Greg Storey

Astute's Power Team are partnering with a Leading EPC Contractor within the Energy Sector. We are currently recruiting for a Lead Mechanical Commissioning Engineer to join their Combined Cycle Gas Turbine plant based in Adamow, Poland.

The Lead Mechanical Commissioning Engineer position comes with a day rate from €500.00 to €550.00 per day outside of IR35. Role responsibilities and key skills for the role:  

•  Lead and coordinate all mechanical commissioning activities associated with the CCGT power plant, ensuring safe, efficient and timely delivery in line with the overall commissioning programme and key project milestones.

•  Develop, review and execute detailed mechanical commissioning plans, procedures and system turnover strategies, ensuring activities are correctly sequenced and aligned with the wider project commissioning schedule.

•  Lead the pre-commissioning and commissioning of major mechanical plant and systems, including gas turbines, steam turbines, HRSGs, steam and condensate systems, feedwater systems, cooling water systems, fuel gas systems and associated Balance of Plant equipment.

•  Take ownership of mechanical system readiness, ensuring construction completion, mechanical completion, punch list close-out and system handover activities are effectively managed prior to commissioning.

•  Coordinate mechanical commissioning interfaces across process, electrical, C&I and DCS systems, working closely with discipline leads to ensure systems and plant are available in accordance with the commissioning sequence.

•  Lead commissioning activities including flushing, blowing, chemical cleaning, pressure testing, leak testing, equipment alignment, lubrication, rotation checks and functional testing of mechanical systems and equipment.

•  Manage and coordinate OEMs, subcontractors and specialist vendors during commissioning activities, ensuring works are completed safely and in accordance with project specifications, commissioning procedures and agreed schedules.

•  Provide technical leadership during the commissioning of rotating equipment, including pumps, compressors, fans, gas turbines, steam turbines and associated auxiliary systems.

•  Drive fault finding, troubleshooting and root cause analysis across mechanical systems, coordinating corrective actions and ensuring defects are resolved without impacting key commissioning milestones.

•  Review and approve mechanical commissioning documentation, including commissioning procedures, ITPs, test packs, system dossiers, vendor documentation, punch lists and redline drawings, ensuring full traceability and readiness for handover.

•  Ensure strict compliance with Permit-to-Work, LOTO and project HSE procedures throughout all mechanical commissioning activities, promoting a strong safety culture across the commissioning team.

•  Monitor commissioning progress against the project schedule, identifying potential delays, resource constraints and system interface issues, and implementing recovery plans where required.

•  Support major project milestones including first fire, steam blows, steam turbine roll, synchronisation, load testing, reliability runs and performance testing through to successful plant handover.

•  Lead and mentor Mechanical Commissioning Engineers and Technicians, allocating resources and coordinating daily activities to ensure commissioning priorities and project milestones are achieved.

•  Provide regular progress updates to the Commissioning Manager and senior project stakeholders, clearly communicating mechanical system status, risks, constraints, outstanding works and commissioning priorities.

  Location, day rate and timeframe of the Lead Mechanical Commissioning Engineer position:

• Adamow, Poland
• €500.00 to €550.00 per day (AOR)
• Start date - September 2026
• 9  months

INDPOW

Astute's Strategic Division are currently recruiting for a Mechanical Engineering Department Head to lead the engineering team within the food and beverage sector.

The Mechanical Engineering Department Head position come with a salary from $150,000 to $170,000 plus benefits. Role responsibilities and key skills for the role:  

