Astute People Ltd

Astute’s team is partnering with a specialist in water treatment and technology services across the UK to recruit an experienced Commissioning Engineer in the West Midlands. This role will require the Commissioning Engineer to travel widely and at short notice to support in the installation and commissioning of a variety of process water equipment. The customer focussed Commissioning Engineer position comes with a salary of up to £42,000 dependant on experience, a competitive benefits package and a company vehicle & fuel card. If you’re an experienced Commissioning Engineer with previous working knowledge of the water industry, then upload your CV to apply today.                   Responsibilities and duties Working as the Commissioning Engineer, you will be responsible for:  

• Leading the commissioning of cutting-edge water treatment systems, ensuring they meet our rigorous technical standards and project timelines.
• Ensuring all equipment is effectively transitioned from equipment from mechanical completion to operational readiness, aligning with contract specifications and fostering client satisfaction.
• Working with the Commissioning Manager to oversee the commissioning process, from equipment handover to system activation, emphasising safety and efficiency.
• Coordinate commissioning activities, ensuring resources and equipment are optimised to meet project schedules.
• Engage in design reviews, risk assessments, and commissioning plans to develop comprehensive documentation to support project execution.
• Any other duties as required.

    Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  

• HNC/ Degree in Mechanical/ Electrical Engineering /C&G 17/18th Edition or equivalent.
• Candidates should have a background in performing mechanical or electrical maintenance/service work and an understanding of equipment commissioning.
• Experience working in a similar role within the water industry is desirable.
• A full, valid driving licence

    Salary and benefits of the Commissioning Engineer role

• Basic salary of  £35,000 - £45,000 DOE
• Company vehicle + fuel card
• Holiday allowance 25 days plus Bank Holidays with the option to buy or sell additional days off.
• Leading pension contribution of up to 10% of your earnings.
• Private Healthcare with an option to add your family members.

Junior Electrical Design Engineer Solar/Battery Storage UK (Home-based/Remote) Up to £35,000       Introduction Astute is working with one of the worlds market leading O&M service providers. Specialising in the development, engineering, financing, construction, operations & maintenance of large scale solar photovoltaic projects. With close to 1.8GWp installed Globally and a 5-year track record for outstanding services, they are looking for a enthusiastic Junior Electrical Engineer to be responsible for ensuring projects are designed to the highest industry standards                   Roles & Responsibilities As the Junior Electrical Engineer you will be responsible for:

• General electrical design activities including SLD preparation, cable sizing calculations, earthing layouts, and cable management solutions for the installation of DC and AC systems in solar farms and energy storage projects
• Ensuring timely completion of engineering designs, reading and interpreting design specifications and technical drawings, and evaluating technical specifications in tender documentation to identify risks and implications for projects.
• Providing engineering expertise and guidance to identify, analyze, and resolve project challenges.
• Attending project progress meetings with engineering management and collaborate closely with colleagues in layout design, purchasing, project development, project management, and the subsidiaries.
• Managing relationships, work with Technical Advisor on development sites and ad hoc requirements, and support sales, purchasing, and construction departments in project implementation and realization.
• Preparing accurate as-built calculations, drawings package, and technical documentation for projects.
• Collaborating with the Sales team and other engineering disciplines to seamlessly integrate specifications into the design concept.
• Upholding the company's goals, maintaining a positive and professional representation of the organization.
• Ensuring strict adherence to all Company policies, procedures, and ethical codes, including the anti-bribery policy and QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment) policy.

    Skills & Qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:

• Enthusiasm towards decarbonisation and renewable energy
• HNC/HND or equivalent minimum; BSc, BEng or equivalent desired
• Experience within renewables industry, energy storage either in consultancy, DNO, ICP, renewable energy developer, or alternatively another engineering environment
• Knowledge and understanding of international and UK electrical standards
• Experience with EPlan, AutoCAD (desirable) and simulation software such as PVSyst (desirable) and PV Design (desirable)
• Understanding of workflow between developer, EPC and TA in utility-scale PV project development
• Knowledge of PV industry modelling and simulating assumptions and of Energy Storage Systems (desirable)
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and problem solving

    Salary & Package What’s on offer for this exciting role:

