At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead protection validation strategies and ensure reliable performance in high-voltage environments.
- Company: Join a leading firm focused on mission-critical infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional development in a collaborative 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 assurance skills required.
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
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) in Whitstable employer: Global Commissioning
As a Graduate Commissioning Engineer with Global Commissioning, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to innovative data centre projects across Europe. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and continuous learning, offering structured mentorship and professional development opportunities that empower you to grow your engineering skills in a thriving industry. With competitive salaries and exciting travel prospects, this role is perfect for graduates eager to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Protection Validation Engineer (Lead/SME) in Whitstable
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Protection Validation Engineer (Lead/SME) role you’re after at Global Commissioning.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Global Commissioning a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Global Commissioning.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Protection Validation Engineer (Lead/SME) at Global Commissioning, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Protection Validation Engineer (Lead/SME) in Whitstable
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Protection Validation Engineer (Lead/SME), it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Global Commissioning a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Global Commissioning specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Global Commissioning
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Global Commissioning, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Global Commissioning want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
