Protection and Control Engineer
Protection and Control Engineer

Protection and Control Engineer

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and configure protection systems for high-voltage substations and renewable energy projects.
  • Company: Join a leading engineering firm focused on innovative energy solutions.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while working with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience in HV/EHV protection system design.
  • Other info: Collaborative team environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are seeking two highly skilled and motivated Protection & Control (P&C) Design Engineers to join our high-voltage engineering team. The successful candidates will be responsible for the design, specification, and configuration of protection and control systems for HV and EHV substations and renewable energy projects up to 400 kV. This is a key technical role ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of our clients' electrical networks. As part of the wider electrical design team, you will interface with all items of primary plant and substation equipment to ensure adherence to protection and control philosophies and project requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Check and/or approve design deliverables from internal teams and equipment manufacturers.
  • Ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across all design outputs.
  • Produce clear monthly progress reports.
  • Generate accurate technical documentation, calculations, and correspondence.
  • Lead the design and development of P&C schemes up to 400 kV including:
  • Single Line Diagrams
  • Key Line Diagrams
  • Protection Connection & Logic Drawings
  • I/O Schedules
  • Tripping Matrices
  • Relay/CT specifications
  • Relay Bill of Quantities & Cortec Battery sizing calculations
  • Communications architecture/topology
  • AC & DC schematics
  • Cable block diagrams, multicore schedules & core sheets
  • Conduct relay coordination studies and fault analysis (ETAP, DIgSILENT, PSCAD).
  • Prepare and review protection settings, test plans, and commissioning procedures.
  • Support FAT, SAT, and commissioning activities.
  • Ensure compliance with IEC, ENA, Grid Code, and DNO/TSO-specific requirements.
  • Interface with procurement to ensure equipment meets project and standards requirements.
  • Support multi-discipline coordination, design reviews, and cross-team collaboration.
  • Embed safety and sustainability principles in line with CDM regulations.
  • Follow document control, numbering, naming, and revision management procedures.
  • Contribute to team development and identification of training needs.
  • Produce project-specific designer risk assessments.
  • Qualifications

    • Degree, HND, or HNC in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems preferred).
    • Previous experience with a consultancy, contractor, EPC, DNO or TSO.
    • Demonstrable experience designing HV/EHV protection systems (11 kV-400 kV) within the UK.

    Core Power System Knowledge

    • Strong understanding of power system fundamentals including faults, short-circuit levels, stability, and load flow behaviour.
    • Knowledge of transmission & distribution configurations (AIS/GIS substations, mesh, radial, HVDC interfaces).
    • Understanding of transformer, busbar, reactor, overhead line and cable characteristics up to 400 kV.

    Technical Competencies

    • Protection Philosophy & Schemes
    • In-depth knowledge of primary & backup protection including:
    • Transmission lines (Distance, Differential, Communications-assisted schemes)
    • Transformers (Differential, REF, Buchholz, thermal/overload)
    • Busbars (High-impedance and Low-impedance schemes)
    • Feeders, reactors, generators
  • Experience with protection coordination, grading, and fault-level studies.
  • Understanding of intertripping, autoreclose logic, and SIPS schemes.
    • Protection Relays & IEDs
    • Hands-on experience with modern numerical relays (Siemens, GE, ABB, SEL, etc.).
    • Competent in relay settings, configuration, logic design, and testing principles.
    • Understanding of communications protocols:
    • IEC 61850, GOOSE, MMS DNP3, Modbus
  • Ability to interpret disturbance records and COMTRADE files.
    • Control & SCADA Systems
    • Knowledge of substation control philosophies up to 400 kV.
    • Understanding of RTUs, bay controllers, and SAS systems.
    • Experience with SCADA data modelling, interlocking logic, and point lists.
    • Working familiarity with time synchronisation (IRIG-B, PTP).
    • Standards & Compliance
    • Familiarity with relevant standards including:
    • IEC 61850, IEC 60255, IEC 60044/61869
    • National Grid ESO Grid Code
    • IEEE and ENA TS
    • Understanding of DNO-specific protection standards and approval processes.
    • Secondary Systems & Wiring
    • Knowledge of CT/VT selection, accuracy and saturation characteristics.
    • Experience designing protection panels, marshalling kiosks, and interface wiring.
    • Understanding of AC/DC auxiliary supplies, battery sizing and distribution.
    • Competent producing and interpreting:
    • Schematics
    • Wiring diagrams
    • Logic diagrams
    • Cable schedules
    • Digital Substation & Emerging Technologies
    • Understanding of IEC 61850-9-2 process bus architectures.
    • Knowledge of merging units, sampled values, and digital CT/VT technologies.
    • Aware of cybersecurity requirements for automation systems.
    • Testing, Commissioning & Investigation
    • Understanding of FAT/SAT processes, dynamic testing, and end-to-end scheme testing.
    • General Engineering & Project Skills
    • Ability to produce technical documents including reports, protection settings, specifications, and ITPs.
    • Understanding of HV safety rules, electrical clearances, and risk assessments.
    • Aware of construction sequencing, outage planning and operational constraints.
    • Strong knowledge of quality control, change management, and technical governance.

    Protection and Control Engineer employer: MITIE GROUP PLC

    Join our dynamic team as a Protection & Control Design Engineer, where you will thrive in a hybrid work environment that promotes collaboration and innovation. We offer competitive benefits, a supportive work culture that values employee development, and opportunities for growth within the high-voltage engineering sector. Our commitment to safety and sustainability, combined with cutting-edge projects in renewable energy, makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
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    Contact Detail:

    MITIE GROUP PLC Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Protection and Control 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 protection and control systems and how you can contribute to their team.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience with HV/EHV systems and relevant standards.

    ✨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 proactive about their job search.

    We think you need these skills to ace Protection and Control Engineer

    Protection System Design
    High Voltage Engineering
    Technical Documentation
    Relay Coordination Studies
    Fault Analysis
    Protection Philosophy & Schemes
    Numerical Relays Configuration
    Communications Protocols (IEC 61850, GOOSE, MMS)
    SCADA Systems Knowledge
    Standards Compliance (IEC, ENA, Grid Code)
    CT/VT Selection and Characteristics
    Digital Substation Technologies
    Testing and Commissioning Processes
    Project Management Skills
    Risk Assessment

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Protection & Control Engineer role. Highlight your experience with HV/EHV systems and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about protection and control systems and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!

    Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your experience with DNO/TSO standards and any specific projects related to protection schemes. We’re keen on seeing how you’ve tackled challenges in past roles!

    Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and submit your materials!

    How to prepare for a job interview at MITIE GROUP PLC

    ✨Know Your Stuff

    Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of protection and control systems, especially for HV and EHV substations. Familiarise yourself with relevant standards like ENA G99 and G81, as well as the specifics of relay coordination studies and fault analysis. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.

    ✨Showcase Your Experience

    Prepare to talk about your previous experience designing HV/EHV protection systems. Have specific examples ready that highlight your skills in producing technical documentation, conducting relay coordination studies, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This will help demonstrate your hands-on expertise and problem-solving abilities.

    ✨Ask Smart Questions

    Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the company's projects, team dynamics, and future challenges in the field. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your career goals.

    ✨Emphasise Team Collaboration

    Since this role involves interfacing with various teams, be ready to discuss your experience in multi-discipline coordination and cross-team collaboration. Highlight any past projects where you successfully worked with different stakeholders to achieve a common goal, showcasing your ability to contribute positively to the team environment.

    Protection and Control Engineer
    MITIE GROUP PLC

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