• Lead and manage the Mechanical Engineering Department, taking responsibility for team performance, technical delivery, resource planning and continued development of the department.
• Recruit, develop and mentor mechanical engineering staff, establishing clear performance, development and technical competency standards across the team.
• Provide technical leadership across the department, developing and maintaining engineering standards, procedures and best practices for design, documentation and construction support.
• Remain actively involved in mechanical engineering design and project delivery as part of multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Lead the design and engineering of industrial mechanical systems including steam and condensate, refrigeration, HVAC, chilled and hot media, compressed air, nitrogen, water supply and treatment systems.
• Work directly with clients, engineering teams and process vendors to establish design criteria, technical requirements and project specifications.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, resources and technical deliverables, ensuring projects are completed in accordance with client and company requirements.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineers throughout the design, construction and commissioning lifecycle.
• Lead Quality Assurance (QA) reviews of mechanical designs, calculations, drawings and technical documentation.
• Evaluate existing mechanical systems to identify operational improvements, available capacity and requirements for future expansion.
• Perform and oversee calculations relating to system loads, load diversity, equipment capacity and future growth requirements.
• Assess alternative equipment and system configurations, presenting clients with clear technical and commercial advantages and disadvantages of different approaches.
• Identify opportunities for energy efficiency, heat/energy recovery and lifecycle cost improvements within industrial facilities.
• Develop lifecycle cost assessments and feasibility studies to support client investment and engineering decisions.
• Ensure engineering designs comply with all relevant US codes, regulations and industry standards.
• Support procurement and construction activities, including contractor bid reviews, technical evaluations and vendor/supplier coordination.
• Attend construction sites to verify installations are consistent with engineering designs, specifications and design intent.
• Provide engineering support during construction, start-up and commissioning, resolving technical issues as required.
• Collaborate closely with architectural, structural, electrical and other engineering disciplines, as well as external consultants, vendors and construction teams.
• Work with contractors and construction trades to identify constructability improvements and value-engineering opportunities.
• Communicate project progress, technical challenges and proposed solutions effectively to clients, project teams and senior stakeholders.
• Contribute to business development activities, helping grow the Mechanical Engineering Department, client relationships and service offering.
• Bring 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience, including a minimum of 3 years in an engineering leadership/management position.
• Demonstrate strong technical experience with industrial steam, refrigeration, compressed air and HVAC systems.
• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an active Professional Engineer (PE) licence.

Location, day rate and timeframe of the Mechanical Engineering Department Head position:

• Salary - $150,000 to $170,000 plus company benefits
• Holland, US
• Start date - October / November 2026

INDPOW

Astute's Strategic Division are currently recruiting for 2x Senior Project Managers to manage all multi-discipline engineering activities and resourses of small to mid level Retrofit refinery projects Billings, or across the Washington State, US.

The Senior Project Manager positions come with a salary from $150,000 to $175,000 plus benefits. Role responsibilities and key skills for the role:  

• Lead the delivery of small to mid-capital retrofit projects from initial project development and planning through engineering, execution and final closeout.
• Plan, organise and manage multidisciplinary engineering teams and project resources, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with client requirements.
• Act as the primary interface with clients and key project stakeholders, managing expectations and maintaining clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop detailed project execution plans, covering scope, cost, schedule, resources, risk and key client requirements.
• Develop and manage Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) to effectively plan, monitor and control project activities.
• Develop and maintain project schedules using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6, managing critical paths, dependencies, milestones and deliverables.
• Manage project budgets, costs and forecasts, regularly reporting progress and identifying trends or potential issues requiring corrective action.
• Identify, assess and manage project risks, implementing appropriate mitigation and response strategies throughout project execution.
• Lead the Management of Change (MOC) process, identifying changes to scope and developing change requests/orders covering associated cost and schedule impacts.
• Coordinate the timely delivery of engineering packages, technical documentation and client deliverables, including managing review comments and approvals.
• Manage project interfaces across engineering, procurement and construction management, ensuring effective coordination between all disciplines.
• Apply stage-gated/FEL (Front-End Loading) project delivery methodologies within heavy industrial and process environments.
• Manage engineering and project resources operating across multiple offices and remote locations, including work-sharing arrangements.
• Provide regular client and internal reporting covering project progress, schedule, cost, risk, quality and forecast completion.
• Lead projects through successful closeout, ensuring all required documentation, technical information and project data are formally handed over.
• Bring a minimum of 10 years’ engineering/project experience, including at least 5 years managing capital projects within heavy industrial environments.
• Demonstrate relevant project experience across sectors such as petroleum refining, hydrocarbons, pulp & paper, specialty chemicals, high-tech or other process industries.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, ideally Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, with Professional Engineer (PE) licensure preferred.
• Previous engineering consultancy/EPC experience is strongly preferred.
• Be available for regular travel to project/job sites across the US as required.

