In the UK transmission sector, hiring protection and control engineers for high voltage projects at 275kV and above is one of the most challenging recruitment tasks. These specialists protect system stability, ensure compliance, and keep people and assets safe. At LSP Renewables, we help transmission owners and EPC contractors understand realistic timelines for permanent and contract hires and the practical steps they can take to shorten the process.

Key Takeaways:

• Hiring protection and control engineers usually takes longer than standard engineering roles because of safety and compliance demands.

• Permanent hires typically take 10 to 16 weeks, while contract specialists can often be mobilised in 2 to 6 weeks.

• Delays are driven by vetting, security checks, notice periods, and a limited pool of experienced candidates.

• Working with sector focused recruiters helps reduce time to hire by providing pre-vetted engineers.

The longer a protection and control role remains unfilled, the more project risk builds up. Understanding timelines and knowing how to compress them is essential for grid leaders who want to stay ahead of programme and compliance pressures.

Why is hiring protection and control engineers so complex?

Protection and control engineers are responsible for the safe operation and protection of high voltage networks. At 275kV and above, a single design or settings error can translate into outages, damage, or non compliance. This makes the bar for entry significantly higher than for many other power engineering roles.

Typical factors that increase complexity include:

• Candidates need proven experience with HV substations and high voltage schemes.
• Employers must complete security checks, authorisations, and detailed references.
• Many capable engineers are already engaged on long term projects, limiting immediate availability.

This combination of scarcity, safety critical responsibility, and intensive vetting naturally pushes recruitment timelines beyond the norm.

How long does it typically take to hire?

The time needed to fill a protection and control role depends on whether you are hiring on a permanent or contract basis and how early you start.

For permanent hires, a typical range is 10 to 16 weeks. Multiple interview stages, technical assessments, internal approvals, and security checks all add time. Notice periods in UK engineering roles are often 3 months, which means even once you have an accepted offer, there can still be a significant wait before the engineer joins your project.

For contract hires, timelines are shorter, usually between 2 and 6 weeks. Contractors are often used to moving between projects and may already hold clearances and authorisations. Even so, you still need to complete basic compliance checks and onboarding before granting access to site or protection systems.

In practice:

• Permanent roles take longer but provide long term stability, internal knowledge, and succession planning.
• Contract roles allow faster mobilisation for outages, commissioning phases, or schedule pinch points.

The most resilient teams often use a blend of permanent and contract protection and control specialists.

What causes delays in hiring?

Several recurring issues can slow the process of hiring protection and control engineers for 275kV and higher projects.

First, there is a genuine shortage of experienced candidates. Only a relatively small number of engineers have hands on experience with high voltage substations, complex schemes, and modern protection platforms. Many of those are already committed to large frameworks or multi year programmes, which reduces the pool for new projects.

Second, compliance and security checks are extensive and non negotiable. Grid operators and major contractors must complete background checks, reference validation, authorisation processes, and, in some cases, national security related screening. These checks protect the network but can add weeks if they are not planned well in advance.

Third, geography and mobility play a role. Projects are often located near specific substations or transmission corridors, which may limit the local talent pool. Engineers may need relocation support or regular travel, which can slow decision making.

Finally, competing projects across the UK grid sector increase demand at the same time. When multiple transmission owners, frameworks, and major upgrades are live, they are often chasing the same small group of specialists.

How to hire protection and control engineers faster

You can shorten time to hire without compromising standards by planning ahead and using a structured approach.

1. Engage early with your recruitment partners so talent pipelines are in place before tenders, outages, or commissioning windows.

2. Use contract specialists to cover immediate programme risks while you progress permanent recruitment.

3. Prioritise candidates who already hold relevant HV authorisations, site passes, and security clearances to reduce onboarding time.

4. Offer flexible packages, including relocation support, travel options, or partial hybrid working, to widen the talent pool.

5. Partner with sector specific recruiters who maintain live networks of protection and control engineers and can present pre vetted options quickly.

This combination of proactive planning, flexible engagement models, and specialist support can make the difference between a delayed project and a controlled mobilisation.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to hire permanent protection and control engineers in the UK?
A: On average, permanent hires take around 10 to 16 weeks. The main drivers are multi stage interviews, internal approvals, security and compliance checks, and notice periods that can be up to 3 months.

Q: How quickly can contract protection and control engineers be placed?
A: Contract specialists are often placed within 2 to 6 weeks, as they are used to project based work and may already have relevant clearances and authorisations.

Q: Why do protection and control roles take longer to fill than other engineering positions?
A: These roles require niche technical skills, proven high voltage experience, and strict compliance and security checks. The candidate pool is limited, which naturally extends recruitment timelines.

Q: What skills should recruiters prioritise for 275kV and higher projects?
A: Priority skills include HV substation experience, grid compliance and protection coordination knowledge, understanding of relevant standards such as G99, and authorisations or competency for working on 275kV and above systems.

Q: How can employers speed up hiring for protection and control engineers?
A: Engage early with specialist recruiters, pre define your compliance requirements, consider contractors for immediate needs, and be ready to move quickly when suitable candidates are identified.

About the Author

This article was produced by a specialist consultant at LSP Renewables with extensive experience supporting transmission owners, EPCs, and grid contractors. Their work focuses on identifying high calibre protection and control talent while helping clients maintain stable recruitment pipelines during complex project timelines.

Secure protection and control talent for UK high voltage projects

If you need to hire protection and control engineers for 275kV and higher transmission projects, LSP Renewables can help you access pre vetted permanent and contract specialists who understand grid safety, compliance, and project delivery.

Contact Us today to speak with a dedicated transmission recruitment expert to discuss upcoming roles or frameworks.