SmartTek Global
Protection and controls engineer
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Protection & Control Engineer – HV Substations & BESS (EPC Projects)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Reports to: Lead Electrical Engineer / Engineering Manager
Sector: EPC | Power Systems | Energy Storage | Grid Connections
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Protection & Control Engineer to play a key role in the design and delivery of protection, control, and SCADA systems for high-voltage substations and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects across the UK.
Working within a multidisciplinary EPC delivery team, you will develop and integrate protection and control solutions from concept through to commissioning, ensuring the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of grid-connected assets.
This position requires a strong background in electrical protection design, a solid understanding of the construction and commissioning environment, and the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, construction, procurement, and commissioning teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead or support the design and development of protection and control systems for HV substations (11–400kV) and grid-scale BESS projects.
- Produce, review, and approve protection schematics, single-line diagrams (SLDs), interlocking diagrams, wiring diagrams, relay setting calculations, and SCADA I/O schedules.
- Carry out protection coordination studies, grading studies, and relay settings calculations in accordance with DNO, TO, and NGESO requirements.
- Specify and integrate protection relays, control panels, RTUs, and SCADA systems into overall substation and BESS control architectures.
- Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), including relay configuration and testing activities.
- Work closely with internal engineering, procurement, and construction teams to ensure designs are practical, cost-effective, and compliant with client specifications and industry standards.
- Liaise with DNOs, Transmission Owners (TOs), and NGESO to obtain design approvals, demonstrate Grid Code compliance, and coordinate protection submissions.
- Provide technical support throughout construction and commissioning, resolving design issues and ensuring the correct implementation of protection and control schemes.
- Manage engineering documentation and deliverables using Procore or equivalent EPC project management platforms.
- Contribute to the continual improvement of engineering standards, design processes, and project delivery methodologies.
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- Experience with BESS control systems, including EMS/PCS integration, interface design, and Grid Code compliance testing.
- Knowledge of functional safety, interlocking logic, and control philosophy documentation.
- Experience using Procore or similar digital project collaboration platforms such as BIM 360 or Aconex.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, or actively working towards professional registration through the IET or an equivalent institution.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- The opportunity to work on cutting-edge renewable energy, HV infrastructure, and grid-scale BESS projects that are supporting the UK's transition to Net Zero.
- Ongoing investment in professional development, technical training, and chartership support.
- A collaborative, forward-thinking environment within a rapidly growing EPC organisation delivering critical energy infrastructure projects.
“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
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