Lead Electrical Protection Engineer

Spencer Ogden; Stafford; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering recruitment firm is seeking a Protection Design Engineer in Stafford for a 6-12 month hybrid contract. The role involves leading design, delivery, and commissioning of protection systems for electrical substations. The successful candidate should have over 5 years of experience in protection and electrical design engineering and be proficient in specific design tools. This role offers a competitive rate based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in protection and electrical design engineering for substations.
• Strong understanding of protection functions and electrical schemes.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Drive technical activities across the full project lifecycle.
• Manage engineering task budgets and timelines.
• Lead Factory and Site Acceptance Testing.

Skills

Protection functions

Electrical schemes

Cubicle design

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Protection relays configuration

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Protection Design Engineer to join our team on a 6‑12 month contract, working on a hybrid basis (3 days per week on‑site in Stafford). The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, delivery, and commissioning of protection systems for electrical substations. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to major grid automation projects, acting as a technical interface between customers and the wider engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Technical Delivery: Drive technical activities across the full project lifecycle — from initial design through to commissioning.
• Customer & Project Coordination: Lead or participate in customer meetings, project risk reviews, and manage engineering task budgets and timelines.
• Design & Documentation: Analyse customer specifications, develop technical documentation, and validate solutions directly with clients.
• Technical Oversight: Specify IEDs and software, manage technical execution plans, and ensure safety standards are met.
• Issue Resolution: Investigate and resolve technical issues, respond to fault reports, and support site engineers both remotely and on‑site.
• Testing & Commissioning: Lead Factory and Site Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT) and support commissioning milestones.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in protection and electrical design engineering, particularly for substations.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of protection functions, electrical schemes, and cubicle design.
• Design Tools: Proven experience configuring protection relays and conducting network studies.
• Mobility: Willingness to travel (domestically and internationally) as required; valid driving licence.

Desirable Skills

• Expertise in protection and automation systems across LV, MV & HV applications.
• Hands‑on experience with substation automation and protection relays.
• Strong interpersonal, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Flexible, proactive, and team‑orientation mindset.

Contract Details

• Location: Stafford (Hybrid - 3 days on-site per week)
• Contract Type: 6‑12 months
• Start Date: ASAP
• Rate: Competitive (based on experience)