Principal Protection & Control (P&C) Design Engineer - UK Grid Network

Jacobs; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free single medical cover

Digital GP service

Enhanced parental leave pay

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a skilled professional in Bristol to lead workstreams in Protection & Control systems design. Candidates should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and be a Chartered Engineer through the IET. Responsibilities include overseeing the design and quality assurance for high-voltage installations and mentoring junior engineers. The role offers a competitive benefits package, opportunities for flexible working, and a commitment to inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in P&C FEED and detailed design for high-voltage installations (132kV–400kV).
• Knowledge of National Grid and SSE design processes and standards.
• Familiarity with protection and control systems for DNOs, BESS, wind farms, and HVDC.

Responsibilities

• Lead FEED and detailed design workstreams for Protection & Control systems.
• Ensure quality assurance and timely delivery of design packages.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team capability development.

Skills

Electrical Engineering expertise

Project lifecycle experience

Strong communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Chartered Engineer through the IET

Job description

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead FEED and detailed design workstreams for Protection & Control systems across transmission and renewable energy projects
• Develop and review interface designs, protection schemes, and control philosophies
• Ensure quality assurance and timely delivery of design packages and technical bids
• Undertake site visits and non‑intrusive surveys as part of design or site support activities
• Review protection settings, relay coordination, and scheme logic
• Coordinate with back‑office engineers, sub‑contractors, and suppliers
• Support tendering activities and contribute to technical offers
• Identify and manage technical risks, ensuring compliance with CDM and safety standards
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team capability development
• Maintain strong client relationships and support business development

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• Chartered Engineer through the IET
• Extensive experience in P&C FEED and detailed design for high‑voltage installations (132kV–400kV)
• Knowledge of National Grid and SSE design processes and standards
• Experience across the full project lifecycle from feasibility to detailed design
• Familiarity with protection and control systems for DNOs, BESS, wind farms, and HVDC
• Ability to work flexibly across multiple projects and manage competing priorities
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Benefits and EEO

People are Jacobs’ greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. In addition to the benefits you’d expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover, digital GP service, family‑friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, and reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. We also give back to our communities through our Collectively program which incorporates matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.

As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.