Lead Protection & Control Engineer

With a focus on operational technology and digital transformation, Capula, part of the EDF Group, has been a leader in advanced system integration for decades; optimising efficiency & delivering performance on a massive scale. Innovation is embedded in the heart of our business; we’ve always got our sights set on the future. We work in some of the most highly regulated and challenging industrial environments, and have delivered critical projects across energy, water, renewables and manufacturing.

As an independent system integrator, Capula engineers are free to select and implement the most appropriate technologies to meet the client’s needs. We work across multiple vendor platforms, systems architectures and client standards rather than being tied to proprietary solutions. This provides genuine system level engineering ownership, broad exposure to diverse technologies, and the opportunity to shape and deliver solutions end to end.

Our long-standing relationship with key clients such as National Grid has evolved over more than two decades by consistently delivering high quality independent engineering. This work spans multiple technology generations, changes to standards, and network evolution while we leverage our knowledge across the broader energy market. We also actively support DNOs, renewable developers and new entrants to the energy market ensuring our engineers are exposed to a wide breadth of architectures, standards, and challenges.

At Capula, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is celebrated in all its forms. We actively encourage applications from individuals of minority backgrounds, underrepresented groups, and those with disabilities. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives.

Summary of Role:

Capula is seeking a Lead Protection & Control Systems Engineer to provide technical authority and leadership across major UK Transmission and Distribution projects.

You will take full technical ownership of the Protection & Control scope, leading engineering activities from concept and solution definition through detailed design, factory testing and site support and commissioning. Acting as a recognised technical authority, you will assure design quality, compliance, and alignment with client and regulatory requirements, while providing clear technical direction to project teams and stakeholders.

This role requires deep expertise in Protection & Control systems combined with strong leadership and communication skills. You will play a key role in the successful delivery of safety‑critical infrastructure projects, supporting the development of engineers and contributing to the resilience and modernisation of the UK power network.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Governance

• Act as the technical authority for Protection & Control engineering within assigned projects.
• Lead the Protection & Control scope across the full project lifecycle, from tender support through detailed design and delivery.
• Chair and lead engineering design reviews, workshops, and technical assurance activities.
• Support client approval processes by contributing to technical justifications, compliance evidence, and solution qualification.

Design & Engineering

• Lead the development, review & approval of Protection & Control designs, including:
  • Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), Key Line Diagrams (KLDs), and concept designs
  • System architectures including those for substation automation systems.
  • Schematics, general arrangements, calculations, schedules, and associated design deliverables
  • Technical documentation such as Functional Design Specifications, Design Intent Documents, and compliance matrices.
• Lead the development, review and oversight of the solution test strategy and documentation to support solution delivery both for Factory and Site Testing.
• Identify and select appropriate Protection & Control technologies to meet functional, operational, and regulatory requirements including numerical relays (GE, Siemens, SEL, etc.).
• Apply IEC 61850, substation communications, and cyber security considerations within design solutions.
• Lead the development, review and approval of relay settings, and protection coordination studies.
• Ensure all designs comply with ENA, BS, IEC standards, and specific DNO/National Grid standards (e.g., TP-series).

Project Delivery & Support

• Take responsibility for the effective technical delivery of Protection & Control engineering scope to support project delivery to agreed time, cost, quality, and safety targets.
• Support Project Managers with technical input relating to change management, programme impacts, cost, and risk.
• Working with the project manager proactively identify and manage technical and delivery risks, ensuring mitigation measures are implemented.

Site & Stakeholder Engagement

• Undertake site visits and non‑intrusive surveys to support design development, tendering, and delivery activities.
• Provide technical support during installation, testing, and commissioning phases as required.
• Maintain effective working relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders through clear and professional communication.

Essential Requirements

Protection & Control Expertise

• Extensive experience delivering Protection & Control engineering solutions within Transmission and/or Distribution.
• Strong understanding of Protection & Control system design, including protection philosophies, schemes, and system integration.
• Proven knowledge of relevant UK industry standards, client specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience working with Protection & Control equipment and systems from one or more major industry vendors like GE, Siemens, SEL, etc.
• Have knowledge and experience for practical implementation of IEC 61850 in a Protection & Control Solutions

Technical Leadership & Authority

• Demonstrable experience acting as a technical lead, discipline lead, or design authority on complex engineering projects.
• Ability to take full technical ownership of Protection & Control scope and provide clear technical direction to others.
• Experience leading design reviews and technical assurance activities.
• Confidence to challenge and defend engineering decisions with clients and stakeholders.

Design, Delivery & Communication

• Proven ability to produce, review, and technically approve Protection & Control designs and documentation.
• Working knowledge of IEC 61850 and its practical application within substation environments.
• Understanding of substation communications and cyber security implications for Protection & Control systems.
• Experience working across the full project lifecycle from concept through to implementation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience engaging directly with clients and project teams.

Qualifications & Practical Requirements

• Degree‑qualified (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, or significant relevant industry experience.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project and client sites.

Desirable Requirements

• Extensive experience delivering Protection & Control engineering solutions within Transmission and/or Distribution sector within the UK Market
• Advanced knowledge of IEC 61850 (e.g. system architecture, SCL files, GOOSE messaging, integration testing).
• Experience of OT cyber security standards or frameworks (e.g. IEC 62443, NIS Regulations).
• Experience supporting, mentoring, or developing engineers.
• Commissioning, FAT, or SAT experience.
• Working towards or holding professional engineering status (IEng or CEng).
• Experience contributing technical input to bids and tenders.

Personal Qualities:

• Confident, self‑motivated, and capable of leading engineering teams while working both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage priorities, work under pressure, and meet critical deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to engage effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Flexible and adaptable, able to respond positively to changing project requirements and new technologies.
• Proactive problem-solver with strong analytical thinking and a commitment to delivering high-quality, detail‑focused engineering outputs.
• Demonstrates professional integrity and a disciplined approach suitable for safety‑critical and highly regulated environments.
• Takes ownership of project outcomes, driving tasks forward and supporting the wider team to achieve success.

In return Capula offers the following benefits to permanent employees

• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Flexible working
• Pension
• Life assurance policy
• Private health care
• Lifestyle screening
• Salary sacrifice programme
• Mental health assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Green car scheme
• Support in achieving professional engineer status (IEng, CEng) if required and professional memberships fees covered

NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES: We are currently working with only our preferred suppliers.

To express an interest in this position, simply apply below or you can e-mail hr@capula.com with a cover letter and CV, quoting the job reference number.