AECOM · Madrid
OtherFull-timeposted 5d ago
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Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Associate Director – T&D Protection & Control Substations to join our Transmission & Distribution team, supporting the delivery of high-voltage substation infrastructure projects.
In this role, you will combine hands-on technical expertise with engineering leadership, contributing directly to the design and review of protection and control systems while overseeing engineering teams delivering secondary systems for HV substations.
You will support projects from concept development through detailed design, testing, and construction support, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient substation operation while maintaining high engineering standards across the team.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Expertise & Engineering Design
· Lead and contribute to the design and engineering of protection and control systems for HV substations, including protection schemes, control systems, and substation automation.
· Define protection philosophies, control architectures, and communication interfaces in accordance with project requirements and applicable standards.
· Lead and review detailed secondary engineering deliverables, including:
o Protection and control schematics
o Interlocking and control logic diagrams
o Relay configuration and functional design specifications
o Protection coordination and relay settings philosophy
· Perform or review protection coordination studies and relay settings, ensuring proper selectivity and fault clearance strategies.
· Ensure proper integration of protection systems, SCADA interfaces, communication networks, and primary equipment.
· Provide technical support during construction, testing, and commissioning, including review of relay settings, logic implementation, and functional testing procedures.
Team Leadership & Engineering Oversight
· Lead and mentor protection and control engineering teams, supporting professional development and technical knowledge sharing.
· Provide technical oversight of engineering deliverables, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance with project specifications and standards.
· Coordinate engineering activities across primary, civil, system studies, and commissioning teams to ensure effective multidisciplinary integration.
· Interface with clients, project managers, contractors, and equipment vendors to ensure technical alignment and successful project delivery.
· Support development of technical procedures, engineering standards, and best practices within the organization.
Education
· Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering
Experience
· Typically 12-15+ years of experience in protection and control engineering for HV substations[RL1.1]
· Proven experience delivering secondary systems across multiple project phases (concept, design, commissioning)
· Experience providing technical leadership and mentoring within engineering teams
Technical Skills
Strong expertise in:
· Protection and control system design for HV substations (line, transformer, busbar and feeder protection schemes)
· Substation automation and SCADA integration
· Protection coordination and relay settings philosophy
· Control logic, interlocking schemes, and communication networks
· Integration of protection systems with primary equipment and system studies
Experience with engineering tools and platforms such as:
· AutoCAD
· Protection relay configuration and analysis tools
Soft Skills
· Strong analytical and technical decision-making capabilities
· Ability to combine hands-on engineering with team leadership
· Excellent communication and stakeholder coordination skills
Nice to Have
· Experience working on UK transmission or distribution substation projects
· Exposure to National Grid standards and protection philosophies
· Experience with IEC 61850 substation automation systems
· Experience configuring protection relays such as ABB, GE, Siemens, or SEL
· Commissioning and field testing experience
· Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional certification
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.