Protection Planning Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 11, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 9, 2026.
Base Location: You'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of the following locations: Melksham, Thatcham, Oxford, Reading, Slough or Portsmouth
Salary: £64,085 - £76,581 + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available
The role
We're looking for a talented Protection Planning Engineer to join our In-House Delivery and System Modelling team, supporting the Southern Distribution Network.
This is an exciting opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of projects across voltage levels from 6.6kV to 132kV, helping to ensure the safe, reliable and resilient operation of our electricity network. You'll play a key role in carrying out protection coordination studies, developing relay settings and providing technical expertise to both internal and external stakeholders.
You will
- Carry out protection coordination and relay setting studies using industry-leading power system modelling tools.
- Analyse network faults and disturbances, reviewing event and disturbance records to identify issues and support continuous improvement.
- Provide technical support and guidance to internal and external customers on protection settings and network performance.
- Produce high-quality protection study reports, recommendations and technical documentation.
- Review and assure detailed designs, including protection philosophies, AC/DC schematics and relay configurations, ensuring compliance with engineering standards.
You have
- A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience) and a strong technical understanding of power systems.
- Experience carrying out load flow, short circuit and protection coordination studies, ideally using DIgSILENT or a similar power system analysis package.
- Knowledge of Protection and Control design, ideally across 11kV, 33kV and 132kV networks.
- Experience developing protection relay calculations and configuring relay settings files.
- A good understanding of UK electrical engineering standards, with a strong commitment to safety, quality and engineering excellence.
Regular travel is required and as a result we can only accept applications from candidates that hold a current driving licence.
About SSE
SSE’s purpose is to be restless every day until we make electricity clean, affordable and available for all.
We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. This includes electricity transmission and distribution networks, onshore and offshore wind farms, hydro-electric power and flexible thermal generation. We also provide products and services for businesses and other customers.
Our investment plan will see SSE invest £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure to 2030.
SSEN Distribution, part of the wider SSE group, powers 3.9 million UK homes and businesses. Our team of more than 4,200 skilled engineers, customer service advisors and technical specialists keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low carbon future.
Flexible benefits to fit your life
Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
Work with an equal opportunity employer
SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact [email protected] / 01738 341814 to discuss how we can support you.
We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Ready to apply?
Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.