cranleigh STEM is a specialist recruitment partner in STEM, Sustainability, and SHEQ. We work with innovative organisations and purpose-led professionals to help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from advancing clean technologies to driving scientific discovery.
We understand that progress in these fields depends on people. Our role is to connect the right individuals with the right teams, whether that’s scientists in the lab, engineers on the ground, or leaders at the helm.
🚀 Our Mission
To support innovative organisations by delivering the talent they need to grow, evolve, and make a meaningful impact in their field.
🔎 Our Core Values
Challenge
We’re comfortable working in complex, technical spaces. We approach every brief with curiosity and care, asking the right questions to deliver people who can genuinely move your organisation forward.
Collaboration
We see recruitment as a partnership. That means open communication, transparency, and shared goals, whether you’re building a team or looking for your next role.
Commitment
We take pride in the work we do. We’re committed to high standards, long-term relationships, and doing what’s right for our clients, our candidates, and the industries we serve.
💡 Our Purpose
To contribute to a more sustainable and innovative future by helping organisations in science and technology attract and retain the talent they need to grow responsibly and with purpose.
🌍 Our Reach
Headquartered in South London, we work with clients and candidates across the UK, Europe, and the USA.
🔬 Areas of Expertise
Biotechnology
Pharmaceuticals
Chemicals & Materials
Food Technology
Clean Technology
Electric Vehicles & Sustainable Engineering
If you're hiring or exploring your next move in STEM, we’re here to help.
