Protection & Control Design Engineer
Role Overview
We are seeking two highly skilled and motivated Protection & Control (P&C) Design Engineers to join our high‑voltage engineering team. The successful candidates will be responsible for the design, specification, and configuration of protection and control systems for HV and EHV substations and renewable energy projects up to 400 kV.
This is a key technical role ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of our clients' electrical networks. As part of the wider electrical design team, you will interface with all items of primary plant and substation equipment to ensure adherence to protection and control philosophies and project requirements.
Applicants should ideally have strong and demonstrable experience in UK protection system design, knowledge of DNO/TSO standards (including ENA G99, G81) and a solid understanding of applicable British and International Standards.
Skills & Qualifications
Essential
* Degree, HND, or HNC in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems preferred).
* Previous experience with a consultancy, contractor, EPC, DNO or TSO.
* Demonstrable experience designing HV/EHV protection systems (11 kV–400 kV) within the UK.
Core Power System Knowledge
* Strong understanding of power system fundamentals including faults, short‑circuit levels, stability, and load flow behaviour.
* Knowledge of transmission & distribution configurations (AIS/GIS substations, mesh, radial, HVDC interfaces).
* Understanding of transformer, busbar, reactor, overhead line and cable characteristics up to 400 kV.
Technical Competencies
Protection Philosophy & Schemes
* In-depth knowledge of primary & backup protection including:
* Transmission lines (Distance, Differential, Communications‑assisted schemes)
* Transformers (Differential, REF, Buchholz, thermal/overload)
* Busbars (High‑impedance and Low‑impedance schemes)
* Feeders, reactors, generators
* Experience with protection coordination, grading, and fault‑level studies.
* Understanding of intertripping, autoreclose logic, and SIPS schemes.
Protection Relays & IEDs
* Hands‑on experience with modern numerical relays (Siemens, GE, ABB, SEL, etc.).
* Competent in relay settings, configuration, logic design, and testing principles.
* Understanding of communications protocols:
* IEC 61850, GOOSE, MMS
* DNP3, Modbus
* Ability to interpret disturbance records and COMTRADE files.
Control & SCADA Systems
* Knowledge of substation control philosophies up to 400 kV.
* Understanding of RTUs, bay controllers, and SAS systems.
* Experience with SCADA data modelling, interlocking logic, and point lists.
* Working familiarity with time synchronisation (IRIG‑B, PTP).
Standards & Compliance
* Familiarity with relevant standards including:
* IEC 61850, IEC 60255, IEC 60044/61869
* National Grid ESO Grid Code
* IEEE and ENA TS
* Understanding of DNO‑specific protection standards and approval processes.
Secondary Systems & Wiring
* Knowledge of CT/VT selection, accuracy and saturation characteristics.
* Experience designing protection panels, marshalling kiosks, and interface wiring.
* Understanding of AC/DC auxiliary supplies, battery sizing and distribution.
* Competent producing and interpreting:
* Schematics
* Wiring diagrams
* Logic diagrams
* Cable schedules
Digital Substation & Emerging Technologies
* Understanding of IEC 61850‑9‑2 process bus architectures.
* Knowledge of merging units, sampled values, and digital CT/VT technologies.
* Awareness of cybersecurity requirements for automation systems.
Testing, Commissioning & Investigation
* Understanding of FAT/SAT processes, dynamic testing, and end‑to‑end scheme testing.
General Engineering & Project Skills
* Ability to produce technical documents including reports, protection settings, specifications, and ITPs.
* Understanding of HV safety rules, electrical clearances, and risk assessments.
* Awareness of construction sequencing, outage planning and operational constraints.
* Strong knowledge of quality control, change management, and technical governance.
Detailed Role Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Senior Engineer, you will:
* Check and/or approve design deliverables from internal teams and equipment manufacturers.
* Ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across all design outputs.
* Produce clear monthly progress reports.
* Generate accurate technical documentation, calculations, and correspondence.
* Lead the design and development of P&C schemes up to 400 kV including:
* Single Line Diagrams
* Key Line Diagrams
* Protection Connection & Logic Drawings
* I/O Schedules
* Tripping Matrices
* Relay/CT specifications
* Relay Bill of Quantities & Cortec
* Battery sizing calculations
* Communications architecture/topology
* AC & DC schematics
* Cable block diagrams, multicore schedules & core sheets
* Conduct relay coordination studies and fault analysis (ETAP, DIgSILENT, PSCAD).
* Prepare and review protection settings, test plans, and commissioning procedures.
* Support FAT, SAT, and commissioning activities.
* Ensure compliance with IEC, ENA, Grid Code, and DNO/TSO-specific requirements.
* Interface with procurement to ensure equipment meets project and standards requirements.
* Support multi‑discipline coordination, design reviews, and cross‑team collaboration.
* Embed safety and sustainability principles in line with CDM regulations.
* Follow document control, numbering, naming, and revision management procedures.
* Contribute to team development and identification of training needs.
* Produce project‑specific designer risk assessments.