• Salary of up to £35,000 +bonus
• Pension contribution up to 6%
• Full health cover
• 33 days annual leave – inclusive of bank holidays
• Company equipment – mobile, laptop and PPE

    How to apply? To apply for this opportunity simply send a copy of your up-to-date CV and covering letter to [email protected] or call 07488885429 to speak to Esther Fan who can tell you more.     INDREN

Astute are looking for an Operations Technician to join the expanding Operations Team on a Combined Heat and Power facility in East London. Utilising the latest technology, the site is producing 17MW of Heat & Power from used fats, oils and greases (FOGS) from the local area.   Reporting to the Site Operations Supervisor you will be part of a Shift Team (sometimes alone) responsible for the safe and efficient running of the CHP in line with business and statutory needs. If you have the right skills & experience and want to find out more, please get in touch!     Responsibilities and duties: As an Operations Technician, you will be responsible for:

• Operating the plant to ensure compliance in line with Company and Client procedures
• Carrying out first line maintenance to ensure plant availability and performance is at a high level whilst ensuring adherence with safety, environmental and statutory requirements.
• Identifying and reporting plant defects, observations and anomalies that may affect the safety of the site or operation of the plant
• Completing assigned safety duties, including safe systems of work, setting people to work and the company’s safety systems
• Assisting the Operations Supervisor with projects and outage preparation
• Controlling the offloading of materials onto site, this may include road tanker fuel, oil and urea deliveries and directing the right material to dedicated storage tanks.

    Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:

• C&G/NVQ Level 3 minimum in Engineering/Plant Operations or Apprentice qualified
• IOSH or H&S certificate

    Personal skills The Operations Technician would suit someone with:

• Mechanical/Electrical maintenance skillset
• Minimum 3 years of experience working in Power Generation in an Operations based role
• Royal Navy Marine Engineer Leading Marine Engineers are welcome to apply
• Comfortable working alone and as part of a time during a shift

    Salary and benefits of the Operations Technician role

• Competitive Salary
• Excellent Benefits Package
• Opportunity to join a CHP power plant

    INDPOW

Astute’s Power team is partnering with a well-established renewable energy operator to recruit a Shift Team Leader for a biomass plant just outside Nottingham. 

The Shift Team Leader role comes with a competitive salary, enhanced pension and the opportunity to work on a modern renewable energy facility operating on a shift-based pattern.

If you’re a Operations Technician or Assistant Shift Team Leader then submit your CV to apply today.

Responsibilities and duties of the Shift Team Leader role Reporting to the Operations Manager you will:

• Take full operational responsibility for the safe and efficient running of the biomass power plant during your shift

• Operate and monitor plant systems including fuel handling, boiler, turbine, emissions control and balance of plant

• Act as a Senior Authorised Person in line with site safety rules, ensuring plant isolation and permits are managed correctly

• Ensure all activities comply with health, safety and environmental requirements at all times

• Lead emergency response activities and ensure incidents are reported accurately and promptly

• Carry out first-line fault finding and support routine and breakdown maintenance activities

• Monitor plant performance to maximise availability, efficiency and power output

• Maintain accurate operational logs, reports and compliance records

• Support work planning through participation in daily coordination meetings

• Provide technical guidance and on-shift supervision to colleagues and contractors

• Ensure housekeeping standards are consistently maintained across the site

Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:

• NVQ Level 3, completed apprenticeship or equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering discipline

• Operational or maintenance experience within 24/7 heavy processing industry such as power generation, chemical, manufacturing, etc. 

• Experience operating plant via DCS or SCADA control systems

• Working knowledge of pressure systems and electrical systems

• Strong IT skills for reporting and data recording

• A clear understanding of safe systems of work and permit procedures

Personal skills The Shift Team Leader role would suit someone who is:

• Safety-focused with a disciplined and methodical approach

• Calm and effective when responding to plant or operational issues

• Confident working independently and making sound operational decisions

• Organised with strong communication and reporting skills

• Committed to high operational standards and continuous improvement

• Professional and collaborative when working with internal teams and contractors

