Protection Validation Engineer; Lead​/SME

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.

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

• 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)