Protection Validation Engineer (Lead/SME)
Posted 2 months ago
UK / Europe | Technical Delivery
We’re looking for a Protection Validation Engineer (Lead / SME) to act as our technical authority on protection and control systems across high-voltage (HV) and extra high-voltage (EHV) environments.
This is a senior, high-impact role combining technical leadership, independent validation, and hands-on project involvement. You’ll shape validation strategies, challenge designs, and ensure protection systems perform reliably in some of the most critical infrastructure environments in the world.
Expect a balance of strategic oversight and on-site delivery (25–50%), working closely with commissioning teams during key project phases.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll operate as a trusted expert across multiple projects, responsible for:
- Leading protection validation strategy, standards, and best practices
- Acting as the technical authority for protection engineering across the business
- Reviewing and validating:
- Protection & control designs
- Single-line diagrams and schematics
- Relay settings and coordination studies
- Ensuring compliance with client specs, grid requirements, and industry standards
- Providing technical oversight across design, FAT/SAT, and commissioning phases
- Supporting site activities, including:
- Witnessing end-to-end protection testing
- Verifying protection scheme functionality
- Supporting energisation and switching events
- Identifying risks, resolving complex issues, and supporting fault investigations
- Advising clients and stakeholders in design reviews and assurance forums
- Mentoring engineers and contributing to internal technical capability
What We’re Looking For
Core Experience
- Extensive background in HV/EHV protection and control systems
- Proven experience in protection validation, design review, and technical assurance
- Strong knowledge of:
- Overcurrent, distance, and differential protection
- Protection coordination and selectivity
- Experience with relay configuration, testing, and commissioning oversight
- Familiarity with tools such as ETAP, DIgSILENT, or similar
Technical & Professional Background
- Electrical qualifications (HNC/HND/BEng or equivalent preferred)
- HV authorisations or training (essential)
- Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) is advantageous
- Ability to interpret complex schematics and technical documentation
- Experience in data centres, utilities, or mission-critical environments is a plus
How You Work
- You’re a technical leader who can influence and challenge decisions
- You balance engineering governance with practical delivery
- You’re detail-driven, proactive, and solutions-focused
- You communicate confidently with clients, contractors, and teams
- You prioritise safety and quality in high-voltage environments
- You enjoy mentoring and developing others
Please note this role is a combination of 25-50% UK and European travel and the remainder of the time you will be based at our Newcastle Office.
Why Join Us?
- Work on cutting-edge, mission-critical infrastructure projects
- Influence engineering standards and technical excellence across the business
- Be part of a collaborative, expert-led environment
- Opportunity to grow into a recognised Subject Matter Expert (SME)
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