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Protection Validation Engineer (Lead/SME)

Posted April 25, 2026

Job Overview

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.

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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