Senior Principal Protection & Control Design Engineer

Stantec; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus schemes

Private medical insurance

Pension with employer contributions

Annual leave; buy/sell days

Job summary

Stantec is seeking a Senior Principal Protection & Control Engineer to lead delivery across HVDC, interconnectors, wind farms, substations and other high‑voltage projects within the UK energy sector.

You will lead a team, develop scoping documents, specify relays/CT/VT equipment, and support commissioning from FEED to energisation. A strong track record in protection design and collaboration with clients is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Extensive experience on distribution or transmission networks as a Senior/Principal P&C engineer.
• Strong knowledge of protection systems, relays, CT/VT sizing, and grading studies.
• Experience with AC/DC schematics and design documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver protection and control designs across HVDC, interconnectors, wind farms, substations up to 400kV.
• Develop scoping documents and specify equipment (relays, CTs, VTs) and support commissioning.
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams; collaborate with clients and suppliers.
• Drive standardisation and technology assessment within the P&C community.

Skills

Relays knowledge

Protection systems

CT sizing

VT sizing

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

We're at the forefront of the energy transition- combining the strength of a global organisation with the agility of specialist teams to tackle some of the industry's most complex challenges. From developing renewable energy solutions to modernising the electrical grid, we are helping to shape a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

As part of our continued success and growth, we are looking for a Senior Principal Protection & Control Engineer to join our expanding Energy team. This is an opportunity to take a leading role within a highly respected P&C community, working on high-impact projects across the UK and contributing to solutions that are critical to the nation's energy infrastructure.

See the below link for more information on our Energy sector teams: Stantec Energy Transition - UK

About the Role

As a Senior Principal Protection & Control Engineer, you will provide both technical leadership and project delivery expertise across a diverse range of projects. These include HVDC schemes, interconnectors, wind farms, substations, overhead lines, and connection schemes, spanning both new-build and refurbishment work.

You will lead and collaborate with a team of skilled engineers, delivering projects on systems up to 400kV from early-stage concept and FEED through to detailed design, construction, and energisation. Your role will involve developing scoping documentation, producing and reviewing Protection & Control designs, specifying equipment such as relays, CTs, and VTs, and supporting commissioning activities.

Alongside core project work, you will also contribute to innovation-led initiatives, including standardisation, technology assessment, and collaboration with suppliers to explore new solutions, products, and services. This is a role that combines technical excellence with leadership and influence across the wider business.

Your Impact

In this role, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the performance, reliability, and safety of critical electrical infrastructure. Your expertise in protection and control systems will ensure that projects are delivered to the highest technical standards, supporting the stability and resilience of the UK's energy network.

By leading complex projects and guiding teams through the full project lifecycle, you will help drive consistency, quality, and innovation in engineering delivery. Your involvement in reviewing designs, overseeing commissioning strategies, and collaborating with clients will ensure solutions are both technically robust and practically deliverable.

You will also contribute to the growth and development of the wider P&C community, sharing knowledge, mentoring engineers, and helping to foster a culture of continuous improvement. Through your work on both project delivery and innovation initiatives, you will help advance more efficient, sustainable engineering solutions- playing a key role in supporting the UK’s energy transition.

About You

You are an experienced Protection & Control Engineer with strong technical expertise and leadership capability, with a passion for delivering high-quality engineering solutions within the energy sector. You thrive in collaborative environments and bring a proactive approach to both problem-solving and team development.

You will bring:

• A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline
• Extensive experience working on distribution or transmission networks as a Senior or Principal Protection & Control Engineer
• Strong knowledge of protection systems, including relays, relay panels, CT and VT sizing, and protection grading studies
• Experience producing and reviewing detailed AC/DC schematics and design documentation
• Familiarity with UK electrical standards and practices, alongside a solid understanding of CDM regulations
• A strong commitment to safety, with proven experience in identifying and mitigating risk
• Experience working with National Grid processes and standards
• The ability to lead, mentor, and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and with clients

Why Join Us?

• We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.
• We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named 'Best Place to Work' and 'International Consulting Firm of the Year' at the NCE Awards 2024.
• We do what is right: Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered.
• We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and wider ERG network (see more on our ERGs here: Stantec Employee Resource Groups)
• Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK - we want you to be part of it!
• Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more.
• Hybrid / Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.

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