Protection and Control Design Engineer

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks; Melksham; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible First options

Private healthcare discounts

Gym membership discounts

Free online GP

24/7 counselling service

Cycle to Work

Maternity & adoption pay

Paternity leave

Job summary

SSEN Distribution is seeking a Protection & Control Engineer to join the P&C Team. You’ll work on 6.6kV to 132kV projects, from concept through energisation, collaborating with stakeholders to deliver compliant, cost-effective solutions across the Southern Distribution Network.

Regular travel required; base location options include Melksham and nearby sites. The role involves designing MC&P diagrams, reviewing third-party designs, specifying relays, CTs and VTs, and performing protection grading

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• Proven experience on 11–132 kV distribution networks (UK preferred).
• Background as Protection & Control Design Engineer with 11/33/132 kV work.
• Experience with protection relays, CT/VT sizing, and AC/DC schematics.
• Strong knowledge of UK electrical standards and CDM regulations; safety-focused.

Responsibilities

• Develop MC&P diagrams and Main Connections & Protection (MC&P) Diagrams.
• Review P&C designs for 11–132 kV networks from third parties.
• Specify P&C equipment including relays, CTs and VTs.
• Produce detailed designs and protection grading studies.
• Review commissioning plans and witness FAT/on-site commissioning.

Skills

Protection & Control design

11kV-132kV distribution networks

AC/DC schematics design

Relays & CT/VT sizing

UK electrical standards & CDM

Driving licence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field

Tools

Protection relays hardware

Job description

Base Location

Melksham, Oxford, Reading, Slough or Portsmouth

Salary

£64,085 - £76,581 + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances and wellbeing.

Working Pattern

Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

We are looking for an enthusiastic and diligent engineer to join the SSEN Protection & Control (P&C) Team working across the Southern Distribution Network.

As a Protection & Control Engineer, you’ll work with a passionate team on projects from 6.6kV to 132kV, taking designs from concept through construction and energisation. You’ll collaborate with stakeholders to deliver compliant, cost-effective solutions on time. You’ll also engage in innovation, standardisation, technology assessments, and work with suppliers on new products and services.

Join us now to help tackle Net Zero challenges and embrace opportunities from new technologies and services.

You Will

• Develop scoping documentation and Main Connections & Protection (MC&P) Diagrams.
• Review Protection & Control (P&C) designs from third parties for 11kV, 33kV, and 132kV networks for SSEN.
• Specify P&C equipment such as relays, CTs, and VTs.
• Produce detailed designs, including AC/DC schematics, and carry out protection grading studies with relay file/settings creation.
• Review Commissioning Plans, attend panel meetings, and witness FAT and on-site commissioning as required.

You Have

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field is required.
• Proven experience working on Distribution Networks from 11kV to 132kV, ideally a UK Distribution Network.
• Background as a Protection & Control Design Engineer, including work at 11kV, 33kV, and 132kV.
• Experience in protection relays, relay panels, CT & VT sizing, protection grading studies, and producing accurate AC/DC schematics.
• Strong knowledge of UK electrical standards, CDM regulations, and a commitment to safety with experience in risk mitigation.

Regular travel is required and as a result we can only accept applications from candidates that hold a current driving license.

About SSE

SSE’s purpose is to be restless every day until we make electricity clean, affordable and available for all.

We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. This includes electricity transmission and distribution networks, onshore and offshore wind farms, hydro‑electric power and flexible thermal generation. We also provide products and services for businesses and other customers.

Our investment plan will see SSE invest £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure to 2030.

SSEN Distribution, part of the wider SSE group, powers 3.9 million UK homes and businesses. Our team of more than 4,200 skilled engineers, customer service advisors and technical specialists keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low carbon future.

Flexible Benefits To Fit Your Life

• Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships.
• Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service.
• Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme.
• As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact [e-mail] / 01738 341814 to discuss how we can support you.

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.