Chief Protection & Controls Engineer

Manchester Permanent / Full Time

Having started his recruitment career in 2014, Will worked for many years in the healthcare recruitment sector in the UK, before transitioning into renewable energy in 2021 and ultimately joining Phillip Riley in 2024.Will's remit at Phillip Riley is the provision of permanent recruitment services to companies across the UK, Ireland and Europe, across technologies including Onshore & Offshore Wind, Solar / PV, and Battery Storage.

Recruiter :
Will McCaffrey

Will McCaffrey
Chief Protection & Controls Engineer — Remote UK

£97,800–£103,200 + £8k car allowance | 33 days’ holiday | 5% pension match

You’ve led protection & controls work at the highest level - now you’re ready to shape how it’s done across an entire business.

This is a rare opportunity to join the UK arm of a high-performing international consultancy as it scales. You’ll set the technical direction for all things Protection & Controls - with a particular focus on protection settings - while mentoring engineers, steering capability growth, and embedding best practice from the ground up.

This is one of the very first senior technical hires in the UK.

You won’t be slotting into a bloated team. You’ll be defining how it operates.

The role:

You’ll act as the go-to authority on protection settings and P&C engineering, leading project delivery, approvals, and internal standards. Expect client-facing consulting work, alongside collaboration with the UK Director to shape strategy, win work, and grow a world-class team.

The wider business has a track record of innovation, including modular substation builds and digital-first design workflows. This isn’t a dusty design house — it’s a consultancy that actually invests in smarter ways of working.

What you’ll need:
  • 15+ years in the power industry, with deep protection systems and settings experience
  • Advanced knowledge of T&D protection schemes, relay settings, and UK standards
  • Strong track record in lead or approval roles (TP141 or National Grid CDAE a plus)
  • A mindset that balances precision engineering with real-world consulting impact
Nice to have:
  • Chartered Engineer status
  • Experience across transmission voltages and UK TO/DNO standards
  • Confidence mentoring junior engineers and setting technical direction
  • Familiarity with ISO 19650 and modern CAD/BIM workflows
The package:
  • £97,800–£103,200 salary
  • £8,000 car allowance
  • Private pension with 5% employer match
  • 33 days’ holiday including public holidays
  • Fully remote, with flexible working patterns (compressed hours, non-linear days, etc.)
This is the ideal role for someone who wants to lead technically, shape a business, and actually see their impact.

No red tape. No corporate drag. Just the chance to do proper engineering work — and do it your way.

Referral reward:

Construction & Consulting > Construction & Consulting Engineering

Back to Jobs