Principal Electrical Design Engineer – Protection & Control

Location: Scotland (Hybrid, Full-time)
Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive + Car Allowance + Flexible Benefits

Role Summary

This position involves leading the design and implementation of electrical protection schemes, control systems, and associated equipment to ensure the safe and reliable operation of power networks, substations, and transmission and distribution infrastructure.

The role requires in-depth technical expertise and significant experience in the Transmission and Distribution sector, particularly in protection and control systems and Substation Automation/SCADA design (ranging from 11kV to 400kV). The successful candidate will take ownership of system design, specifications, and overall project delivery for substations, power plants, and network systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and validate protection settings, relay PSL files, and coordination studies, including fault detection and isolation strategies.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant TSO/DNO standards and international regulations (IEC, BS, IEEE).
• Demonstrate strong understanding of primary substation design, equipment specifications, and switchgear configuration.
• Incorporate robust safety measures in compliance with electrical hazard and arc-flash protection standards.
• Design, implement, and maintain SCADA and communication systems across sectors such as utilities, industrial automation, manufacturing, and energy.
• Configure and optimize communication protocols (e.g., IEC 61850, DNP3, PRP, PTP, NTP, Modbus, OPC, Profibus) and ensure reliable integration with field devices such as RTUs, PLCs, and IEDs.
• Develop system architecture documentation, including network philosophy diagrams, SCADA/telecommunication panel designs, and I/O schedules.
• Support SCADA commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance, both remotely and on-site.
• Conduct upgrades, validation, and cybersecurity enhancements to maintain system resilience.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver integrated design solutions.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers, ensuring high standards of quality and compliance.
• Participate in bid preparation, cost estimation, and proposal development to support business growth.
• Evaluate complex engineering challenges and propose technically sound, efficient solutions.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and legislative frameworks, including CDM and ESQCR regulations.

Required Experience and Expertise

• Typically 12–15 years of experience in electrical protection and control system design, substation automation, and SCADA systems.
• Demonstrated success in delivering complex, large-scale power sector projects.
• Strong technical proficiency in producing Single Line Diagrams, AC/DC schematics, panel arrangements, wiring diagrams, and cable sizing calculations.
• Experience in testing and commissioning of P&C, SCADA, and communication systems.
• Skilled in identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies for protection and automation systems.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and related engineering design tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related discipline (Master’s preferred for senior roles).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status through a recognized professional body such as the IET or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Optional certifications (e.g., NEBOSH, protection and control design training) are advantageous.