Principal Protection & Control Design Engineer

Overview

In this role you will design and deliver Protection & Control systems for HV/EHV substations, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to meet client specifications and international standards. You’ll act as a trusted advisor on technical direction, contribute to standards and digital delivery, and support project execution from design through commissioning. The position centers on high-profile infrastructure programs like the National Grid Great Grid Upgrade, offering impact at scale. You will mentor peers and help drive innovation within the Transmission and Distribution team.

Pay / Benefits

• career development opportunities
• flexible hybrid working model
• AECOM University
• volunteering days

Responsibilities

• Prepare Protection & Control designs for HV/EHV substations (11kV–400kV or above)
• Develop and oversee Protection SLDs, AC/DC Schematics, wiring diagrams, and related diagrams
• Design Protection Relay Panels, Control Panels, Annunciation Panels, Metering Panels, and RTU/SCADA interfaces
• Prepare relay settings philosophy and coordinate with system studies
• Perform protection coordination and review relay configurations
• Undertake engineering calculations including cable sizing and voltage drop
• Coordinate with Civil, Primary, Telecom, and SCADA teams
• Review vendor drawings for compliance with project specs
• Engage with clients and stakeholders providing technical assurance and value-engineered solutions
• Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and issue resolution
• Drive project execution, manage technical risks and quality reviews across procurement, construction, and commissioning
• Ensure designs comply with IEC, IEEE, National Grid, and client standards
• Champion mentorship and knowledge-sharing within the team
• Support business development including proposals and client presentations

Key requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering
• Strong knowledge of protection schemes for Transmission and Distribution substations
• Experience with protection relays from Siemens, GE, ABB/Hitachi Energy, Schneider Electric, or SEL
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office
• Experience in UK, Middle East, Europe, or international utility projects
• Ability to independently deliver complete Protection & Control engineering packages
• Knowledge of IEC 61850 and substation automation systems
• Excellent communication and coordination skills
• Familiarity with SCADA, RTU, SAS, and communication protocols
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills
• excellent communication
• coordination
• stakeholder engagement
• Protection schemes for substations
• Protection relays (Siemens, GE, ABB/Hitachi Energy, Schneider Electric, SEL)
• AutoCAD

Report this job