At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of high-voltage protection systems for major UK projects.
- Company: Leading engineering consultancy focused on energy transition and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, career progression, and influence over design standards.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and make a real impact on the UK's energy future.
- Why this job: Shape critical national assets and support the energy transition in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong background in power system protection and experience with high-voltage systems.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Protection & Control Engineer to join a leading engineering consultancy delivering major infrastructure and energy transition projects across the UK. You will join a specialist transmission and distribution engineering team working across high-voltage networks, renewable integration and complex utility infrastructure programmes. This role offers the chance to lead technical delivery while shaping protection and control strategies for critical national assets.
The Role
As a Principal P&C Engineer, you will take a lead role in the design, review and delivery of protection and control systems for high-voltage transmission projects up to 400kV.
- Leading the design of transmission protection systems up to 400kV
- Reviewing internal and third-party protection and control designs
- Developing design estimates, deliverables lists and engineering programmes
- Providing technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers
- Advising on protection design, system operation and design change impacts
- Ensuring compliance with CDM regulations and engineering standards
- Challenging and improving existing technical solutions and design approaches
- Managing delivery of project tasks to scope, time, cost and quality requirements
- Undertaking site visits and supporting construction and commissioning activities
- Identifying and managing technical, safety and project risks
- Acting as a key interface with clients, contractors, system operators and stakeholders
- Supporting coordination across multidisciplinary engineering teams
About You
You will likely bring:
- Strong background in power system protection design and application
- Experience working at transmission voltage levels up to 400kV (utility, consultancy or OEM environment)
- Proven experience producing protection and control design deliverables
- Ability to calculate relay settings and develop logic files
- Experience producing schematics and detailed P&C engineering drawings
- Knowledge of protection schemes including busbar, transformer, feeder, reactor and circuit breaker fail protection
- Understanding of SCADA interfaces and system integration
- Experience working with IEC 61850 communication protocols
- Familiarity with protection studies and coordination tools such as ASPEN, ETAP or DIgSILENT
- Strong understanding of substation secondary systems including panel design and cable schedules
- Experience working within multi-disciplinary engineering and delivery teams
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage at senior stakeholder level
Desirable Experience
- TP141, CDAE or LCDAE authorisation
- Chartered Engineer status
- HVDC and FACTS protection system experience
- SCADA system design (e.g. Zenon-Copa-Data)
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to lead technical delivery on major UK transmission projects
- Significant influence over protection and control design standards and approaches
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Exposure to complex, high-value national infrastructure programmes
- Strong career progression within a specialist engineering environment
This is a key opportunity for a senior protection engineer looking to take a leading role in shaping critical UK transmission infrastructure and supporting the energy transition. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Principal Substation Secondary Design Engineer employer: Advance TRS
Join a leading engineering consultancy that champions innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. With a strong focus on career progression, you will have the opportunity to lead major UK transmission projects while enjoying a flexible working environment that promotes work-life balance. Our inclusive culture values diversity and encourages collaboration, making it an excellent place for experienced professionals to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Substation Secondary Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their work in high-voltage networks and renewable integration.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and be ready to discuss your experience with protection and control systems. They’ll want to see how you can lead design efforts and tackle complex challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Substation Secondary Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in power system protection design and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving high-voltage systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Principal P&C Engineer role. Share your passion for energy transition projects and how your experience aligns with our goals at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise, like your knowledge of IEC 61850 protocols or experience with protection studies. We want to see how you can lead the design and delivery of protection systems up to 400kV.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape critical UK transmission infrastructure.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance TRS
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of power system protection design and high-voltage transmission systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with IEC 61850 protocols and how you've applied them in past projects. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical problems related to protection and control systems. Think about past challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Engineer, you'll be expected to lead and mentor junior engineers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas to stakeholders at all levels, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the consultancy's recent projects and their approach to energy transition. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals and how you can contribute to their success. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out as a candidate who is aligned with their mission.
