Senior 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. Operating in some of the most highly regulated and challenging industrial environments, we 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 Senior Protection & Control Engineer to play a key technical role in the delivery of UK Transmission and Distribution projects.

You will be responsible for engineering and delivering high‑quality protection and automation control schemes across the full project lifecycle. From concept development and detailed design through to production, factory testing and site support and commissioning. Working closely with Lead Engineers, Project Managers, and clients, you will apply your technical expertise to ensure solutions are safe, compliant, and aligned with client and regulatory requirements.

This role is suited to an experienced engineer who is technically strong, delivery‑focused, and comfortable taking ownership of complex engineering tasks while contributing to team development and project success. If you enjoy solving complex technical problems, working across real power networks, and having your engineering judgement trusted, you’ll find this a rewarding place to work.

Key Responsibilities

Protection & Control Engineering

• Prepare and contribute to Protection & Control designs and technical documentation, including:
  • Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), Key Line Diagrams (KLDs), and concept designs
  • Protection and control schematics, general arrangements, schedules, and calculations
  • Substation automation and Protection & Control system architectures
  • Functional Design Specifications
  • Design Intent Documents
  • Compliance matrices and design substantiation
  • Test Documentation
• Develop and review relay settings and support protection coordination studies under the guidance of a Lead Engineer.
• Review Protection and Control designs and documentation
• Implement relevant industry standards including ENA, BS, IEC, and client‑specific standards (e.g. DNO and National Grid TP‑series).
• Prepare Configurations and relay files for deployment into solution
• Conduct Testing of Relays and Bay Solutions including during witness testing with the client

IEC 61850 & Digital Substations

• Apply IEC 61850 principles within Protection & Control design solutions, including:
  • Substation communication architectures
  • GOOSE messaging and system integration considerations
• Support the development and review of SCL files and system interfaces as required.
• Consider OT cyber security requirements as part of Protection & Control designs, aligned with standards such as IEC 62443.

Project Delivery & Technical Support

• Deliver Protection & Control engineering work packages to agreed time, cost, quality, and safety requirements.
• Work closely with Project Managers to provide technical input on programme, change management, risk, and cost impacts.
• Provide technical support during installation, testing, and commissioning activities as required.

Site & Stakeholder Engagement

• Undertake site visits and non‑intrusive surveys to support design development and project delivery.
• Communicate effectively with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders on technical matters.
• Support client meetings, technical workshops, and design reviews alongside Lead Engineers.

Essential Requirements

Protection & Control Expertise

• Significant demonstrable experience delivering end‑to‑end Protection & Control (P&C) engineering solutions across Transmission and/or Distribution networks.
• Deep technical understanding of P&C system design, including advanced protection philosophies, protection schemes, HV substation arrangements, and system integration interfaces.
• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable UK industry standards and client specifications (e.g., ENA, IEC, BS, National Grid TP series, DNO standards).
• Hands‑on experience working with a range of Protection & Control equipment and numerical relay platforms from GE, Siemens, SEL, Schneider or equivalent.
• Practical experience implementing IEC 61850, including system architecture design, GOOSE messaging, and integration within modern substation environments.
• Experience of Test methodology and hand on testing of Protection and Control solutions using industry standard tools.

Design, Delivery & Communication

• Demonstrable ability to produce and review P&C designs and associated engineering documentation to a high standard.
• Working knowledge and practical application of IEC 61850, substation communications protocols, and associated cyber‑security considerations for P&C systems.
• Broad project lifecycle experience, from concept design and front‑end engineering through to detailed design, testing, implementation, and commissioning support.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience representing the engineering function in technical meetings, client discussions, and design reviews.

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
• Deeper knowledge of IEC 61850 (e.g. system architecture, SCL files, GOOSE messaging, integration testing).
• Awareness of OT cyber security standards or frameworks (e.g. IEC 62443, NIS Regulations).
• Experience supporting, mentoring, or developing junior engineers.
• Working towards or holding professional engineering status (IEng or CEng).
• Experience contributing technical input to bids and tenders.

Personal Qualities:

• Self‑motivated, delivery‑focused, and capable of managing technical tasks independently.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines.
• Collaborative team player with the confidence to contribute ideas and challenge technical issues constructively.
• Detail‑focused with a professional and disciplined approach suitable for safety‑critical environments.
• Proactive problem‑solver with strong analytical skills and a commitment to high‑quality engineering outcomes.

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.