At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of innovative protection and control systems for substations.
- Company: Join Arup, a global leader in engineering and design with a mission to shape a better world.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy and contribute to a sustainable world.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and extensive experience in substation protection required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world. Arup undertakes transmission and distribution design projects across the globe. In the UK we deliver concept through to detail design for a wide range of clients including established asset owners and new market entrants (interconnectors, private wire schemes etc).
As an example, Arup recently formed a joint venture with AECOM to serve as the design and consenting service partner for the UK National Grid’s Great Grid Partnership. Over a period of 8–12 years, Arup will help deliver key aspects of the transmission grid transformation, ensuring a resilient, low-carbon energy network for the future. This is the UK’s major grid modernisation programme, set to deliver five times more electricity infrastructure than has been built in the past three decades.
These projects, part of the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework, will enhance the country’s energy backbone, supporting planned renewable developments such as wind farms in the North Sea and East Anglia coastline. By expanding and enhancing the grid, this programme will accelerate the transition to net zero, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and drive down energy costs.
This collaboration will drive a comprehensive design and construction program aimed at connecting clean energy to homes and businesses across England and Wales by 2030 and beyond.
Is this role right for you?
Technical leadership and strategic delivery of transmission substation protection and control systems. In this role, you will deliver excellence in design, act as lead interface with multidisciplinary design teams and ensure the successful execution of complex projects that underpin the reliability and resilience of the power network.
We are looking for people who have:
- Leadership & Strategy
- Provide technical leadership and direction for protection and control engineering across multiple projects.
- Define best practices, standards, and methodologies for substation protection and automation systems.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders on grid protection strategies and emerging technologies.
- Project Delivery
- Oversee design, configuration, and implementation of advanced protection and control schemes for transmission substations.
- Ensure compliance with IEC, IEEE, and national grid standards while driving innovation in system design.
- Manage project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation for engineering teams.
- Team Development
- Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
- Lead technical reviews and provide authoritative guidance on complex engineering challenges.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the main technical interface for clients, regulators, and contractors.
- Support tendering processes with authoritative technical input and cost optimization strategies.
- Innovation & Strategy
- Serve as the primary technical interface for clients, regulators, and contractors.
- Represent the organization in industry forums and contribute to shaping future standards.
Qualifications & Skills
- Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline; Chartered Engineer status essential.
- Extensive experience in substation protection and control engineering (HV/EHV systems).
- Proven track record of leading engineering teams and delivering large-scale projects.
- Expertise in protection relays, SCADA systems, and communication protocols (IEC 61850, DNP3, etc.).
- Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills.
- Familiarity with power system analysis tools (such as ETAP, DIgSILENT, or similar).
- Previous National Grid experience (preferred but not essential).
What we offer you
At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.
We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.
Different people, shared values
Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.
Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference.
We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact rebecca.davies@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.
Our Application Process
To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/arup-careers-uk-application-process. Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process. All applications will be considered, and we will make every effort to respond within 72 hours of receipt.
Lead Protection & Control Substation Engineer in Bristol employer: Arup
Arup is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its members, offering a collaborative work culture where innovation thrives. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from competitive rewards, comprehensive health coverage, and numerous learning opportunities, all while contributing to transformative projects that shape a sustainable future. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the energy landscape in the UK and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Protection & Control Substation Engineer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Arup and understanding their projects, especially in transmission and distribution design. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in shaping a better world with us, so come armed with questions and insights about our work!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! In your conversations, highlight your experience in leading engineering teams and delivering large-scale projects. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and drive innovation, so let that shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Protection & Control Substation Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Protection & Control Substation Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in substation protection and control systems, and don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you've had!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with Arup's mission. Be sure to mention any specific projects or experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires expertise in protection relays and SCADA systems, make sure to showcase these skills prominently. Include any relevant certifications or tools you’re familiar with, like IEC 61850 or ETAP, to stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arup
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of substation protection and control systems. Familiarise yourself with the latest IEC and IEEE standards, as well as any emerging technologies in the field. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves technical leadership, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led engineering teams in the past. Think about specific projects where you defined best practices or mentored junior engineers. This will demonstrate your capability to guide others and drive project success.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Arup values stakeholder engagement, so come ready to discuss how you've interacted with clients, regulators, and contractors in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing expectations and delivering results, as this will resonate well with their collaborative approach.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare insightful questions about Arup's projects and their vision for the future of energy networks. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation with your interviewers.