Location, day rate and timeframe of the Senior Project Manager positions:

• Salary - $150,000 to $175,000 plus company benefits
• Billings, US, and 3 offices in the Washington State, US
• Start date - October / November 2026

INDPOW

Astute's Power Team are partnering with a Leading EPC Contractor within the Energy Sector. We are currently recruiting for a Lead Electrical Commissioning Engineer to join their Combined Cycle Gas Turbine plant based in Adamow, Poland. The Lead Electrical Commissioning Engineer position comes with a day rate from €500.00 to €550.00 per day outside of IR35. Role responsibilities and key skills for the role:

• Lead and coordinate all high-voltage (HV) commissioning activities associated with the 600MW CCGT plant, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient delivery in line with project milestones.
• Execute detailed HV commissioning plans, switching schedules, and energisation procedures, aligned with the overall project commissioning strategy and grid connection programme.
• Supervise and manage pre-commissioning and commissioning of HV systems, including GIS/AIS switchgear, power transformers, generator step-up (GSU) transformers, protection & control systems, and grid interface equipment.
• Take ownership of grid compliance and interface activities with National Grid / DNO, ensuring adherence to G99 requirements and supporting all stages of grid energisation and synchronisation.
• Coordinate commissioning interfaces across balance of plant (BoP) systems, including gas turbine auxiliaries, black start systems, UPS/DC systems, and control systems (DCS/SCADA).
• Lead protection system testing and validation, including relay configuration checks, secondary injection, end-to-end testing, and fault response verification.
• Manage and witness energisation activities, including HV switching operations, ensuring strict compliance with LOTO, permit-to-work, and safety rules.
• Review and approve commissioning documentation, including ITPs, FAT/SAT reports, test packs, and redline drawings, ensuring full traceability and handover readiness.
• Drive fault finding, root cause analysis, and defect resolution across HV systems during commissioning and initial operation phases.
• Provide technical oversight of OEMs, subcontractors, and vendors, ensuring all HV works are executed in line with project specifications and UK regulatory standards.
• Support plant synchronisation, load testing, and performance testing, leading through to successful handover to operations.
• Deliver regular progress updates to the Commissioning Manager, highlighting risks, constraints, and interface challenges.

Location, day rate and timeframe of the Lead Electrical Commissioning Engineer position:

• Adamow, Poland
• €500.00 to €550.00 per day (AOR)
• Start date - September 2026
• 9  months

INDPOW

Astute's Strategic Division are currently recruiting for 2x Civil Engineer to join the EPC Contractor across multiple Renewable Energy projects in the UK on a 6 months contract basis Outside of IR35.

The Civil Engineer position comes with a day rate from £350.00 to £400.00 per day Outside IR35. Role responsibilities and key skills for the role:

• Review and provide technical input into civil engineering design packages for multiple BESS and renewable energy projects across the UK.
• Work closely with the Design Manager to review drawings, specifications and calculations, ensuring designs are suitable for construction and meet project requirements.
• Review civil packages covering earthworks, drainage, foundations, access roads, concrete works, ducting, trenches and site infrastructure.
• Act as the key interface between the design and delivery teams, communicating design changes, technical requirements and constructability issues back to site.
• Provide technical support to Site Managers, Construction Managers and subcontractors throughout the construction phase.
• Supervise and inspect civil works on site, ensuring works are completed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, quality standards and programme requirements.
• Identify and resolve design clashes, technical queries and site issues, coordinating with designers and project teams to minimise delays.
• Support inspections, quality documentation, ITPs, RFIs, NCRs and handover activities, ensuring completed civil works meet EPC and client requirements.

Location, day rate and timeframe of the Civil Engineer position:

• UK wide projects - Main office based in Central London
• £350.00 to £400.00 - Outside IR35
• Start date - September 2026
• 6 months initially

INDPOW

Astute’s EPC Contract Power team is partnering with a leading EPC Contractor to recruit a Document Controller to join their fast paced team on a 6 months initial contract basis for their OCGT power plant in Stewartby, Bedfordshire.

The Administrator comes with a day rate from £220.00 to £240.00 per day. Role responsibilities and key skills for the role:

• Act as the primary Document Controller, managing the full lifecycle of project documentation within the ProjectWise system, ensuring accurate storage, version control, and easy retrieval

• Maintain and administer Health & Safety (H&S) files, ensuring all documentation is compliant, current, and aligned with internal procedures and industry standards

• Control document workflows including naming conventions, versioning, approvals, and distribution, maintaining document integrity at all times

• Liaise with project teams, engineers, contractors, and external stakeholders to collect, issue, track, and update required project and H&S documentation

• Ensure critical H&S documentation (RAMS, permits, certifications, training records, inspection reports, etc.) is complete, correctly filed, and audit-ready

• Maintain accurate document registers and trackers, providing regular updates and status reports to the project team

• Perform quality checks on incoming and outgoing documentation to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance prior to submission or approval

• Support internal audits, client audits, and project reviews by collating, preparing, and presenting required documentation

• Maintain strict confidentiality and data security across all project and H&S records in line with company policies

• Provide general administrative support to the project team as required, including meeting coordination, data entry, and ad-hoc project administration

Location, day rate and timeframe of the Document Controller position:

• Stewartby, Bedfordshire (UK wide position, remote working)
• £220.00 to £240.00 per day
• Start date - February 2026
• 6 months initial contract

INDPOW

Astute's Power team are currently recruiting for 2 Mechanical Supervisors to oversee 2 25MW Solar farms in Torino and Ancona, Italy for a large-scale global EPC Contractor. The duration of the contracts is 5 months with a possible extension if work is not completed on time.

