Senior Applications Engineer – Protection Relays

Hunter Philips Executive Search; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in the UK is seeking a Senior Applications Engineer specializing in protection relays and substation automation. This full-time role involves designing and implementing protection relay schemes and developing software solutions. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 5-10 years of relevant experience. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across global teams are essential.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years’ experience in power system protection, relay configuration, and application engineering.
• Strong understanding of protection principles (distance, differential, overcurrent).
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement protection relay schemes including various protections.
• Develop software-driven substation automation solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and support to clients.

Skills

Protection relay schemes

Substation automation

IEC 61850

Troubleshooting

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Protection relays from major vendors (Siemens, ABB)

Job description

Senior Applications Engineer – Protection Relays

Overview

We are seeking a Senior Applications Engineer with strong expertise in protection relays and/or substation automation systems. This role focuses on system-level application design, defining, developing, and delivering advanced protection relay solutions and/or substation automation applications for utility transmission projects.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement protection relay schemes including distance, differential, overcurrent, busbar, transformer, and line protection.
• Configure, test, and validate protection relay applications across transmission, distribution, generation, or rail systems.
• Develop and deliver software-driven substation automation solutions using industry protocols.
• Apply knowledge of substation automation and communications protocols such as IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-103, DNP3, Modbus, and TCP/IP.
• Support clients and project teams by providing technical guidance, troubleshooting, and expertise.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders to ensure successful system integration.
• Present technical solutions clearly to internal teams and clients.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5–10 years’ experience in power system protection, relay configuration, and application engineering.
• Strong understanding of protection principles (distance, differential, overcurrent, busbar, transformer, line).
• Hands-on experience with protection relays from major vendors (e.g., Siemens, ABB, SEL, Schneider, or equivalent).
• Experience supporting utility or industrial protection systems.
• Knowledge of substation automation, control, and communications protocols.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.
• Comfortable working across global teams and handling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Additional

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Industries: Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing