Lead Engineer - Protection & Control

Lead Engineer - Protection & Control

Full-Time 60800 - 76000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
SP TRANSMISSION PLC

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team of engineers in designing cutting-edge Protection and Control systems for HVDC projects.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of electrical infrastructure innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a range of health and wellness perks.
  • Other info: Flexible hybrid working and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy solutions while advancing your engineering career.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience in high-voltage design required.

The predicted salary is between 60800 - 76000 £ per year.

Location: Edinburgh Park

Salary: £60,800 to £76,000 per annum

Flexible Hybrid Working

Closing Date: 10 June 2026

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage a group of professional Design and Senior Design engineers for the engineering Design Delivery for Protection and Control for the HVDC converter station and its associated interfaces.
  • Review and approve engineering documentation, feasibility and compliance with client requirements.
  • Prepare basic and detailed engineering specifications and designs for Substation Protection and Control systems.
  • Oversee technical assessment of tender submissions and report recommendations.
  • Define Protection and Control apparatus requirements for input to System Construction Authorisation (SCA), Project Technical Specifications and BETTA documentation.
  • Coordinate the preparation/review of substation protection and control drawings and specifications for construction/procurement.
  • Control correspondence and drawings to be issued to the Project Development and Delivery Teams.
  • Ensure all substation designs and equipment comply with current legislation, policies and operational requirements.
  • Provide technical support to the Project Development and Project Delivery teams on matters concerning the design, construction and operation of power system substations and associated equipment.
  • Lead and contribute to training needs assessment for new products and deliver technical, operational and safety packages for such products.
  • Act as the key technical interface with EPC and OEM contractors.
  • Lead technical initiatives for new engineering opportunities.
  • Collaborate with peers, colleagues and stakeholders to ensure efficient alignment of work.

Qualifications

  • A degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience, ideally a Chartered Engineer or working towards it.
  • Experience in engineering EPC environments for large strategic electrical infrastructure projects.
  • Proven experience in design of P&C equipment for HVDC and/or AC voltages up to 400 kV.
  • Proven Protection, Substation and Network Control, Automation, Telecommunications and Metering Experience.
  • Strong understanding of IEC 61850 communication protocols, including GOOSE messaging, MMS, and SCL engineering.
  • Experience with digital substation architectures, IED configuration and system integration.
  • Ability to interpret and develop protection schemes, relay settings, logic diagrams and control philosophies.
  • Ability to manage tasks and make decisions in uncertain and fast‑paced environments.
  • Experience ensuring engineering output delivery in dynamic environments.
  • Excellent presentation and persuasive skills, good interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to form effective working relationships.
  • Knowledge of Transmission Operator Networks health and safety and technical requirements and compliance.

What’s in it for you

  • Competitive salary reviewed annually.
  • Pension scheme with a double match up to a company contribution of 10%.
  • 36 days annual leave.
  • Holiday Purchase scheme.
  • Share Schemes.
  • Payroll Giving and Charity Matched Funding.
  • Technology Vouchers.
  • Electric Vehicle Schemes.
  • Cycle to Work scheme and Public Transport Season Ticket Loans.
  • Healthcare benefit options including Dental Insurance, Private Medical Insurance, Health Cash Plan and annual Health Assessments.
  • Life Assurance (4x salary).
  • Access to Savesmart financial wellbeing support.
  • Shopping, leisure, restaurant and gym discounts, and unique employee deals on travel insurance.

Lead Engineer - Protection & Control employer: SP TRANSMISSION PLC

As a Lead Engineer in Protection & Control at our Edinburgh Park location, you will join a forward-thinking team that values innovation and collaboration. We offer a competitive salary, extensive benefits including a generous pension scheme and 36 days of annual leave, as well as opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic engineering environment. Our flexible hybrid working model and commitment to employee wellbeing make us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the energy sector.

SP TRANSMISSION PLC

Contact Details:

SP TRANSMISSION PLC Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer - Protection & Control

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Lead Engineer role.

Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with HVDC systems and IEC 61850 protocols. We want to see you confidently discussing your past projects and how they relate to the job at hand!

Prepare for Technical Questions

Brush up on your technical knowledge before interviews. Be ready to dive deep into protection schemes and relay settings. We suggest practising with a friend or even in front of the mirror to nail those tricky questions!

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer - Protection & Control

Leadership Skills
Design Engineering
Protection and Control Systems
HVDC and AC Voltage Design
IEC 61850 Communication Protocols
Digital Substation Architectures
IED Configuration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Engineer role. Highlight your experience in Protection and Control systems, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past work that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. Let us know what excites you about working with StudySmarter!

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires a strong technical background, make sure to showcase your knowledge of IEC 61850 protocols and your experience with HVDC systems. We love seeing candidates who can clearly demonstrate their expertise in these areas!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at SP TRANSMISSION PLC

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Protection and Control systems, especially in relation to HVDC and AC voltages. Be ready to discuss IEC 61850 communication protocols and how they apply to your previous projects. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Lead Engineer, you'll be managing a team, so highlight your experience in leading design engineers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, resolved conflicts, or driven projects forward. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and inspire others.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to face technical questions about substation designs, protection schemes, and relay settings. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as this will showcase your communication skills and ability to work with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the company’s approach to new engineering opportunities or how they handle compliance with current legislation. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.