Protection Relay Engineer

Job Description

Location

Various locations across Europe

Contract

12-Month Freelance Contract

Start Date: June 2026

Overview

We are currently seeking an experienced Freelance Protection Relay Commissioning Engineer to support the delivery of multiple large-scale data centre projects across Europe.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-paced and growing sector, working on critical infrastructure projects for leading developers, EPC contractors, and hyperscale clients.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and energisation of HV/MV electrical systems, with a strong focus on protection relay systems and associated commissioning activities.

Responsibilities

• Commissioning and testing of HV/MV electrical systems within live and greenfield data centre environments
• Configuration, testing, and fault-finding of protection relays
• Carrying out secondary injection testing and relay validation
• Protection scheme testing including interlocks, trip circuits, and logic checks
• Review and interpretation of electrical drawings, schematics, and protection philosophies
• Support energisation activities and switching operations where required
• Liaise with clients, OEMs, subcontractors, and commissioning teams on-site
• Produce commissioning documentation, test records, and punch lists
• Ensure all works are completed in line with project specifications, safety standards, and commissioning procedures

Requirements

• Proven experience commissioning protection relay systems on mission critical, data centre, substation, or industrial projects
• Strong knowledge of protection relays including:
• Siemens SIPROTEC, ABB Relion, Schneider MiCOM, GE Multilin, SEL relays
• Experience with secondary injection testing equipment
• Strong understanding of HV/MV systems and electrical protection principles
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and protection drawings
• Previous experience working on data centre projects is highly desirable
• EU passport or valid right to work in Europe
• Fluent English communication skills

Package

• Competitive daily rate
• Long-term 12-month contract
• Opportunity to work on high-profile hyperscale data centre projects across Europe
• Flights, accommodation, and rotation package available depending on project location

If you are interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please apply directly or reach out for a confidential discussion.