Protection and Commissioning Engineer - SPN

UK Power Networks; Crawley; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave + bank holidays

Private medical cover

Employer pension with 8–10% employer

Other benefits

Job summary

UK Power Networks is seeking a Protection and Commissioning Engineer to lead commissioning across several electrical projects in Sussex and Surrey. You will test protection schemes, transformers, feeders and primary plant, review designs, and develop commissioning plans with programme and project managers.

You will mentor junior engineers, ensure compliance with safety and environmental requirements, and sign off major installations up to 132kV.

Qualifications

• HNC or HND in Electrical Engineering required.
• Strong background in primary substations and cable/overhead line systems.
• Experience with commissioning and project delivery within a DNO network.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning across several electrical projects from cold commissioning to energisation.
• Review designs, develop commissioning plans and coordinate resources.
• Test and commission protection schemes, transformers, feeders and primary plant; maintain drawings and test records.

Skills

Protection schemes

Commissioning

Transformers

Substations

CPM regulation knowledge

Education

HNC or HND in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join UK Power Networks as a Protection and Commissioning Engineer and help ensure vital electrical installations, plant and equipment are tested, proven and safely energised. Covering Sussex and Surrey and reporting to the Lead Protection and Commissioning Engineer, you will make a visible contribution to a major Capital Programme portfolio while helping maintain a reliable network for the communities we serve.

Alongside a salary of £84,160 and a 3% bonus, you will receive

• 23 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• private medical cover
• a personal pension with employer contributions of 8% or 10%
• amongst other benefits

You will manage commissioning across several electrical projects, from cold commissioning through to energisation and completion. Working with programme and project managers, designers, surveyors, construction teams, contractors and suppliers, you will review designs, develop commissioning plans, coordinate resources and resolve complex technical issues. You will test and commission protection schemes, transformers, feeders and primary plant, check relay settings, maintain drawings and test records, and ensure work meets design, quality, safety and environmental requirements.

You will also provide engineering and operational leadership to commissioning engineers and electrical fitters, mentor colleagues as they develop their authorisations, and support the safe delivery of a regional APP and Connections portfolio worth approximately £150 million each year. As an operationally authorised engineer, you may operate the network up to and including 132kV and sign off major installations as fit for service.

You will hold an HNC or HND in Electrical Engineering and have a strong background in primary substations and cable or overhead‑line systems, together with project delivery experience. You will bring primary or secondary operational experience within a DNO network, knowledge of construction safety and environmental requirements, experience of CDM regulations and ISO 9001 quality processes, and a full driving licence. You will be confident using Microsoft Office, able to solve problems independently and flexible about working arrangements and hours.

It would be advantageous if you understand UK Power Networks policies and regulatory obligations, hold full Authorised Person status at two or more voltage levels, belong to the IET and hold EngTech status while working towards IEng, or have a NEBOSH General or Construction qualification.

09th October 2026

The successful candidate will be required to complete a medical assessment and DBS check.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Where applicable, this role is subject to safer recruitment processes and robust pre‑employment checks