UKPN Commissioning Engineer
| Posting date: | 10 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 17 November 2025 |
| Location: | Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 7SA |
| Company: | Search Consultancy LTD |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | Req/675586_1762775732 |
Summary
Job Title: Commissioning Engineer - UKPN Substations (up to 132kV)
Location: Various sites across the UK Power Networks (UKPN) region (South East England)
Employment Type: Contract - OUTSIDE IR35 (LTD/CIS)
Contract Length: 6/12 month rolling contract
Role Overview:
The Commissioning Engineer will be responsible for the testing, commissioning, and integration of new and modified HV and EHV substation equipment on the UK Power Networks distribution system, up to 132kV. The role requires ensuring all work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with UKPN standards, procedures, and network authorisation requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, prepare, and execute commissioning activities for substations up to 132kV.
- Carry out functional testing, protection testing, and system integration of primary and secondary equipment.
- Review and interpret schematic diagrams, wiring drawings, and protection settings.
- Commission protection schemes including overcurrent, differential, distance, and transformer protection relays (e.g. Siemens, Schneider, GE, ABB).
- Undertake SCADA and RTU configuration and testing in line with UKPN protocols.
- Produce and manage commissioning documentation - including method statements, risk assessments, commissioning plans, and test reports.
- Liaise with UKPN commissioning, control, and protection engineers to coordinate outages and energisations.
- Ensure compliance with the UKPN Distribution Safety Rules (DSR).
- Mentor junior engineers and support quality assurance activities.
- Maintain accurate records of test results and ensure as-built documentation is completed and handed over.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Proven experience commissioning substations on the UKPN network (or other DNOs).
- Strong background in HV/EHV protection, control, and substation automation systems.
- Competent in secondary injection testing, primary injection testing, and end-to-end system tests.
- In-depth understanding of UKPN standards, drawings, and protection philosophies.
- Excellent knowledge of the UKPN Distribution Safety Rules and safe working practices.
- Proficient in the use of modern test equipment (e.g. Omicron CMC, Megger, Doble).
- Strong report writing and documentation skills.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the UKPN region.
Desirable Experience:
- Experience commissioning renewable generation connections and grid transformers.
- Familiarity with UKPN design and construction standards (EDS, EPN, LPN, SPN).
- Experience with SCADA/RTU systems such as ABB RTU560, Siemens SICAM, or GE D20.
- Knowledge of substation communication protocols (IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus).
- Competence with secondary design drawings and relay coordination studies.
Required Authorisations / Qualifications:
- UKPN Authorisations:
- Substation Access and Competent Person (SAP/CP) up to 132kV
- Sanction for Test (SFT) up to 132kV (preferred)
- Authorised Person (AP) / Senior Authorised Person (SAP) under UKPN DSR
- HNC/HND or degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- ECS/CSCS card
- Full UK Driving Licence
- First Aid and Manual Handling certification
Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age