At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead protection validation strategies and ensure reliable performance in high-voltage environments.
- Company: Join a collaborative team focused on mission-critical infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional development in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow into a recognised Subject Matter Expert (SME).
- Why this job: Shape engineering standards and make a real impact on critical infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Extensive HV/EHV experience and strong technical leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We’re looking for a Protection Validation Engineer (Lead / SME) to act as our technical authority on protection and control systems across high-voltage (HV) and extra high-voltage (EHV) environments. This is a senior, high-impact role combining technical leadership, independent validation, and hands-on project involvement. You’ll shape validation strategies, challenge designs, and ensure protection systems perform reliably in some of the most critical infrastructure environments in the world. Expect a balance of strategic oversight and on-site delivery (25–50%), working closely with commissioning teams during key project phases.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading protection validation strategy, standards, and best practices
- Acting as the technical authority for protection engineering across the business
- Reviewing and validating:
- Protection & control designs
- Single-line diagrams and schematics
- Relay settings and coordination studies
- Ensuring compliance with client specs, grid requirements, and industry standards
- Providing technical oversight across design, FAT/SAT, and commissioning phases
- Supporting site activities, including:
- Witnessing end-to-end protection testing
- Verifying protection scheme functionality
- Supporting energisation and switching events
- Identifying risks, resolving complex issues, and supporting fault investigations
- Advising clients and stakeholders in design reviews and assurance forums
- Mentoring engineers and contributing to internal technical capability
What We’re Looking For
Core Experience
- Extensive background in HV/EHV protection and control systems
- Proven experience in protection validation, design review, and technical assurance
- Strong knowledge of:
- Overcurrent, distance, and differential protection
- Protection coordination and selectivity
- Experience with relay configuration, testing, and commissioning oversight
- Familiarity with tools such as ETAP, DIgSILENT, or similar
Technical & Professional Background
- Electrical qualifications (HNC/HND/BEng or equivalent preferred)
- HV authorisations or training (essential)
- Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) is advantageous
- Ability to interpret complex schematics and technical documentation
- Experience in data centres, utilities, or mission-critical environments is a plus
How You Work
- You’re a technical leader who can influence and challenge decisions
- You balance engineering governance with practical delivery
- You’re detail-driven, proactive, and solutions-focused
- You communicate confidently with clients, contractors, and teams
- You prioritise safety and quality in high-voltage environments
- You enjoy mentoring and developing others
Please note this role is a combination of 25-50% UK and European travel and the remainder of the time you will be based at our Newcastle Office.
Why Join Us?
- Work on cutting-edge, mission-critical infrastructure projects
- Influence engineering standards and technical excellence across the business
- Be part of a collaborative, expert-led environment
- Opportunity to grow into a recognised Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Protection Validation Engineer (Lead/SME) employer: Global Commissioning
Join us as a Protection Validation Engineer (Lead/SME) in Newcastle, where you'll be at the forefront of high-voltage infrastructure projects. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and professional growth, offering you the chance to become a recognised Subject Matter Expert while working alongside industry leaders. With a commitment to safety and quality, we provide a supportive environment that values your expertise and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Protection Validation Engineer (Lead/SME)
✨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. Understand their protection validation strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical explanations! Be ready to talk about complex schematics and protection systems in a way that’s clear and engaging. This will help you stand out as a confident expert during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Protection Validation Engineer (Lead/SME)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Protection Validation Engineer. Highlight your experience with HV/EHV systems and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about protection validation and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:Don’t hold back on your technical skills! Mention specific tools like ETAP or DIgSILENT that you’ve used, and detail your experience with protection coordination and selectivity. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Global Commissioning
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HV and EHV protection and control systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving protection validation and design reviews. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face some tough technical questions during the interview. Review key concepts like overcurrent, distance, and differential protection, as well as relay settings and coordination studies. Being able to explain these clearly will demonstrate your expertise and confidence in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves technical leadership, be prepared to share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to mentor others and influence decisions, as this will be crucial for the Protection Validation Engineer position.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about their current projects, challenges they face in protection validation, or how they ensure compliance with industry standards. This will not only give you valuable information but also demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.
