Principal Protection and Control Design Engineer
Core
Lead design of protection and control systems for HV/EHV substations (11kV–400kV+), preparing engineering deliverables, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with international standards for energy infrastructure projects.
Role type
Principal Protection and Control Design Engineer
Builds
Protection Single Line Diagrams, AC/DC Schematics, Wiring Diagrams, Terminal Plans, Cable Schedules, Interconnection Diagrams, Protection Relay Panels, Control Panels, Annunciation Panels, Metering Panels, and RTU/SCADA interfaces.
Domain
Energy infrastructure / High Voltage Substations / Power Systems
Required skills
Protection scheme design for Transmission and Distribution substations, Protection relay configuration (Siemens, GE, ABB/Hitachi Energy, Schneider Electric, SEL), Protection coordination and relay settings philosophy, Engineering calculations (cable sizing, voltage drop, battery sizing), SCADA/RTU/SAS and communication protocols, IEC 61850 and substation automation systems, AutoCAD proficiency.
Preferred skills
Experience with UK, Middle East, Europe, or international utility projects, Knowledge of IEC, IEEE, National Grid, and client-specific standards, Mentorship and knowledge-sharing capabilities, Business development and proposal support.
Technologies
AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, SCADA, RTU, SAS, IEC 61850, Siemens, GE, ABB/Hitachi Energy, Schneider Electric, SEL
Responsibilities
Prepare Protection & Control engineering designs for HV/EHV substations, Provide expert-level input to develop and oversee Protection Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), AC/DC Schematics, Wiring Diagrams, Terminal Plans, Cable Schedules, and Interconnection Diagrams, Design Protection Relay Panels, Control Panels, Annunciation Panels, Metering Panels, and RTU/SCADA interfaces, Prepare Protection Relay Settings philosophy and coordinate with system studies where applicable, Perform protection coordination and review relay configurations, Prepare engineering calculations, cable sizing, voltage drop calculations, and battery sizing (where applicable), Coordinate with Civil, Primary, Telecom, and SCADA engineering teams, Review vendor drawings and ensure compliance with project specifications, Undertake client and stakeholder engagement, providing technical assurance, strategic direction, and value-engineered solutions on high-profile infrastructure programmes, Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and technical issue resolution, Drive project execution, managing technical risks, interfaces, and quality reviews while supporting procurement, construction, and commissioning phases, Ensure designs comply with IEC, IEEE, National Grid, and client-specific standards, Champion mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and technical development within the wider team, supporting capability growth in cable systems engineering, Support business development activities, including proposals, bid reviews, and client presentations.
Seniority
Principal, strategy & mentorship