Senior Associate Director Protection & Control (P&C) Design Engineer - UK Grid Network

Jacobs; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay package

Free single medical cover

Family-friendly benefits

Reimbursement for professional development

Paid volunteering time

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

An engineering consulting firm in Exeter is seeking a Senior Associate Director, Protection & Control Engineer to lead high-profile projects in the Power & Energy sector. The role involves designing protection and control systems for various energy installations and overseeing technical assurance and quality control. Candidates should hold an Electrical Engineering degree, be a Chartered Engineer, and possess extensive experience in high-voltage installations. The position offers flexible working arrangements and a competitive pay package.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in P&C FEED and detailed design for high-voltage installations (132kV–400kV).
• Strong knowledge of National Grid and SSE design processes and standards.
• Experience across the full project lifecycle from feasibility to detailed design.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership on FEED and detailed design workstreams.
• Lead interface design, protection schemes, and settings coordination.
• Oversee technical assurance and quality control.

Skills

Leadership in multidisciplinary engineering teams

Strong communication

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Commercial awareness

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Chartered Engineer through the IET

TP141 Authorisation (Protection & Control)

Job description

At Jacobs, we are committed to helping our clients transition to a sustainable energy future while supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce. The Senior Associate Director, Protection & Control Engineer will lead high‑profile projects across the Power & Energy portfolio, designing protection and control systems for transmission, renewable energy installations, HVDC interconnectors and energy storage facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership on FEED and detailed design workstreams for Protection & Control systems across transmission and renewable energy projects
• Lead interface design, protection schemes, control philosophies, and settings coordination
• Oversee technical assurance, quality control, and timely delivery of design packages and bids
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of engineering talent within the P&C discipline
• Monitor and improve team billability, utilisation, and performance metrics
• Lead major bids and proposals, contributing to technical strategy, resource planning, and client engagement
• Undertake site visits and non‑intrusive surveys as required for design or site support
• Chair design reviews, hazard reviews, and technical governance meetings
• Identify and manage technical risks, ensuring compliance with CDM and safety standards
• Represent Jacobs in client meetings and industry forums, influencing standards and best practices
• Support succession planning and capability growth across the P&C team

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• Chartered Engineer through the IET
• TP141 Authorisation (Protection & Control)
• Extensive experience in P&C FEED and detailed design for high‑voltage installations (132kV–400kV)
• Strong knowledge of National Grid and SSE design processes and standards
• Experience across the full project lifecycle from feasibility to detailed design
• Familiarity with protection and control systems for DNOs, BESS, windfarms, and HVDC
• Proven leadership in managing multidisciplinary engineering teams and complex programmes
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking skills
• Commercial awareness and ability to contribute to business growth and client retention

Benefits

• Competitive pay package
• Free single medical cover and digital GP service
• Family‑friendly benefits: enhanced parental leave pay and free employee assistance programmes
• Reimbursement for professional development and memberships
• Paid volunteering time and charitable donations through the Collectively program
• Flexible working arrangements (hybrid, part‑time, flexible hours)
• Well‑being programmes and global volunteering initiatives
• A supportive culture that values inclusion, belonging, and positive mental health

As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for the role.