Protection and control automation Lead

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy UK Limited is seeking a seasoned Lead Engineer for Control, Protection & Automation (CPA&C) responsible for high‑value HV substation projects. You will define architecture, coordinate across global teams and suppliers, and lead the technical direction from tendering through execution.

The role requires extensive experience in protection, automation, SCADA, and communications, with strong leadership and communication skills. Travel across Europe is expected as projects demand.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Electrical Engineering or similar.
• Minimum 10+ years as Lead Engineer or equivalent in control, protection, automation, SCADA or telecom for HV/EHV substations.
• Strong knowledge of IEC 61850, IEC 60870‑5‑104, IEC 62443, IEC 62439‑3, IEC 61869 and IEC 61892.
• Experience in industrial control systems with HMI/SCADA design and OT cybersecurity concepts.
• Proven ability to lead international virtual teams in a matrix organization.
• Experience in tendering and execution of large, complex substations.
• Offshore wind/offshore platform experience is a plus.
• Excellent customer-facing communication and technical reporting skills.
• Fluent English; additional European languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical lead and design authority for CPA&C systems in high‑value HV substations.
• Define and maintain CPA&C architecture, philosophy, design criteria and interfaces.
• Coordinate engineering across suppliers and cross-country teams.
• Lead customer technical discussions, design reviews and issue resolution.
• Ensure compliance with safety, standards and cybersecurity requirements; promote standardization.
• Support tendering and project execution with solution strategy and scoping.

Skills

Technical leadership

Protection & automation

SCADA/communications

IEC standards knowledge

International teamwork

Customer communication

Fluent English

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering

Tools

HMI/SCADA design

Job description

Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom Job ID: R0137898 Date Posted: 2026-09-17 Company Name: HITACHI ENERGY UK LIMITED Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science Job Schedule: Full time Remote: Yes Job Description: At Grid & Power Quality Solutions and Service business at Hitachi Energy in Europe (HBUEU), Inclusion drives our culture of innovation and collaboration. Our leading technology and strong market position enable us to achieve growth targets in the energy transition across current and growing market segments such as hydrogen, data centers and e-mobility. The Large Project Office (LPO) requires experienced Protection, Control & Automation Lead to take overall technical lead of Control, Protection, Automation and Communication (CPA & C) systems for high-value, large and complex HV substation projects (offshore & onshore. These projects involve collaboration across multiple business units and countries, requiring strong technical leadership, structured coordination, and a passion for delivering high-quality engineering outcomes. You will support both tendering and project execution, taking the lead on Substation Control, Protection & Automation, interface with SCADA, and communication parts of multiple Substation projects. You will play a central role in defining technical scope, preparing engineering deliverables, coordinating with multiple teams and units in a matrix organisation without necessarily having direct reports, and ensuring robust, safe, and optimized solutions that support successful bids and project execution Location: UK, Ireland, or Denmark (remote-based). Travel: European travel required, typically up to 20%, depending on project and business needs.

How you'll make an impact:

Act as a technical lead and design authority for engineering, installation and commissioning activities of Substation CPA & C scope of supply. Provide end‑to‑end leadership across Substation control, protection, automation, SCADA and HMI, telecommunications, operational technology networks, and OT cybersecurity. Define and maintain the CPA & C system architecture, technical philosophy, design criteria, interfaces, battery limits, division of work and responsibility matrix. Coordinate engineering contributions across suppliers, Offshore & Onshore engineering teams, Power Quality, commissioning, supply chain, external partners and other participating units. Lead customer technical discussions, design reviews, workshops, clarifications and resolution of complex system‑level issues. Ensure that customer specifications, grid‑operator requirements, contractual obligations and applicable standards are translated into clear and traceable engineering requirements. Drive technical consistency and interface alignment between offshore and onshore substations, grid‑control centres, third‑party systems, telecom networks and customer or transmission‑system‑operator interfaces. Lead the CPA & C contribution during tendering, including solution strategy, architecture, scope definition, technical risk review, bills of material, engineering effort estimation, supplier strategy, schedules. Review and approve key engineering deliverables, monitor quality, cost and schedule performance, manage technical risks and opportunities, and control changes within the CPA & C scope. Coordinate system integration, design verification, testing and commissioning readiness, and support resolution of site issues. Collaborate with Supply chain function to identify and evaluate potential vendors, review supplier offers considering technical, commercial, schedule requirements. Ensure compliance with Hitachi Energy safety, integrity, quality and cybersecurity requirements and promote a strong safety‑by‑design approach. Drive standardization, reusable engineering practices, lessons learned and continuous improvement across the LPO project portfolio. Support Site Testing and Commissioning team to find technical resolution for site issues, provide method statements and technical write‑up as required.

Your Background:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Electrical Engineering or similar, ideally with a focus on electrical power system.
• A minimum of 10+ years as Lead Engineer or equivalent role with relevant experience in control, protection, automation, SCADA or communication systems for high‑voltage and extra‑high‑voltage substations.
• Good understanding of various IEC standards and protocols, such as IEC 61850, IEC 60870‑5‑104, IEC 62443, IEC 62439‑3, IEC 61869 and IEC 61892.
• Experience in the industrial Control system / SAS / SCS with knowledge in HMI/SCADA system design, familiarity of communication protocols used in substations/windfarms, Network (L2‑L3) architecture, OT Cyber security.
• Proven capability to lead international virtual teams, influence without direct authority and make sound technical decisions in a matrix project organization.
• Experience in both tendering and execution of large, complex substation projects.
• Offshore wind, offshore platform experience is highly desirable.
• Excellent customer‑facing communication, negotiation, presentation and technical‑report‑writing skills.
• Fluent English is required.
• Additional European language skills are an advantage.

More about us

We believe great work thrives in an environment where people feel genuinely supported and fairly rewarded. Our benefits are designed to create real value for every individual – fueling engagement, performance, and growth. By prioritizing well‑being, we build a workplace where personal and organizational success grow together. #LI-AR3

Accessibility and reasonable accommodation

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Use of Al and automated tools in recruitment

As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.

Background Screening and Security Checks

As part of the hiring process, Hitachi Energy conducts pre‑employment background checks that may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and other relevant information, in accordance with applicable laws. For certain roles—particularly those involving access to sensitive information, financial responsibilities, client data, regulated environments, or security-sensitive functions—additional or more comprehensive background or security screenings may be required. These may include, but are not limited to, enhanced criminal history checks, credit history reviews (where legally permissible), sanctions screening, or other due diligence measures aligned with the responsibilities of the position. The scope and depth of any background or security review will be determined based on the nature of the role and business necessity, and will always be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Candidates will be notified and, where required, asked to provide consent prior to the initiation of any such checks.

Hitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons. E-mail us for data privacy inquiries or technical support.