At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of SCADA solutions for high-voltage transmission projects.
- Company: Join a major engineering consultancy with a focus on innovative power infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, remote work, and long-term contract opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while working on cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in Control, SCADA, and substation automation design required.
Location: Remote working
Rate: £80-£100 per hour
Contract Length: 12 months
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Are you an experienced P&C / SCADA Engineer looking for your next long-term contract? We are supporting a major engineering consultancy that is looking to appoint a Principal-level engineer with strong experience across substation control, automation and SCADA systems. The role will focus on the design and technical delivery of control and SCADA solutions for high-voltage transmission infrastructure, including substations operating at voltages up to 400kV. You will work across a range of technically complex power projects, taking ownership of engineering deliverables, reviewing designs, supporting project teams and providing technical guidance throughout the design and delivery lifecycle. This position would suit an engineer with a strong background in transmission substations who is comfortable operating at a senior technical level and coordinating with clients, contractors, suppliers and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of substation control, automation and SCADA designs for high-voltage transmission projects.
- Produce and review technical design documentation, system specifications and engineering drawings.
- Review design packages produced by internal engineering teams, suppliers and external contractors.
- Develop system architecture, LAN topology, communications and control system design documentation.
- Prepare signal lists, I/O schedules, IP addressing schedules, equipment schedules and network configuration information.
- Support the development of HMI databases, operator interfaces and control system configuration.
- Produce and review control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, termination drawings, cable schedules and equipment schedules.
- Develop fibre optic and communications network designs associated with substation automation systems.
- Coordinate interfaces between SCADA, protection, telecommunications and wider substation systems.
- Prepare electrical load assessments for control and auxiliary power supplies.
- Support factory acceptance testing, commissioning, system testing and project handover activities.
- Produce operating, maintenance, recovery and handover documentation.
- Provide technical input into tender submissions, design programmes, engineering estimates and project deliverables.
- Provide technical support and guidance to engineers working across the project team.
- Identify and manage design risks, technical issues and engineering changes throughout project delivery.
- Support site surveys and site-based engineering activities where required.
- Work closely with clients, construction teams, equipment suppliers and other engineering disciplines.
- Ensure designs are delivered in accordance with relevant UK standards, client requirements, CDM regulations and project specifications.
About You
- Significant experience in Control, SCADA, SCS or substation automation design within the UK transmission or distribution sector.
- Strong experience working on high-voltage substations, ideally including projects up to 400kV.
- Good understanding of IEC 61850 and substation automation architecture.
- Knowledge of communications protocols including IEC 101/104, Modbus and DNP3.
- Good understanding of network redundancy technologies such as PRP, HSR and RSTP.
- Experience developing SCADA and control system configuration and associated design documentation.
- Experience producing system architecture drawings, signal schedules, I/O schedules and communications documentation.
- Strong experience with control panels, wiring diagrams, termination schedules and cable design documentation.
- Experience working with substation protection, control and telecommunications interfaces.
- Previous involvement in FAT, SAT, commissioning or system testing activities.
- Experience working on projects for major UK transmission or distribution network operators would be highly advantageous.
- Ability to interpret Single Line Diagrams, protection drawings and substation layouts.
- Good understanding of CDM and engineering risk management requirements.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly.
- Experience leading technical workstreams or supporting less experienced engineers.
- Comfortable working with clients, contractors, manufacturers and equipment suppliers.
- Chartered Engineer status would be beneficial but is not essential.
This is a strong opportunity for an experienced Principal P&C / SCADA Engineer to join a major programme of UK power infrastructure work on a long-term contract basis.
Principal Protection and Control Engineer employer: Carrington West
Join a leading rail and civil engineering contractor that values your expertise and offers a supportive work environment. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to be mentored into the CRE C designation while enjoying competitive benefits such as hybrid working, private healthcare, and generous annual leave. Located in Kent or London, this role provides a unique chance to work on impactful projects across the region, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Protection and Control Engineer
✨Get Hands-On with Temporary Projects
Temporary roles are all about flexibility and quick results. Look for short-term engineering projects or gigs that local companies might need help with. You can find these on job boards like Indeed or even niche platforms like PeoplePerHour. Don't be shy to reach out directly to firms—sometimes they have needs that aren't posted yet!
✨Tap into Engineering Meetups
Networking is key in engineering, especially for temporary positions. Check out local engineering meetups or hackathons relevant to your interests. Engaging with peers can lead to leads on temporary roles. Plus, it’s a sweet way to showcase your skills and passion in person—who knows who might be hiring at one of these events?
✨Leverage Your Connections
Let your friends and family know you're on the hunt for a temporary engineering role. Often, personal recommendations can get you in the door faster than any application. Share your goals and what you’re looking for through social media or casual conversations; you’d be surprised how many people might have the right connections!
✨Stay Sharp with Online Courses
While you're searching, keep those skills fresh! Take on some online courses related to your engineering field. Platforms like Coursera or edX can help you stay current and even get some certifications under your belt. This shows potential employers at Carrington West that you’re committed to growth, making you a more appealing candidate for temporary roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Protection and Control Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Versatile Engineering Skills:For a temporary engineering role like this one at Carrington West, make sure to showcase a broad range of your engineering skills. Talk about different projects you’ve undertaken, focusing on your problem-solving ability and adaptability—key traits for temporary positions that depend on quick integration into teams.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary role, clarity is essential. In your cover letter, be upfront about your availability and how soon you can start. Employers like Carrington West want to know that you can hit the ground running, so don’t shy away from mentioning your flexibility!
Tailor Your CV to Showcase Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV is tailored to reflect the specific engineering projects relevant to the job. For instance, if you’ve worked on temporary contracts before or have engaged in diverse engineering processes, highlight these experiences to show how well-rounded you are.
Include References from Past Employers:Temporary positions often require trust and reliability. Adding references from previous employers can significantly boost your application. It shows that you have a strong work ethic and can adapt quickly, which is exactly what Carrington West will be looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Get to Grips with Your Technical Skills
Engineering roles often involve assessing your technical expertise, so be prepared to delve into your core skills. Brush up on relevant software and tools you’ve used before, as well as any engineering principles that relate to the position at Carrington West. We want you to showcase your hands-on experience and problem-solving capabilities – it could be the difference between you and another candidate!
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to tackle some practical scenarios during the interview. Whether it's a design challenge or a troubleshooting test, Carrington West might want to see how you approach real-world engineering problems. Think of specific examples from your past work where you had to think on your feet and be ready to walk your interviewers through your thought process.
✨Show Your Adaptability in Temporary Roles
Since this is a temporary position, it’s key to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to hit the ground running. Make sure to convey your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly to the team and the specific projects at Carrington West. We all know that temporary roles can be a bit of a whirlwind, so emphasise your quick learning skills and your approach to managing change.
✨Highlight Relevant Portfolio Projects
If you've worked on engineering projects that align with the role at Carrington West, make sure to bring them up! A portfolio can be a great way to illustrate your engineering prowess. Discuss the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved – this will give the interviewers a tangible idea of what you bring to the table.
