AECOM · Cambridge
Hardware & ElectricalFull-timeposted 4d ago
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AECOM is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer specializing in Extra Low Voltage (ELV) systems to join our Electrical Engineering practice. This is a senior individual-contributor and leading role, responsible for the end-to-end technical design and delivery of ELV systems across complex, high-profile projects in commercial, institutional, healthcare, transport, and critical infrastructure sectors.
The Principal Engineer is the primary technical authority for ELV disciplines within their project portfolio, covering electronic security systems (CCTV, access control, intruder detection), fire detection and alarm systems, public address and voice alarm (PA/VA), structured cabling and ICT infrastructure, and building management system (BMS) field interfaces. The role combines deep technical expertise with design team coordination, quality ownership, client engagement, and junior staff development.
Responsibilities:
Lead the detailed design of CCTV systems: camera selection, coverage analysis, recording and storage architecture (NVR/VMS), network video infrastructure, and integration with access control and security management platforms.
Design and specify electronic access control systems: door controllers, credential technologies (card, PIN, biometric), door hardware interfaces, and integration with intruder detection and CCTV platforms.
Design intruder detection and alarm systems (IDS/IAS) in accordance with EN 50131 / PD 6662 or equivalent standards, including grade specification, zone planning, and monitoring center connectivity.
Lead fire detection and alarm (FDA) system design in compliance with EN 54, BS 5839-1, or applicable national standards: addressable panel architecture, detector and device placement, cause-and-effect matrix development, and interfaces with suppression, HVAC, and life safety systems.
Design public address and voice alarm (PA/VA) systems to EN 60849 / BS 5839-8 or equivalent, including intelligibility analysis, loudspeaker layout, amplifier sizing, and zoning strategies for emergency and general announcement.
Design structured cabling infrastructure: horizontal and backbone cabling (Cat6A, OM3/OM4 fibre), telecommunications rooms (TR/ER), cable management, and compliance with ISO/IEC 11801 and EN 50173 series standards.
Specify and coordinate ICT room infrastructure: server rooms, MER/IDF layouts, containment, cooling interfaces, and power distribution for active equipment.
Define BMS/SCADA field device interfaces and ELV system integration points, coordinating with controls engineers to ensure coherent system architecture.
Develop system interface matrices and integration strategies for converged ELV/IP platforms, including physical security information management (PSIM) and unified communications environments.
Act as technical reviewer and approver for ELV deliverables produced within the team, including design reports, specifications, drawings, cable schedules, equipment submittals, and cause-and-effect matrices.
Lead quality control reviews at key design stages, ensuring compliance with client requirements, applicable standards, and project-specific ELV design guides.
Serve as technical checker / second signatory on high-risk or high-complexity ELV designs within the project portfolio.
Maintain and update internal ELV design standards, master specifications, and best-practice guidance documents.
Identify and manage technical risk on ELV workstreams, escalating to the Associate Technical Director where appropriate.
Manage ELV design deliverables across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring outputs are on program, within scope, and to the required quality level.
Coordinate ELV interfaces with other engineering disciplines (LV power, structured cabling, BAS/DDC, fire suppression, architectural finishes) through formal interdisciplinary reviews.
Prepare and review ELV scopes of work, specifications, and tender documentation; evaluate contractor and supplier technical submissions and shop drawings.
Support construction-phase activities including site visits, RFI responses, technical query resolution, and review of as-built documentation.
Contribute to project risk registers, program reviews, and design change management processes for ELV scopes.
Lead ELV modelling in Revit MEP or equivalent BIM authoring tools, ensuring spatial coordination of ELV devices, containment, and infrastructure elements.
Coordinate ELV models within the Common Data Environment (ACC, BIM 360, or equivalent), participating in clash detection and resolution workflows.
Ensure ELV deliverables comply with the project BIM Execution Plan, including LOD/LOI requirements and data-drop schedules.
Support development of ELV-specific parametric families, equipment schedules, and drawing automation workflows within the team’s digital toolset.
Present ELV design solutions and technical recommendations to clients, security consultants, and AHJs (authorities having jurisdiction) at design review meetings.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with ELV specialist subcontractors, system integrators, and product manufacturers.
Support business development by contributing to technical proposals, fee estimates, and capability presentations for ELV-intensive opportunities.
Mentor and coach junior and intermediate electrical engineers in ELV design principles, standards compliance, and professional development.
Lead knowledge-sharing sessions, internal CPD events, and lessons-learned reviews focused on ELV systems.
Contribute to the recruitment and onboarding of ELV engineering staff.
Qualifications & Experience:
Required:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a closely related field.
Substantial experience in ELV systems design within a building services or security engineering consultancy, with a strong portfolio spanning CCTV, access control, fire detection, and PA/VA systems.
Deep working knowledge of applicable ELV standards: EN 54 series (fire detection), EN 50131 / PD 6662 (intruder alarms), EN 60849 / BS 5839-8 (voice alarm), ISO/IEC 11801 / EN 50173 (structured cabling), and relevant national equivalents.
Experience delivering ELV design through full project lifecycle, from concept to construction support (RIBA Stages 1–6 or equivalent national design stages).
Proven ability to lead, review, and sign off on ELV design packages independently.
Experience coordinating ELV systems within multidisciplinary project environments.
Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit MEP for ELV design documentation and modelling.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing and client-facing presentation.
Experience mentoring junior engineering staff.
Preferred:
Professional registration or active pursuit thereof: CEng or IEng (IET, CIBSE, or equivalent national body).
Industry certifications relevant to ELV disciplines, such as: SSAIB / NSI approval, NICEIC (ELV), BRE/BAFE SP203 (fire), or manufacturer-specific accreditations (e.g., Gallagher, Genetec, Milestone, Bosch, Advanced Electronics).
Experience with physical security information management (PSIM) platforms and converged IP security system architectures.
Familiarity with healthcare ELV requirements: nurse call systems, patient wandering/wander management, and HTM/HBN guidance.
Experience with critical infrastructure ELV: data centres, transport hubs, or government/high-security environments.
Working knowledge of cybersecurity principles as applied to IP-based ELV systems (IEC 62443, NCSC guidance).
Experience with BIM 360 / ACC CDE platforms and clash detection workflows.
Familiarity with ELV aspects of security-rated projects (LPS 1175, STS 202, CPNI guidance) is an advantage.
Participation in professional organisations or industry working groups (IET, CIBSE, BSIA, FIA, or equivalent).
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
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