Lead Electrical Engineer

There are companies doing interesting work in the energy sector and then there are companies doing the work that actually keeps the grid together. Our client falls firmly in the second category. If you have spent years developing relay schemes, building out substation designs from scratch, and you genuinely know what you are doing with SEL equipment, this role will feel like a natural fit. Company Information Our client is a well-established Dutch engineering company operating at the technical forefront of high-voltage substation design in the Netherlands. Their work covers both primary and secondary systems across a broad range of HV infrastructure projects, serving network operators and large commercial clients navigating the demands of the energy transition. With offices in Rotterdam and Zwolle, they deliver projects across basic and detailed design phases with a technically strong, multidisciplinary team that takes engineering quality seriously. The pipeline includes utility-scale substations, renewable energy integration, and a growing portfolio of projects with a clear pathway into commissioning. Vacancy Information As Lead Electrical Engineer, you will take ownership of the technical output across HV substation design projects with a strong protection and controls focus. You will guide your team through complex design decisions, engage directly with clients and senior stakeholders, and be the person who gives a straight answer when it matters. Your time will be split between the office and project sites across the Rotterdam and Zwolle areas, roughly 40 percent desk based and the rest on-site and in front of stakeholders. This is not a role where templates do the thinking for you. The work sits at the intersection of protection systems, controls design, and real engineering judgment, and the expectation is that you lead from the front on both. Key Responsibilities Leading design teams through basic and detailed design phases on HV substation projects with a protection and controls focus.Producing and reviewing detailed designs including protection schemes, relay settings, single line diagrams, and cable schedules.Taking technical ownership of all electrical deliverables and ensuring they meet client specifications, applicable standards, and project quality requirements.Engaging with project teams, clients, contractors, and senior leadership throughout the project lifecycle.Working across a range of voltage levels on utility-scale substation infrastructure.Day-to-day use of AutoCAD, SEL Accelerator, SKM, and SEL relay platforms.Contributing to a technically progressive project pipeline with a clear pathway into commissioning as projects mature. What You Need Bachelor or Master degree in Electrical Engineering or a comparable technical discipline.Significant experience in HV substation design with a strong protection and controls background including relay scheme development, relay settings, and SEL relay platforms.Proven experience leading engineering teams through complex design projects and the ability to manage multiple disciplines and stakeholders without losing the technical thread.Experience working across multiple voltage levels on utility-scale infrastructure.Proficiency in AutoCAD, SEL Accelerator, and SKM. Hands-on experience with SEL relays is essential.Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the confidence to engage at a senior level across clients, contractors, and project leadership.Fluent in English, both written and spoken. If you do not meet every requirement but have a strong background in HV substation design and a genuine interest in stepping into a lead role, we still encourage you to apply. The right combination of technical experience, motivation, and willingness to grow can make you a strong candidate. Relocation This position is based in the Netherlands and will require relocation. We understand that making an international move is a significant decision and we are here to make that process as straightforward as possible. As part of your contract, FairPlay Engineering provides a Premium Relocation Package. This includes visa sponsorship, guidance before your move, and dedicated support from a relocation consultant throughout the process. You can find more information on the Relocating with us page on our website. Apply We appreciate every application we receive. Because this is a specialised role, we will contact candidates whose experience closely matches the requirements. If you have not heard from us within two weeks, your application has unfortunately not been selected for the next step. FairPlay Engineering specialises in recruiting engineers for roles in the Netherlands. If this vacancy is not the right match for you, keep an eye on our vacancies page for future opportunities.