Protection & Control Engineer

Working on behalf of our client, we are recruiting for an experienced Protection and Control Engineer to join a business operating within the renewable energy and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining protection and control systems, ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of electrical protection schemes, relay settings, and communication networks for utility-scale energy storage projects.

Key Duties

• Developing and implementing protection and control (P&C) schemes for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) applications, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

• Performing relay coordination studies, settings development, and protection scheme design for energy storage and grid integration.

• Conducting system modelling and analysis using software such as ETAP, PSCAD, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, Aspen, or CYME.

• Designing, testing, and commissioning protective relays, SCADA systems, and communication networks for energy storage assets.

• Working with IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus, and other industry communication protocols for protection and automation.

• Coordinating with internal teams, including design, commissioning, and operations, as well as external stakeholders such as utilities, system operators, and EPC contractors to ensure seamless project integration.

• Performing fault analysis, root cause investigations, and providing solutions for BESS system failures.

• Assisting in the development of functional specifications, control logics, and operating procedures for BESS protection systems.

• Keeping up to date with industry best practice, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements relating to BESS protection and control.

What we are looking for

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related discipline.

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in Protection and Control Engineering, ideally within power systems, renewable energy, or battery energy storage.

• Hands-on experience with protective relays, including SEL, ABB, Siemens, GE, or Schneider, and relay programming.

• Proficiency with power system analysis software such as ETAP, PSCAD, DIgSILENT, or PSS/E.

• Strong knowledge of grid codes, IEEE, IEC, NERC, and utility interconnection requirements.

• Familiarity with SCADA systems, RTUs, HMIs, and PLCs within power system applications.

• Experience with NERC PRC compliance and protection coordination studies would be advantageous.

• Ability to interpret single-line diagrams, electrical schematics, and control logic diagrams.

• Professional Engineer (PE), Chartered Engineer (CEng), or Certified Protection Engineer (CPE) qualifications would be advantageous.

• Experience with RTDS, HIL, or real-time simulation for protection testing would be beneficial.

• Knowledge of energy storage technologies, inverter-based resources, and grid-forming inverters would be advantageous.

• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple teams.

What our client can offer in return

• £60,000 – £70,000 per annum, depending on experience.

• Performance-based bonus.

• Comprehensive health insurance.

• Company pension scheme.

• Paid time off and flexible working arrangements.

• Professional development and training opportunities.

• Opportunities for career advancement within a rapidly growing industry.