Salary and benefits of the Shift Team Leader role

• Competitive salary

• Shift-based working pattern

• Pension scheme

• Opportunity to work within the renewable energy sector

• Ongoing training and professional development

Astute’s Nuclear Team is partnering with a leading business who work in a variety of sectors to recruit a Senior Quantity Surveyor to be able to work in their site which is based in Burghfield, close to Reading. The strategically important Senior Quantity Surveyor role comes with a salary of up to £65,000, company pension as well as a car allowance of £5,300. If you’re a Quantity Surveyor looking to step up, or already a Senior Quantity Surveyor, with experience in the MEP space and are looking to work for an organisation that are busy with an ever-expanding portfolio of work, then submit your CV to apply today.   Responsibilities and duties of the Senior Quantity Surveyor role   Reporting to the Commercial Manager you will:  

• Safety on site
• Review and interpret contract terms and conditions
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Manage and take responsibility for cash flow forecasting as well as receipt of payments
• Develop long term relationships to ensure everyone is happy with he completed work
• Negotiate final settlement and complete sign off

  Professional qualifications   We are looking for someone with the following:  

• A BSc Degree in a relevant subject
• Strong MEP project experience as a Quantity Surveyor
• Be SC Cleared, or be able to get put through it

  Personal skills   The Senior Quantity Surveyor role would suit someone who is:  

• A strong communicator, and able to get their points across efficiently
• Able to balance their time and work efficiently
• Local to site and able to commute there the majority of the week

  Salary and benefits of the Senior Quantity Surveyor role  

• A Salary of up to £65,000
• A car allowance of £5,300
• Competitive Holiday allowance and Company Pension scheme

 INDNUC  

Astute’s Power team is partnering with leading principal contractor in the Energy from Waste sector to recruit a Commissioning Mechanical Maintenance Engineer on a project in Kent.            Key skills  

• Support the commissioning team in all mechanical issues (filter cleaning and exchange, dismount pumps, etc.) 
• Reports any variations and issues to the Commissioning Manager 
• Maintains all mechanical tools in a clean state and ready to use 
• Liaises and coordinates with other project team members, in particular the Commissioning Manager, Commissioning Lead Engineers and Operations personnel 
• Review and implement maintenance routines and schedules as per supplier OM and plant maintenance and preservation requirements 
• Ensures routines are maintained and recorded on the plant management systems i.e. PAMELA and or CMMS etc 
• Carry out required maintenance tasks in the field and record completion of maintenance tasks in shift books, produce activity progress report on regular basis as required by Commissioning manager 
• Collect samples as required by the commissioning manager or lead engineer i.e. water, oil, waste, IBA etc 
• Must have mid-level experience in a maintenance role in EFW, Power plant and/or heavy industrial setting.
• Beneficial to have strong understanding of mechanical systems i.e pumps, filters, and rotating equipment.

Location, remuneration and timeframe of the Commissioning Mechanical Maintenance Engineer

• Kent
• December 2025
• 4-month minimum contract
• £500 - £550 per day (Outside IR35)

Astute's Power Team are currently recruiting 2 Electrical Testers to join a Electrical Main Contractor on a new build Waste to Energy facility based in Irvine, Scotland on a 5 months contractor under the CIS scheme.

The Electrician positions come with an hourly rate of £24.00 per hour. Role responsibilities and key skills for the role:

• Perform electrical testing and commissioning of LV and MV cabling systems associated with Balance of Plant (BoP) infrastructure.

• Conduct insulation resistance testing (IR), continuity checks, polarity tests, and phase rotation verification on power and control cables.

• Interpret single-line diagrams, wiring schematics, and cable schedules to verify correct installation.

• Ensure all cable terminations, joints, and connections meet industry standards and project specifications.

• Document test results clearly and accurately in line with QA/QC protocols.

• Coordinate with installation teams, supervisors, and commissioning engineers to troubleshoot faults or non-conformities.

• Verify correct cable routing, glanding, and tagging across BoP systems (e.g., transformers, switchgear, MCCs, and auxiliary equipment).

• Follow lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) and site safety procedures at all times.

• Use appropriate testing tools (megger, multimeter, phase testers, etc.) and ensure they are calibrated and in good condition.

• Support pre-commissioning and energization activities under the direction of the electrical commissioning manager.

• Participate in punch-list activities and resolution of deficiencies.

• Maintain compliance with HSE regulations, electrical standards (e.g., IEC, BS7671), and site-specific quality procedures.

