Lead Protection & Control Engineer

Capula is seeking a Lead Protection & Control Systems Engineer to provide technical authority and leadership across major UK Transmission and Distribution projects.

You will take full technical ownership of the Protection & Control scope, leading engineering activities from concept and solution definition through detailed design, factory testing and site support and commissioning. Acting as a recognised technical authority, you will assure design quality, compliance, and alignment with client and regulatory requirements, while providing clear technical direction to project teams and stakeholders.

This role requires deep expertise in Protection & Control systems combined with strong leadership and communication skills. You will play a key role in the successful delivery of safety‑critical infrastructure projects, supporting the development of engineers and contributing to the resilience and modernisation of the UK power network.

Key Responsibilites:

Technical Leadership & Governance

Act as the technical authority for Protection & Control engineering within assigned projects.

Lead the Protection & Control scope across the full project lifecycle, from tender support through detailed design and delivery.

Chair and lead engineering design reviews, workshops, and technical assurance activities.

Support client approval processes by contributing to technical justifications, compliance evidence, and solution qualification.

Design & Engineering

Lead the development, review & approval of Protection & Control designs, including: Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), Key Line Diagrams (KLDs), and concept designs

System architectures including those for substation automation systems.

Schematics, general arrangements, calculations, schedules, and associated design deliverables

Lead the development, review and oversight of the solution test strategy and documentation to support solution delivery both for Factory and Site Testing.

Identify and select appropriate Protection & Control technologies to meet functional, operational, and regulatory requirements including numerical relays (GE, Siemens, SEL, etc.).

Apply IEC 61850, substation communications, and cyber security considerations within design solutions.

Lead the development, review and approval of relay settings, and protection coordination studies.

Ensure all designs comply with ENA, BS, IEC standards, and specific DNO/National Grid standards (e.g., TP-series).

Project Delivery & Support

Take responsibility for the effective technical delivery of Protection & Control engineering scope to support project delivery to agreed time, cost, quality, and safety targets.

Support Project Managers with technical input relating to change management, programme impacts, cost, and risk.

Working with the project manager proactively identify and manage technical and delivery risks, ensuring mitigation measures are implemented.

Site & Stakeholder Engagement

Undertake site visits and non‑intrusive surveys to support design development, tendering, and delivery activities.

Provide technical support during installation, testing, and commissioning phases as required.

Maintain effective working relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders through clear and professional communication.

Essential Requirements

Protection & Control Expertise

Extensive experience delivering Protection & Control engineering solutions within Transmission and/or Distribution.

Strong understanding of Protection & Control system design, including protection philosophies, schemes, and system integration.

Proven knowledge of relevant UK industry standards, client specifications, and regulatory requirements.

Experience working with Protection & Control equipment and systems from one or more major industry vendors like GE, Siemens, SEL, etc.

Have knowledge and experience for practical implementation of IEC 61850 in a Protection & Control Solutions

Technical Leadership & Authority

Demonstrable experience acting as a technical lead, discipline lead, or design authority on complex engineering projects.

Ability to take full technical ownership of Protection & Control scope and provide clear technical direction to others.

Experience leading design reviews and technical assurance activities.

Confidence to challenge and defend engineering decisions with clients and stakeholders.

Design, Delivery & Communication

Proven ability to produce, review, and technically approve Protection & Control designs and documentation.

Working knowledge of IEC 61850 and its practical application within substation environments.

Understanding of substation communications and cyber security implications for Protection & Control systems.

Experience working across the full project lifecycle from concept through to implementation.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience engaging directly with clients and project teams.

Qualifications & Practical Requirements

Degree‑qualified (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, or significant relevant industry experience.

Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project and client sites.

Desirable Requirements

Extensive experience delivering Protection & Control engineering solutions within Transmission and/or Distribution sector within the UK Market

Advanced knowledge of IEC 61850 (e.g. system architecture, SCL files, GOOSE messaging, integration testing).

Experience of OT cyber security standards or frameworks (e.g. IEC 62443, NIS Regulations).

Experience supporting, mentoring, or developing engineers.

Commissioning, FAT, or SAT experience.

Working towards or holding professional engineering status (IEng or CEng).

Experience contributing technical input to bids and tenders.

With a focus on operational technology and digital transformation, Capula, part of the Dalkia Group, has been a leader in advanced system integration for decades; optimising efficiency & delivering performance on a massive scale. But with continuous innovation at the heart of our business, we've always got our sights set on the future. We work in some of the most highly regulated and challenging industrial environments, and have delivered critical projects across energy, water, renewables and manufacturing.

At Capula, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is celebrated in all its forms. We actively encourage applications from individuals of minority backgrounds, underrepresented groups, and those with disabilities. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives.

In return Capula offers the following benefits to permanent employees

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible working

Pension

Life assurance policy

Private health care

Lifestyle screening

Salary sacrifice programme

Mental health assistance programme

Cycle to work scheme

Green car scheme

Opportunities for professional development and growth within the company

Professional memberships fees covered/study support

NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES: We are currently working with only our preferred suppliers.