Principal Engineer – Protection and Control
Aspect House, Blantyre
Salary from £55,000 per annum plus excellent benefits
Flexible Hybrid Working
Closing Date: 22 June 2026
Help us create a better future, quicker
With plans to see SP Energy Networks (SPEN), part of the ScottishPower Group, look to invest over £5bn in transmission projects across our transmission network in central and southern Scotland by 2030, the Strategic Project team will play a key role in supporting SPEN to work at pace to deliver the transmission network that is required to support ambitions Scottish and UK Government 2030 targets.
SPEN are currently recruiting a Principal Engineer to join the SP Transmission Strategic team to oversee the Engineering Design function for Protection and Control equipment in Strategic Projects. The postholder will manage the design and engineering outputs, including approvals for all SPT Strategic Projects.
This role involves managing engineering interfaces with EPC contractors and OEMs, and ensuring innovative designs for Protection and Control equipment that meets requirements.
What you’ll be doing
Lead the Engineering Design Delivery for Protection and Control with accountability for establishing Strategic Projects EPC design strategy and processes to ensure a consistent approach to consenting design and detail design.
Engineering deliverables are successfully achieved or accelerated. Including indirect project matrix management for several lead engineers.
Key technical interface with Strategic Agreement Framework EPC and OEM contractors; accountable for Protection and Control design deliverables, assurances, and standardized approach across Strategic Projects Portfolio.
Provide technical support to the Project Development and Project Delivery teams on matters concerning the design and operation of Protection and Control equipment and associated ancillaries.
Advise on the development of pre-contract design of projects by supporting the technical development of concept designs (i.e. IP1/IP2) to a level of maturity that can be progressed to detail design.
Ensure delivery is de-risked with input to early stages of design with EPC contractors regarding constructability.
Ensure all substation designs and equipment are in accordance with current policies, standards and operational requirements.
Lead on Strategic Projects technical Initiatives e.g., new tools, systems, and approaches to exploit new engineering opportunities such as BIM and digital substation solutions from contractors and across the transmission industry.
Participate and direct cross-discipline transfer of expertise with fellow Principal Engineers and Section Heads, acting as a key link for interactivity with other engineering experts/departments , including other Transmission Operators.
Leading engineering reviews governance, assurance and approval for EPC design calculations, models, reports and regulatory submissions with thorough attention to detail and delegated authorisation responsibility.
Represent SPT Strategic engineering position, and interests, at senior industry, regulatory and public consultations.
Responsible for setting department-wide professional engineering working standards, practices and pace of delivery, acting as an engineering role-model, setting aspirational targets and encouraging academic rigour.
Provide leadership & talent development by coaching project, senior and lead engineers through a culture of continuous professional development. Ensuring best practices and lessons learned across all SPT.
Capable of delivering new and advanced engineering solutions to enable accelerate delivery of Strategic and ASTI projects.
What you’ll bring
Proven experience/expert knowledge in design of Protection and Control equipment and associated ancillaries at voltages of 33kV to 400kV including interfaces with telecom and SCADA disciplines.
Ability to implement, apply and promote CDM and Health & Safety best practice in a design environment.
Experience in Protection and Control detail design for transmission electrical infrastructure including drawings, setting calculations and IED configuration. Experience in implementing IEC 61850 solutions will be beneficial.
Ability to manage under pressure and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment with a diverse and demanding workload.
Experience in working in a dynamic environment and ensuring delivery of engineering outputs.
Direct or indirect line management and leadership experience and working in a dynamic environment with interfaces with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to operate in an environment of uncertainty and incomplete information and make well-reasoned decisions. Lead by example and drive transformational change.
Excellent presentation skills, including the ability to apply persuasive influence to drive decisions through engineering analysis.
To be successful, you will need to demonstrate (as a minimum):
Engineering qualification (BSc/BEng) and/ or postgraduate qualification (MBA, MEng, MSc) or relevant experience. Chartered Engineer preferred.
Experience in engineering EPC environment of multiple large strategic projects.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in transmission Protection and Control design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
What’s in it for you
As well as a competitive salary which is reviewed annually, you can also enjoy a number of other benefits. With our pension scheme, we’ll double match your contribution up to a company contribution of 10%.
At ScottishPower, we believe it’s the little things we do in life that make a big difference. From helping you look after your family’s wellbeing, save for your future and take personal steps for climate action – our benefits are designed to help you do just that - so that you have everything you need to take care of your world – today and tomorrow. That’s why our benefits include:
36 days annual leave
Holiday purchase – perfect your work/life balance with extra annual leave
Share Incentive Plan and Sharesave Scheme
Payroll giving and charity matched funding
Technology Vouchers – save more and spread the cost of your technology purposes
Count us in – pledge to reduce carbon emissions and help fight climate change
Electric Vehicle Schemes – to help you transition to green/clean driving
Cycle to Work scheme and public transport season ticket loans
Options to purchase dental insurance, private medical insurance, health cash plan and annual health assessments
Life Assurance (4x salary)
Access to SmartSave financial wellbeing support
Plus shopping, leisure, restaurant and gym discounts, and unique employee deals on travel insurance and more
Why SP Energy Networks
SP Energy Networks is part of the Iberdrola Group, one of the world’s largest integrated utility companies and a world leader in wind energy. We keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses through Central and Southern Scotland, North Wales and in the North West of England. We operate over 4000km of cables and lines that make-up the transmission network – connecting infrastructure like wind farms into the electricity system. It’s a role that puts us right at the heart of Scotland’s ambition to be Net Zero by 2044. And we’re taking it very seriously. We’re investing >£5.5 billion into our transmission network, directly supporting the rapid growth needed in renewable energy. With diverse opportunities across our businesses and a commitment to invest in our own internal talent, ScottishPower can offer people real career opportunities that meet personal and professional goals, in a global organisation.
Inclusion, diversity, and a social purpose are at the heart of everything we do. Together with our values, they bring us together into a stronger, more sustainable business with direct links to the communities we serve. It takes all kinds of people to build a large-scale business like ours, so whatever your background, you’ll fit right in.
We are committed to providing reasonable support or adjustments in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long term conditions, mental health conditions, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support. If you need support, please reach out to careers@scottishpower.com.
Mobility
Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country. If/when required, the Company will support the employee with the necessary Immigration requirements.
IMPORTANT
Advert will close at 23:59 GMT the day before Job Posting End Date below
June-23-2026