Astute People
Lead Protection and Control Systems Engineer

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Astute are partnered with Capula, part of the EDF Group
Astute are partnered with Capula, part of the EDF Group, a long-established and highly reputable system integration specialist operating across energy, water, renewables and manufacturing sectors. Due to continued growth, Capula are looking for a Lead Protection & Control Systems Engineer to join their team, based in Stone with hybrid working available.
This is a technically focused role, combining design, project leadership, and technical authority across Protection & Control systems within the UK Transmission and Distribution sector.
As a Lead Protection & Control Systems Engineer, you will play a key role in delivering compliant, high-quality engineering solutions while acting as a technical lead and mentor within the wider project team.
Responsibilities and duties
As the Lead Protection & Control Systems Engineer, you will be:
- Leading and advising on all Protection & Control aspects of projects, ensuring compliance with relevant standards
- Leading design activities including:
- Chairing design workshops and review meetings
- Working closely with internal and external stakeholders
- Developing engineering deliverables such as:
- Single Line Diagrams (SLDs)
- Key Line Diagrams (KLDs)
- System architecture and concept designs
- Producing and reviewing detailed Protection & Control designs including:
- Schematics
- General arrangements and layouts
- Supporting calculations and schedules
- Producing and reviewing technical documentation such as:
- Functional Design Specifications
- Design intent and compliance documentation
- Supporting tendering and sales teams with technical input and solution development
- Undertaking site visits and non-intrusive surveys to support design and project delivery
- Supporting client approval processes and ensuring solutions meet specifications and regulatory requirements
- Supporting Project Managers with programme, cost, and change management activities
- Identifying and managing technical risks to ensure successful project delivery to time, cost, and quality
- Providing technical guidance and support to other engineers within the team
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Professional Qualifications
We are looking for someone with the following:
- Strong experience within Protection & Control systems in the UK Transmission & Distribution sector
- Working knowledge of IEC 61850 and its application in substation environments
- Experience with Protection & Control technologies across key industry vendors
- Understanding of substation communication protocols and systems
- Knowledge of cyber security requirements within Protection & Control design
- Ability to produce and interpret complex engineering documentation and designs
- Degree qualified (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent experience
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required
Personal Skills
The Lead Protection & Control Systems Engineer role would suit someone who is:
- A strong technical leader with excellent problem-solving ability
- Structured and analytical in their approach
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
- Able to lead, support, and mentor other engineers
- An excellent communicator with both internal and external stakeholders
- Able to work under pressure and meet project deadlines
- Flexible and adaptable to achieve the best project outcomes


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Salary and benefits
Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
28 days holiday + bank holidays
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
Pension scheme
Life assurance
Private healthcare
Lifestyle screening
Salary sacrifice schemes
Mental health assistance programme
Cycle to work scheme
Green car scheme
Support toward professional registration (IEng / CEng) and paid membership fees
INDNUC
Astute People are acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and comply with all relevant UK legislation. We encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Astute is also committed to the government’s Disability Confident Employer initiative. We endeavour to get back to everyone, however, if you have not heard anything after 7 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.
To apply
To apply for this Lead Protection and Control Systems Engineer opportunity, please complete the form below. Alternatively, send a copy of your up-to-date CV to gharfield@astutepeople.co.uk or call +44 23 9391 0016 to speak to Gemma Harfield who can tell you more. You can also connect with Gemma on LinkedIn to view other jobs they are recruiting. View current job vacancies Astute People is recruiting.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location