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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex grid automation and substation protection projects from design to commissioning.
- Company: Join a leading global energy and grid solutions provider.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, remote/hybrid work, and international travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: BSc in Electrical Engineering and 5+ years in protection and electrical design engineering.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 88000 £ per year.
Vickerstock are proud to be working in partnership with a leading global energy and grid solutions provider to recruit a Lead Electrical Protection Engineer on a contract basis. This is a high-impact role offering exposure to complex grid automation and substation protection projects, with responsibility spanning design, testing, and commissioning across the UK and international sites.
The Role
As Lead Electrical Protection Engineer, you will take technical ownership of protection system design and delivery, acting as the key technical interface between customers and the wider engineering community. Reporting directly to the Engineering Team Leader, you will lead engineering activities from initial design through to site commissioning.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead technical project activities from customer kick-off through to commissioning
- Act as technical lead on protection and scheme design for electrical substations
- Analyse customer specifications and develop compliant technical solutions
- Prepare, review, and approve project technical documentation
- Manage engineering man-day budgets and provide regular progress updates
- Participate in project risk reviews and technical decision-making
- Specify protection software and IEDs in line with project requirements
- Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards
- Resolve technical deviations and manage fault reports
- Lead Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs)
- Support site engineers both remotely and on-site during commissioning phases
Essential Criteria
- BSc in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent)
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in protection and electrical design engineering
- Strong knowledge of protection functions, electrical schemes, and cubicle design
- Proven experience designing and configuring protection relays
- Experience carrying out network studies
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally
Desirable Experience
- In-depth knowledge of LV, MV, and HV protection systems
- Experience with automation and protection electrical schemes
- Exposure to substation automation solutions
- Strong problem-solving and organisational skills
- Ability to work independently in a project-driven environment
- Flexible approach to working hours
Contract Details
- Contract duration: December 2025 – June 2026
- Rate: £440 per day Inside IR35
- Remote / hybrid working model
- UK and international travel required
- 40 hours per week
To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Ruairi McCann, Recruitment Manager at Vickerstock 02890 313720. Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit Vickerstock to view a wide selection of our current jobs. All conversations will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
Lead Electrical Protection Engineer employer: Vickerstock
Contact Detail:
Vickerstock Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Electrical Protection Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the energy and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to grid automation and substation protection. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical explanations! As a Lead Electrical Protection Engineer, you'll need to communicate complex ideas clearly. Get comfortable explaining your design and testing processes, as well as how you handle project challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Electrical Protection Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in protection and electrical design engineering. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects and achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Lead Electrical Protection Engineer role. We love seeing your personality come through, so let us know what excites you about this opportunity.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves complex grid automation and substation protection projects, make sure to detail your technical expertise. Highlight your knowledge of protection functions and any relevant software or tools you’ve used in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of protection systems and electrical design. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving complex grid automation and substation protection. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to protection relays, electrical schemes, and cubicle design. We recommend reviewing common scenarios and challenges in these areas so you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical expertise during the interview.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As a Lead Electrical Protection Engineer, you'll need to act as a key interface between customers and the engineering team. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think about how you can explain complex technical concepts in a way that’s easy for non-engineers to understand.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
Given the role involves travel and potentially varying hours, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to adapt. Share examples of how you've successfully managed your time and commitments in previous roles, especially when working on international projects.
