Protection Validation Engineer (Lead/SME)

Job description

**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.**