At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative energy projects, ensuring safety and reliability in electrical infrastructure.
- Company: Join a top-rated global company committed to sustainability and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team culture focused on growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's energy transition while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experienced in protection systems with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
We’re at the forefront of the energy transition—combining the strength of a global organisation with the agility of specialist teams to tackle some of the industry’s most complex challenges. From developing renewable energy solutions to modernising the electrical grid, we are helping to shape a cleaner, more resilient energy future. As part of our continued success and growth, we are looking for a Senior Principal Protection & Control Engineer to join our expanding Energy team. This is an opportunity to take a leading role within a highly respected P&C community, working on high-impact projects across the UK and contributing to solutions that are critical to the nation’s energy infrastructure.
About the Role
As a Senior Principal Protection & Control Engineer, you will provide both technical leadership and project delivery expertise across a diverse range of projects. These include HVDC schemes, interconnectors, wind farms, substations, overhead lines, and connection schemes, spanning both new-build and refurbishment work. You will lead and collaborate with a team of skilled engineers, delivering projects on systems up to 400kV from early-stage concept and FEED through to detailed design, construction, and energisation. Your role will involve developing scoping documentation, producing and reviewing Protection & Control designs, specifying equipment such as relays, CTs, and VTs, and supporting commissioning activities.
Alongside core project work, you will also contribute to innovation-led initiatives, including standardisation, technology assessment, and collaboration with suppliers to explore new solutions, products, and services. This is a role that combines technical excellence with leadership and influence across the wider business.
Your Impact
In this role, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the performance, reliability, and safety of critical electrical infrastructure. Your expertise in protection and control systems will ensure that projects are delivered to the highest technical standards, supporting the stability and resilience of the UK’s energy network. By leading complex projects and guiding teams through the full project lifecycle, you will help drive consistency, quality, and innovation in engineering delivery. Your involvement in reviewing designs, overseeing commissioning strategies, and collaborating with clients will ensure solutions are both technically robust and practically deliverable. You will also contribute to the growth and development of the wider P&C community, sharing knowledge, mentoring engineers, and helping to foster a culture of continuous improvement. Through your work on both project delivery and innovation initiatives, you will help advance more efficient, sustainable engineering solutions—playing a key role in supporting the UK’s energy transition.
About You
You are an experienced Protection & Control Engineer with strong technical expertise and leadership capability, with a passion for delivering high-quality engineering solutions within the energy sector. You thrive in collaborative environments and bring a proactive approach to both problem-solving and team development.
- A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline
- Extensive experience working on distribution or transmission networks as a Senior or Principal Protection & Control Engineer
- Strong knowledge of protection systems, including relays, relay panels, CT and VT sizing, and protection grading studies
- Experience producing and reviewing detailed AC/DC schematics and design documentation
- Familiarity with UK electrical standards and practices, alongside a solid understanding of CDM regulations
- A strong commitment to safety, with proven experience in identifying and mitigating risk
- Experience working with National Grid processes and standards
- The ability to lead, mentor, and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and with clients
Why Join Us?
We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed. We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘International Consulting Firm of the Year’ at the NCE Awards 2024.
We do what is right: Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered.
We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and wider ERG network.
Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK - we want you to be part of it!
Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more.
Hybrid / Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.
Senior Principal Protection & Control Design Engineer employer: Stantec UK Careers
Stantec is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With access to industry-leading technologies and a strong commitment to sustainability, you'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects while enjoying competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements, and a clear path to professional progression. Join us in Redditch or Newcastle to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations in the water industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Principal Protection & Control Design Engineer
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!
✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughStantec UK Careers's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through Stantec UK Careers's website for the full-time Senior Principal Protection & Control Design Engineer role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Principal Protection & Control Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Stantec UK Careers. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec UK Careers
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of Stantec UK Careers.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to Stantec UK Careers.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.
