Protection Validation Engineer (Lead/SME)

UK / Europe | Technical Delivery

We’re looking for a Protection Validation Engineer (Lead / SME) to act as our technical authority on protection and control systems across high-voltage (HV) and extra high-voltage (EHV) environments.

This is a senior, high-impact role combining technical leadership, independent validation, and hands-on project involvement. You’ll shape validation strategies, challenge designs, and ensure protection systems perform reliably in some of the most critical infrastructure environments in the world.

Expect a balance of strategic oversight and on-site delivery (25–50%), working closely with commissioning teams during key project phases.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll operate as a trusted expert across multiple projects, responsible for:

• Leading protection validation strategy, standards, and best practices


• Acting as the technical authority for protection engineering across the business


• Reviewing and validating:




• Protection & control designs


• Single-line diagrams and schematics


• Relay settings and coordination studies




• Ensuring compliance with client specs, grid requirements, and industry standards


• Providing technical oversight across design, FAT/SAT, and commissioning phases


• Supporting site activities, including:




• Witnessing end-to-end protection testing


• Verifying protection scheme functionality


• Supporting energisation and switching events




• Identifying risks, resolving complex issues, and supporting fault investigations


• Advising clients and stakeholders in design reviews and assurance forums


• Mentoring engineers and contributing to internal technical capability

What We’re Looking For

Core Experience

• Extensive background in HV/EHV protection and control systems


• Proven experience in protection validation, design review, and technical assurance


• Strong knowledge of:




• Overcurrent, distance, and differential protection


• Protection coordination and selectivity




• Experience with relay configuration, testing, and commissioning oversight


• Familiarity with tools such as ETAP, DIgSILENT, or similar

Technical & Professional Background

• Electrical qualifications (HNC/HND/BEng or equivalent preferred)


• HV authorisations or training (essential)


• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) is advantageous


• Ability to interpret complex schematics and technical documentation


• Experience in data centres, utilities, or mission-critical environments is a plus

How You Work

• You’re a technical leader who can influence and challenge decisions


• You balance engineering governance with practical delivery


• You’re detail-driven, proactive, and solutions-focused


• You communicate confidently with clients, contractors, and teams


• You prioritise safety and quality in high-voltage environments


• You enjoy mentoring and developing others

Please note this role is a combination of 25-50% UK and European travel and the remainder of the time you will be based at our Newcastle Office.