Lead Protection and Control Engineer

VIQU Ltd; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A major engineering consultancy is seeking a Lead Protection & Control Engineer for a fully remote contract role outside IR35. The ideal candidate will take charge of design governance and technical assurance across multiple HV substation projects. Responsibilities include overseeing protection strategies, leading technical reviews, and mentoring other engineers. This is a senior-level position requiring extensive experience in the UK Transmission & Distribution sector, particularly with SP Energy Networks and National Grid standards.

Benefits

Referral bonus of up to £1,000

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in the UK Transmission & Distribution sector.
• Strong knowledge of utility standards and governance processes.
• Understanding of protection schemes and CT/VT applications.

Responsibilities

• Own protection & control strategy across multiple HV substation projects.
• Lead production of design documents and technical specifications.
• Provide technical leadership on IEC 61850 engineering.

Skills

Extensive experience as a Lead Protection & Control Engineer

Strong knowledge of SP Energy Networks and National Grid standards

Understanding of protection schemes and secondary systems

Hands-on IEC 61850 delivery experience

Excellent communication skills

Job description

Lead Protection & Control Engineer - Contract - Fully Remote - Outside IR35

We're supporting a major engineering consultancy delivering large-scale substation upgrades, grid modernisation and digital substation programmes across Scotland and the wider UK. They're seeking an experienced Lead Protection & Control Engineer to take ownership of design governance, client engagement and technical assurance on multiple Transmission and Distribution workstreams.

This is a senior, highly influential contract position suited to a P&C specialist with a strong background working to UK utility standards.

What You'll Be Leading

• Own Protection & Control strategy and design direction across multiple HV substation projects (typically 132kV-400kV).
• Lead the production, review and approval of SLDs, KLDs, schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules and full secondary system design packs.
• Define protection philosophies, interface specifications and scheme designs to meet UK T&D standards.
• Provide technical leadership on IEC 61850 engineering: GOOSE messaging, station bus architecture, IED configuration and interoperability.
• Oversee relay/IED selection and configuration across major OEM platforms (Siemens, ABB, GE, SEL).
• Chair design reviews and lead client-facing sessions with key stakeholders.
• Guide project teams on design assurance, deliverables, FAT/SAT readiness and site integration considerations.
• Mentor other engineers and steer the overall quality and consistency of P&C outputs across the programme.

What We're Looking For

• Extensive experience as a Lead Protection & Control Engineer in the UK Transmission & Distribution sector.
• Strong working knowledge of SP Energy Networks, National Grid, SSEN or other DNO/PTO technical standards and governance processes.
• Deep understanding of protection schemes (distance, differential, transformer, feeder), secondary systems and CT/VT application.
• Hands‑on IEC 61850 delivery experience – ideally including engineering, testing and system integration.
• Excellent communicator able to lead workshops, manage technical interfaces and influence design decisions.

Role details

• Role: Lead Protection & Control Engineer
• Type: Contract (Outside IR35)
• Duration: 6-12 months
• Location: Fully remote

Apply now for the Lead Protection & Control Engineer role to speak with VIQU IT in confidence. Or reach out to Suzie Stone via the VIQU IT website.

Do you know someone great? We'll thank you with up to £1,000 if your referral is successful (terms apply).