Protection Engineer

SSE; Scotland; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in Scotland is seeking Protection and Control Engineers to join their Distribution Technical Services team. In this role, you will shape project scope, carry out commissioning of protection schemes, and produce detailed schematic designs. Candidates should have an Electrical Engineering qualification and relevant experience in the field. This full-time position offers a competitive salary with flexible working options.

Benefits

Discounts on private healthcare

Gym membership discounts

Interest-free loans on tech and transport

Generous family entitlements

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to safety with demonstrable experience in risk mitigation.
• Qualification in Electrical Engineering discipline.
• Experience in design and/or commissioning of power system protection.

Responsibilities

• Shape project scope and influence investment decisions.
• Carry out onsite commissioning of protection and control schemes.
• Produce detailed AC and DC schematic designs.
• Diagnose and resolve protection and control issues in the field.

Skills

Commitment to safety

Experience in risk mitigation

Electrical Engineering qualification

Design of power system protection

Operational experience on Distribution network

Familiarity with relay types

Experience with engineering software

Education

HNC in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

PowerFactory

AutoCAD

Job description

Base Location

Flexible Scotland, however, we will need your base 'home' location to be one of our SSEN offices or depots around the North of Scotland which includes, but is not limited to: Inverness, Elgin, Aberdeen, Lerwick, Dundee, Perth, Dunoon

Salary

£61,620 - £72,592, depending on skills and experience + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern

Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

The role

We’re looking for Protection and Control Engineers to join our Distribution Technical Services team, working across the north of Scotland.

Our team provides design and operational support for protection and control systems on the distribution network up to 33 kV. We make sure the network operates safely and reliably today, while developing solutions that support a smarter, low‑carbon network in the future.

You’ll play a key role in capital investment and customer connection projects, taking them from initial concept and detailed design right through to construction, commissioning and energisation.

You will

• Shape project scope and influence investment decisions by preparing scoping documents, single‑line diagrams, and MC&P diagrams.
• Carry out onsite commissioning of protection and control schemes.
• Produce detailed AC and DC schematic designs.
• Carry out protection grading studies and produce relay settings and configuration files.
• Prepare multicore cable schedules and termination diagrams for construction teams.
• Diagnose and resolve protection and control issues in the field.
• Collaborate with contractors during installation and commissioning, including witnessing tests as required, and review contractor design documentation to ensure compliance with scope, standards, and policies.

You have

• A strong commitment to safety with demonstrable experience in risk mitigation.
• A qualification in an Electrical Engineering discipline (minimum HNC) or relevant practical experience.
• Experience in the design and/or commissioning of power system protection, ideally at distribution level.
• Operational experience on the Distribution network up to 33kV would be beneficial.
• A familiarity with a range of relay types, protection testing equipment, and supplier tools.
• Experience with industry‑standard engineering software and tools, such as PowerFactory and AutoCAD.

This role involves travel across various locations to support business needs. To enable you to fulfil these responsibilities, as a role requirement, the company will provide access to a vehicle for work‑related travel.

The requirement will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and if the company car policy criteria are met, there will be an opportunity to join the company car scheme. Provision of a company car or cash allowance does not form part of the contractual terms and conditions of employment for this role.

A valid driving licence is essential.

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future.

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 energy experts 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 340954 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.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we’ll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.