Lead/Principal P&C Engineer

We are delighted to be partnering with a global leader in energy and grid solutions to recruit an experienced Lead Electrical Protection Engineer on a contract basis.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in the delivery of complex substation protection and grid automation projects, working at the forefront of modern power system technology. The successful candidate will take ownership of protection system design, testing, and commissioning while acting as the technical interface between customers and engineering teams.

The Role

As the Lead Electrical Protection Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full project lifecycle – from initial customer engagement and design development through to commissioning and project completion.

Working closely with the Engineering Team Leader and project stakeholders, you will lead the development of protection schemes, ensure technical compliance with customer requirements, and support both factory and on-site testing activities.

This role offers excellent exposure to advanced protection systems, substation automation, and grid infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical engineering activities from project kick-off through to commissioning

• Act as the technical authority for protection and control scheme design for electrical substations

• Analyse customer specifications and develop compliant technical solutions

• Prepare, review, and approve technical documentation and engineering deliverables

• Manage engineering man-day budgets and provide regular progress updates

• Participate in project risk reviews and support technical decision-making

• Specify protection relays, IEDs, and associated software in line with project requirements

• Ensure full compliance with safety, quality, and engineering standards

• Resolve technical deviations and manage fault reports

• Lead Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT)

• Provide technical support to site engineers during commissioning, both remotely and on-site

Essential Requirements

• BSc in Electrical Engineering or equivalent qualification

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in protection and electrical design engineering

• Strong understanding of protection functions, electrical protection schemes, and cubicle design

• Proven experience designing and configuring protection relays

• Experience providing technical leadership and governance

• Experience carrying out power system or network studies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desirable Experience

• In-depth knowledge of LV, MV, and HV protection systems

• Experience with substation automation and protection schemes

• Exposure to modern grid automation solutions

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Excellent organisational and project management skills

• Ability to work independently within a project-driven environment

• Flexible approach to working hours when required