Pushing Boundaries: A World leader in propulsion engineering from concept to production                                  

Ricardo is a trusted engineering partner specialising in complex propulsion, driveline, and energy systems. We work with customers globally to deliver end-to-end solutions from initial design through to full production. For over 110 years, we have been at the forefront of world changing engineering innovation, partnering with many of the world’s most ambitious organisations to improve performance, push boundaries, and accelerate progress.
Headquartered in Shoreham by Sea (UK), Ricardo brings together more than 1,000 experts and delivers in excess of 200 major programmes globally at any given time. For more information, visit www.ricardo.com 

Position Summary

The System Owner will lead the design, development, integration, and delivery of systems supporting a large-scale generator set, including engine, auxiliaries, and associated balance-of-plant subsystems. This role ensures compliance with performance, safety, emissions, regulatory, and certification requirements across industrial power generation applications.

This position requires a technically versatile engineer with expertise in complex engine-based systems and experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, controls, electrical, and plant integration). The successful candidate will drive system-level performance, reliability, and operability of high-power genset platforms.

What We Expect From You

Technical Leadership

• Act as the system/sub-system owner for key genset domains (e.g., engine core systems, fuel systems, cooling, air handling, exhaust & aftertreatment, controls integration).
• Ensure technical integrity, performance, durability, and compliance with industrial power generation standards (e.g., emissions, grid compliance, and safety regulations).
• Interpret and apply applicable regulations and standards (e.g., ISO, IEC, emissions compliance such as EPA/EU Stage V where relevant).
• Lead requirements decomposition from customer and plant-level needs down to engine and subsystem specifications, ensuring full traceability.
• Manage critical interfaces between engine, generator, and plant systems (electrical, thermal, controls).

Project Execution

• Lead cross-functional engineering teams through the full lifecycle of genset development, from concept through commissioning and field validation.
• Coordinate suppliers and partners delivering major subsystems (e.g., turbochargers, fuel systems, radiators, control systems).
• Define and execute Design Verification Plans (DVPs) specific to high-power engine operation, including:
• Load step response
• Transient performance
• Fuel efficiency
• Thermal management
• Emissions compliance
• Durability testing
• Develop detailed test procedures and acceptance criteria for both lab and field environments.
• Oversee validation campaigns, including:
• Engine test bed validation
• Integrated genset testing
• Site commissioning and field trials
• Track DVP progress, managing risks, issues, and corrective actions.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all deliverables meet industrial power generation safety, quality, and emissions standards.
• Manage certification evidence for genset operation in target markets.
• Support FMEA, hazard analysis, and safety case development, particularly for:
• High-energy rotating machinery
• Fuel systems (gas/diesel)
• Thermal and pressure systems
• Lead engineering change management for system updates across design and validation phases.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with engine design, controls, electrical, manufacturing, and installation teams to ensure:
• Optimized system efficiency and performance
• Compliance with customer and regulatory requirements
• Robust integration with the generator and plant systems
• Provide system representation in:
• Design reviews
• Customer technical discussions
• Certification audits
• Program milestone reviews
• Collaborate with quality, safety, and field service teams for alignment across the product lifecycle.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Resolve issues arising during engine testing, genset validation, and field operation.
• Apply structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., 8D, DOE, root cause analysis) to improve:
• Reliability
• Efficiency
• Maintainability
• Drive continuous improvement in genset system design and validation processes.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive system documentation, including:
• Requirements specifications
• Interface definitions
• DVPs and test reports
• Certification and compliance evidence
• Provide clear reporting on:
• Performance metrics
• Validation status
• Risks and mitigation plans
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, leadership, and customers.

Must-Have Skills & Capabilities

Technical Expertise

• Experience in large-scale engine systems (multi-MW class), power generation, or heavy-duty industrial equipment
• Expertise in one or more areas:
• Engine mechanical systems
• Fuel systems (gas/diesel/hybrid)
• Controls and calibration
• Thermal management
• Structural or performance analysis
• Strong systems engineering capability, including requirements, interfaces, and validation
• Knowledge of industrial engine standards, emissions regulations, and certification processes
• Proven experience in test planning and DVP execution for engine or power systems
• Proficiency in structured problem-solving methodologies

Project Leadership

• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams on complex programs
• Strong validation leadership, including engine and field testing coordination
• Proven risk and issue management capability in large-scale systems
• Experience managing suppliers of critical engine subsystems
• Solid understanding of compliance and certification delivery

Communication & Collaboration

• Ability to translate technical and regulatory requirements into executable engineering plans
• Strong collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, validation, and service teams
• Customer-focused mindset with emphasis on:
• Reliability
• Maintainability
• Compliance

Preferred Skills & Capabilities

• Experience with genset integration, grid interaction, or microgrid systems
• Familiarity with systems engineering tools (e.g., requirements management platforms)
• Knowledge of emissions aftertreatment systems (SCR, oxidation catalysts)
• Experience in site commissioning and field validation of large engines
• Exposure to digital engineering, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), or simulation tools
• Understanding of lean or agile development approaches in hardware systems

Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or Power Engineering (Master’s preferred)
• Significant experience in :
• Large engine development
• Power generation systems
• Systems engineering or validation roles
• Demonstrated experience delivering DVPs for engine or industrial systems
• Proven track record managing certification and compliance in regulated environments
• Experience with multi-MW equipment, rotating machinery, or industrial energy systems preferred

Key Differentiators for This Role

• Experience with 10 MW-class engines or comparable heavy-duty platforms
• Understanding of engine-generator integration and plant-level performance
• Exposure to high-availability, mission-critical power systems

Working here

You will be warmly welcomed into our workplace where every voice matters. We are diverse thinkers and doers, coming together to create a culture of inclusion. We will support you to find your place.

We will encourage you to use your passion and expertise to make a positive impact through the projects you work on. Your knowledge and desire to bring about change will be invaluable in helping deliver innovative solutions that support communities across the globe in becoming safer and more sustainable.

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours. We have an ambitious diversity, equality, and inclusion approach as explained here. We value diversity; recognising that a more diverse workforce creates a richer and more varied working environment. Diversity also drives innovation, by allowing us to offer our clients the best consultancy service that we can. As part of our commitment to engage positively and pro-actively with all our employees and to ensure an inclusive culture, we are a recognised as a 'disability confident' employer.

Next steps

Once you have submitted your application a member of our Recruitment Team will be in touch. Please be aware that the timing can vary dependent on the volume of applications that we receive for each role and in some cases, we may start to review applications prior to the closing date.

Ricardo is a Disability confident employer please advise the recruitment team via recruit@ricardo.com if you require any adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process.