At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead electrical commissioning for renewable energy projects and ensure compliance with UK standards.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in the transition to a net zero future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the green energy revolution while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Electrical engineering qualification and hands-on experience in HV protection and commissioning.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 48100 - 87100 £ per year.
Base Location: Flexible, however our preference is that you will be based in one of our key UK sites, which includes but is not limited to: Glasgow, Perth, Inverness, Aberdeen, Reading or Havant.
Salary: £58,100-£87,100 + car/car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | options available
The role involves the end-to-end execution of electrical commissioning activities across renewable generation (wind/solar), battery storage (BESS), and grid connection substations. The role requires advanced competency in protection systems, HV plant integration, secondary systems verification, network interface compliance, and onsite testing methodologies. You will ensure that all protection, control, and SCADA systems are correctly installed, configured, integrated, and proven—delivering safe energisation, reliable operation, and full compliance with UK Grid Code, ENA standards, and project specific technical requirements.
You Will:
- Act as the on-site technical authority for all Protection & Control activities across construction, commissioning, energisation, and post-energisation stages.
- Lead and supervise the commissioning of HV plant including GIS/AIS switchgear, transformers, BESS inverters, reactive equipment, and associated auxiliary systems.
- Execute end-to-end protection testing and validation of complex protection schemes, ensuring correct functionality, logic, and system integration.
- Coordinate grid compliance testing and coordinate with DNO/TSO representatives to meet Grid Code, LVRT/HVRT, frequency, and reactive performance requirements.
- Oversee secondary systems verification, SCADA/RTU integration, intertripping schemes, and ensure full, accurate commissioning documentation and energisation deliverables.
You Have:
- A relevant electrical engineering qualification (HNC/HND/Degree) with proven hands-on experience in HV protection and substation commissioning up to 400 kV.
- Strong ability to interpret protection SLDs, schematics, logic and wiring diagrams, intertripping circuits, IEC 61850 architectures, and relay settings.
- Practical experience installing, testing, and commissioning numerical protection relays and associated HV plant, including transformers, switchgear, and AC/DC auxiliary systems.
- Advanced fault-finding capabilities across secondary circuits, tripping paths, interlocks, signalling interfaces, and protection schemes during FAT/SAT and energisation.
- Knowledge of protection settings development, fault-level validation, coordination studies, and the ability to operate under electrical safety rules with (or working toward) HV/SAP authorisation.
About SSE: SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We are investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future. Our investment will see us build the world's largest offshore wind farm and transform the grid to deliver greener electricity to millions.
Flexible benefits to fit your life: Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
Work with an equal opportunity employer: We are dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Ready to apply? Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We will be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we will be taking your application further. If you are offered a role with SSE, you will need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.
Protection & Control Commissioning Engineer in Reading employer: SSE Enterprise
Contact Detail:
SSE Enterprise Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Protection & Control Commissioning Engineer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to 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 practising common questions related to protection and control systems. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Bring examples of past projects or challenges you've tackled in HV protection and commissioning. This will help you stand out as a candidate who knows their stuff.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at SSE.
We think you need these skills to ace Protection & Control Commissioning Engineer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Protection & Control Commissioning Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in HV protection and substation commissioning, and don’t forget to mention any specific projects that showcase your skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about renewable energy and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it concise but impactful!
Show Off Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical prowess! Be sure to include details about your experience with protection systems, SCADA integration, and any relevant qualifications. This is your moment to impress us with your expertise!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE Enterprise
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of protection systems, HV plant integration, and secondary systems verification. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to these areas, as this will show your hands-on experience and technical expertise.
✨Understand the Standards
Familiarise yourself with the UK Grid Code and ENA standards. During the interview, be prepared to explain how you've ensured compliance in past roles, especially regarding grid compliance testing and energisation deliverables.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex protection schemes you've tested and validated. Highlight your advanced fault-finding capabilities and how you've tackled challenges during FAT/SAT and energisation phases.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Demonstrate your interest in the role by asking questions about the company's renewable energy projects and their approach to innovation in protection and control systems. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in the company's mission and future.