Location, day rate and timeframe of the Electrical Tester positions:

• Irvine, Scotland
• £24.00 per hour (CIS)
• Immediate start date
• 5 months

INDPOW

Maintenance Outage Engineer Seascale Competitive salary & bonus     About the role: Astute's Power team is partnering with one of the leading process, energy and industrial providers, who operate a portfolio of the UKs key strategic sites including power plants and gas terminals.  The Maintenance Outage Engineer role will play a vital part in ensuring the safe and efficient management of all outage planning and delivery and agreed projects. If you’re an experienced Engineer, with a background in outage planning and project activities and are looking to work for an organisation that puts integrity and people at the forefront of everything it does, then upload your CV to apply today.     Responsibilities and duties: Reporting to the E&M Manager you will:

• Be responsible for managing annual outage requirements including any forward planning of future project, outage works and maintenance requirements for budgeting and delivery.
• Liaise with clients on outage plans and requirements and keep updated with timescales and actions.
• Be responsible for chairing any planning meetings, and the creations of annual budgets for delivery and maintenance.
• Ensure that any additional engineering projects are managed in a timely manner and regular updates are provided to the client.
• Engage with sub-contractors, managing cost-control and completion of allocated responsibilities, including mechanical, electrical, and civil related activities.
• Deputising for the E&M Manager when required.

    Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:

• HNC or equivalent in an engineering discipline
• Experience working with outage planning and delivery.
• Experience planning and managing projects.
• Power generation or process industry knowledge and experience

    Personal skills: The Maintenance Outage Engineer role would suit someone who is:

• Has excellent communication skills.
• Dedicated problem solver
• Driven and resilient
• Works well with others and can adapt to work effectively.

    Salary and benefits of the Maintenance Outage Engineer role:

• Competitive salary + Bonus
• 26 days holiday + Bank Holidays
• Life assurance & income protection
• More benefits to be discussed at interview

    How to apply? To apply for this opportunity simply send a copy of your up-to-date CV and covering letter to [email protected] or call 02393 910 038 to speak to Emily Lobacz who can tell you more.   INDPOW

Astute’s Renewables Team is partnering with a forward-thinking renewable energy provider committed to sustainability and professional development, to recruit a Sales Manager for its UK operations. The strategically important Sales Manager role comes with a competitive salary, pension, and flexible working options. If you’re a Sales Manager looking to work for an organisation that puts integrity, innovation, and people at the forefront of everything it does, submit your CV to apply today. Responsibilities and duties of the Business Development Manager role Reporting to the Commercial Director, you will:

• Lead the full sales process from client engagement to contract completion.

• Maintain strong connections with industry stakeholders, including architects, developers, and engineers.
• Identify and develop relationships with new and existing commercial clients.
• Assess sites and consult with clients to ensure technical and commercial feasibility.
• Support solar PV system design and energy yield analysis using tools such as PVSol, PVSyst, or Helioscope.

• Prepare proposals, tenders, and financial models for public and private clients.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with legal and procurement support.

• Advise clients on incentives, grants, and funding opportunities.
• Track sales activity, manage CRM data, and report on performance.
• Work with engineering teams to ensure solutions meet regulatory and financial requirements
• Support sales strategy, process improvements, and market growth initiatives.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and client meetings.

Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:

• Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Renewable Energy, Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 3–5 years’ experience in technical sales or business development, ideally in solar PV, renewables, or engineering services.
• Proven knowledge of solar PV systems, including modules, inverters, mounting systems, and grid connections or transferable industry experience, including wind and renewable energy.
• Experience managing the full sales process, proposals, and contract negotiations.
• Familiarity with public tenders, bids, and contract management
• Full, clean driving licence and willingness to travel across UK.

Personal skills The Sales Manager role would suit someone who is:

• Highly motivated, proactive, and able to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Skilled at building and maintaining client and stakeholder relationships.
• A strong communicator, both written and verbal, with excellent presentation skills.
• Able to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including sales, design, legal, and operations.
• Flexible to attend industry events and meetings outside standard hours when required.

Salary and benefits of the Sales Manager role

• Competitive salary
• Pension plan
• Health insurance
• Death-in-service and income protection
• Support for professional membership fees, training, and CPD