Protection Applications Design Engineer, Power Distribution

Posted 10 March 2026
Salary £50K/yr - £70K/yr
LocationCastleford
Job type Permanent
Discipline Engineering and Renewables

Job description

Location: Northern PowerGrid Offices (Castleford, Hull, Sheffield, York, Stockton, Penshaw, Shiremoor) – Initially, 4–6 months in the office, 3–5 days per week, followed by a transition to flexible working

Type: Permanent


Overview:

Protection Applications Design Engineer responsible for designing and integrating protection schemes across power distribution networks from 11kV to 132kV. The role supports network upgrades, asset replacement, reinforcement, smart grid initiatives, and customer connections while ensuring compliance with national protection standards.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design protection schemes for feeders, transformers and busbars across 11kV, 20kV, 33kV, 66kV and 132kV networks.

  • Produce protection logic diagrams, tripping schemes and connection drawings using MicroStation V8i or AutoCAD.

  • Develop relay logic, relay settings files and communication protocols (IEC61850, DNP3).

  • Specify current and voltage transformers, relay panels, multicore schedules and termination equipment.

  • Integrate new protection schemes with existing control, protection and SCADA systems.

  • Review protection designs from Independent Connection Providers (ICPs).

  • Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), witness testing, and commissioning activities.

  • Liaise with customers, internal teams and external stakeholders.

  • Deliver designs in line with project timelines, cost and quality requirements.

  • Maintain project documentation, reports and asset data systems.

Requirements:

  • Experience in protection & control design within power distribution networks.

  • Knowledge of National Protection Standards (ENATS, TPS, BEBS, Elexon metering standards).

  • Strong experience with CAD tools (MicroStation V8i and/or AutoCAD).

  • Experience producing relay settings, protection logic and communications files.

  • Ability to work on substation protection systems up to 132kV.

  • Capability to obtain operational substation access authorisations.

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Additional:

  • Involvement in asset replacement, network reinforcement, smart grid upgrades, diversions and new connections.

  • May provide guidance and support to junior engineers within the protection design team.