Protection Validation Engineer; Lead​/SME

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

• 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)

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.