Protection Technical Sourcing & Standards Engineer
Join as a permanent employee to report to the Technical Sourcing and Standards Manager within the Asset Management directorate at our Energy House, Crawley office. You will contribute to the development of protection and control technical standards across the UKPN network.
Salary: £80,574 plus car/allowance subject to terms and a 3% bonus. The role offers blended working after the 6‑month probationary period (3 days in the office and 2 remote).
Close Date: 25/11/2025
Benefits
* 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Reservist Leave – additional 18 days full pay and 22 days unpaid
* Personal Pension Plan – personal contribution of 4% or 5% (UK Power Networks contributes 8% or 10%)
* Tenancy Loan Deposit Scheme, Season Ticket Loan
* Tax‑efficient benefits: Cycle to Work, Home & Tech, and Green Car Leasing Schemes
* Occupational Health support
* Switched On – discounts on hundreds of retailers’ products
* Discounted gym membership
* Employee Assistance Programme
Job Purpose
The Technical Sourcing & Standards Team is a key part of the Asset Management Directorate. You will develop protection and control technical standards and philosophies, identify and introduce innovative protection systems across the UKPN network at all voltage levels.
Nature and Scope
* Manage the introduction of new technology for distribution assets and failure investigations to identify continuous improvement opportunities.
* Provide regulatory returns and management reports, analysing statistical information.
* Build relationships with Asset Management partners and UK Power Networks, organising meetings and communicating at all organisational levels.
* Conduct post‑fault analysis, initiate corrective actions and work confidently with other departments.
* Develop design standards to support in‑house and external resources.
* Perform site visits, including entry to operational substations, complying with safety rules and procedures.
* Visit manufacturers and suppliers to assess equipment compliance.
* Assist in protection relay assessment as part of the ENA Protection assessment panel.
Principal Accountabilities
* Co‑manage specifying, sourcing, and approving new protection equipment with Capital Programme, Procurement, and other departments.
* Identify solutions that reduce total life‑cycle costs, prioritising maintenance‑free options while meeting safety goals.
* Develop and implement technical standards for protection and control equipment, considering future requirements.
* Produce technical reports for business presentations at all levels.
* Ensure appropriate training materials and on‑site training for new equipment.
* Lead failure investigations, perform root‑cause analysis, and recommend remediation.
* Collaborate with Innovation teams to specify and evaluate equipment for network deployment.
* Attend manufacturer meetings to confirm correct equipment supply.
* Define assessment requirements for manufacturers and new plant, and arrange testing.
* Contribute to price control submissions to Ofgem for relevant asset categories.
* Mentor team members to enhance technical knowledge.
* Support other asset engineers and designers within Asset Management.
* Comply with the designer’s obligations under CDM Regulations.
* Deliver the departmental HSS Action Plan to support an Incident and Injury Free culture.
* Collaborate with suppliers on new product development and fault escalation/resolution.
* Work with other departments on projects requiring protection and control expertise.
Qualifications
* Degree (or equivalent) in electrical engineering.
* Experience up to 132kV from academics and work.
* Understanding of power distribution protection systems at all voltage levels.
* Knowledge of IEC60870‑103, DNP3, MODBUS, and IEC61850 communication protocols.
* Experience with web‑based applications and project lifecycle management.
* Knowledge of Incident and Problem Management Processes.
* Ability to resolve technical power engineering issues and provide advice.
* Awareness of current technological developments in distribution plant.
* Understanding of physical asset management best practice and regulatory requirements.
* Analytical skills with statistical interpretation and risk assessment.
* Experience engaging external engineering organisations and partners.
* Self‑directed, able to set and meet targets, identify cost‑saving solutions.
* Strong written and verbal communication, team‑working, conflict resolution.
* Business, environmental, safety, financial, and regulatory awareness.
* Knowledge of ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001 procedures.
* Knowledge of national and international standards relevant to specifying plant.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
* Sound safety culture and understanding of Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations.
Health & Safety Responsibilities
Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of employees, those under their control, and those who might be affected by the work, including public and visitors. Employees must understand health and safety risks and apply necessary controls.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity workplace.
Contact
If you have any queries regarding this vacancy or your application, please contact us at careers@ukpowernetworks.co.uk quoting the vacancy reference number. A member of the team will get in touch as soon as possible.
#J-18808-Ljbffr