The Mechanical Supervisor positions come with a day rate from €400.00 to €500.00 per day. The role can either be via the EOR or AOR route. Role responsibilities and key skills for the role:  

• Oversee and supervise the full mechanical scope of works across two 25MW solar PV projects located in Ancona and Torino, Italy.

• Act as the primary mechanical representative for the EPC contractor on site, ensuring works are delivered to specification, on time, and within budget.

• Supervise and coordinate mechanical subcontractors, suppliers, and site teams to ensure safe and efficient execution of works.

• Monitor installation quality of mechanical components, including mounting structures, racking systems, and associated plant equipment.

• Ensure all mechanical activities comply with project drawings, technical standards, and contractual requirements.

• Implement and maintain site health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards in line with company and client policies.

• Conduct regular site inspections and progress reviews, identifying and resolving any mechanical issues or risks.

• Coordinate closely with electrical, civil, and project management teams to ensure seamless integration of all disciplines.

• Maintain accurate site documentation, including method statements, risk assessments, inspection records, and progress reports.

• Support commissioning and handover phases by ensuring mechanical installations are completed, tested, and signed off to required standards.

Location, day rate and timeframe of the Mechanical Supervisor positions:

 

• Torino & Ancona
• €400.00 to €500.00 per day
• Start date - February 2026
• 5 months initially 
• AOR or EOR

INDREN

Astute's Power team are currently recruiting for a Planning Manager to join the Main Contractor on the installation of over 400 overhead lines routes from Fort Augustus to the Isle of Skye. This is a contract position for 6 months Inside IR35.

The Planning Manager position come with a day rate from £650.00 to £700.00 inside IR35. Role responsibilities and key skills for the role:

• Lead the planning and programming of works for 448 overhead line routes, ensuring delivery to time, cost, and quality standards.

• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules using Primavera P6.

• Coordinate planning activities across civils, engineering, and installation teams involved in pylon foundations and line erection.

• Work closely with design teams to integrate technical outputs into construction programmes.

• Manage interfaces between civils works (foundations, access roads, crane pads) and overhead line installation teams.

• Identify and mitigate programme risks, delays, and dependencies, providing regular updates to senior management.

• Produce and maintain baseline, short-term lookahead, and recovery plans as required.

• Support contract management through progress reporting, critical path analysis, and earned value tracking.

• Liaise with stakeholders including contractors, land agents, utilities, and local authorities on planning matters.

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental requirements within all planning activities.

Location, day rate and timeframe of the Planning Manager position:

• Fort Augustus
• Immediate start
• £650.00 to £700.00 per day (Inside IR35)
• 6 months (strong possibility for an extension)

INDOW

Astute's Power Team are currently recruiting for an Accountant to join the Finance Division for a growing EPC Contractor within the Power and Renewable Energy Industries on a 12 months fixed term contract basis in Central London.

The Accountant position comes with a salary ranging from £45,000 to £55,000. Role responsibilities and key skills for the role:

• Maintain and reconcile the general ledger and trial balance, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all financial records
• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports in line with group reporting requirements and consolidation timelines
• Manage SAP S/4HANA (Finance/FA module) activities, including postings, reconciliations, and fixed asset accounting
• Oversee and coordinate the year-end and interim external audit process, acting as the main point of contact for auditors
• Support group consolidation by preparing and submitting accurate financial data within strict deadlines
• Liaise closely with the tax team to ensure compliance with UK tax regulations, VAT returns, and statutory requirements
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations and investigate variances, ensuring timely resolution of discrepancies
• Assist in the preparation of statutory accounts and ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards (e.g. UK GAAP / IFRS)
• Collaborate with UK and HQ teams to ensure consistency in financial processes, controls, and reporting standards
• Contribute to process improvements and system efficiencies within SAP S/4HANA and wider finance operations

Location, salary and timeframe of the Accountant position:

• Central London
• Salary - £45,000 to £55,000
• Start date - May 2026
• 12 months fixed term contract

INDPOW