Protection & Control Engineer (HV/MV)

Approach People; Toulouse; Hybrid; EUR 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Career path toward Lead Engineer roles

Training opportunities

Job summary

Approach People Recruitment is assisting a major engineering and energy infrastructure company in France to hire a Protection & Control Engineer for HV/MV substations and grid connection projects. The role focuses on protection coordination, relay configuration, automation systems, and participation in design reviews and commissioning across France’s grid developments.

The ideal candidate holds an Electrical Engineering degree with 3–6+ years of experience, proficiency in ETAP/DIgSILENT

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering / Power Systems / Automation or equivalent.
• 3–6+ years of experience in protection studies, relay settings, or control systems (HV/MV).
• Familiar with IEC 61850, Modbus, DNP3, IEC 60870-5-104 protocols.
• Experience with RTE / Enedis / EPC contractors or similar utilities preferred.
• Fluent in English (French is a plus).

Responsibilities

• Perform protection coordination and selectivity studies for substations and grid connections.
• Design and configure protection relays, IEDs, RTUs and automation systems.
• Prepare single-line diagrams, logic and functional schemes.
• Participate in design reviews, FAT/SAT testing, and commissioning activities.
• Manage technical interfaces between design, construction, and client teams.
• Provide technical support during operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance phases.

Skills

Protection studies

Protection coordination

Analytical skills

English fluency

Education

Electrical Engineering / Power Systems / Automation

Tools

ETAP

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

Eplan

Caneco

Comtrade

Job description

Protection & Control Engineer (HV/MV)

France – Paris / Lyon / Nantes / Toulouse / Marseille
Energy & Power Systems – Substations / Grid Connection / Engineering

About the Company

Our client is a major engineering and energy infrastructure company, specializing in the design and construction of HV/MV substations and electrical networks for renewable energy developers, utilities, and industrial clients.
As part of its growth strategy, the company is looking for a talented Protection & Control Engineer to strengthen its electrical engineering department and ensure the reliability, safety, and performance of its power systems.

Main Responsibilities

As a key member of the electrical engineering team, you will take charge of protection and control studies on HV/MV substation and grid connection projects:

• Perform protection coordination and selectivity studies for substations and grid connections.

• Design and configure protection relays, IEDs, RTUs and automation systems.

• Prepare single-line diagrams, logic and functional schemes.

• Participate in design reviews, FAT/SAT testing, and commissioning activities.

• Manage technical interfaces between design, construction, and client teams.

• Provide technical support during operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance phases.

Profile

• Degree in Electrical Engineering / Power Systems / Automation or equivalent.

• 3–6+ years of experience in protection studies, relay settings, or control systems (HV/MV).

• Proficient with one or more tools: ETAP, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, Eplan, Caneco, Comtrade, etc.

• Familiar with communication and protection protocols (IEC 61850, Modbus, DNP3, IEC 60870-5-104).

• Experience with RTE / Enedis / EPC contractors or similar utilities preferred.

• Fluent in English (French is a plus).

• Strong analytical skills, rigor, and attention to detail.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary: €55,000 – €85,000 / year + bonus + benefits.

• Permanent position (CDI) – hybrid work available.

• Training & career path toward Lead Engineer / Electrical Studies Manager roles.

Why Join?

• Join a team of experts passionate about grid reliability and power system protection.

• Work on major renewable and transmission projects across France and Europe.

• Contribute to the modernization and digital transformation of the electrical grid.