Senior HV Substations Protection & Control, Communications and SCADA Specialist
Arup
Shape a future with purpose at Arup in Spain
Focusing on High Voltage electrical infrastructure projects
Arup’s purpose, shared values, and collaborative approach have set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.
We have been present in Spain since 1993 and we have a team of more than 300 engineers, consultants, and qualified technical personnel. We work for clients from the public and private sectors, providing creative and sustainable solutions based on the efficient use of resources.
Arup is expanding its skills and capability in energy transition and renewable energy projects. Our growth, in terms of income and skills/resources, is driven by the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions to decarbonise economies. High Voltage (HV) electrical infrastructure is a key enabler for decarbonised energy transmission, storage, and interconnection.
The Opportunity
This is your chance to contribute with your skills for HV substations Protection & Control, communication systems and SCADA design in high-impact energy projects. You will ensure flawless integration with collector substations, REE dispatch centers. BESS and renewable plants. This includes the delivery of high voltage-related projects for data centres, interconnectors, offshore wind, other renewables and energy storage.
As a HV Substations Protection & Control, Communications and SCADA Specialist at Arup, you will:
Design HV Substation Control and Communication Systems. Develop and review detailed single-line and multi-line AC/DC diagrams, control logic (both wired and IEC 61850 programmable), and busbar/bay interlocking schemes.
Design advanced communication architectures connecting the step-up substation with generation plants (PV, wind), Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Data Centers, collector substations, and remote-control centers.
Implement IEC 61850 based redundant network topologies such as PRP, HSR, and RSTP, including VLAN segmentation, industrial firewall configuration, and NAT routing to ensure secure and resilient OT networks.
Protection Systems Configuration and Testing.Configure and fine-tune protection relays from leading manufacturers (ABB, Siemens, Schneider Electric, SEL, ZIV) for transformer differential protection, line distance protection, busbar protection, feeder protection…
Utilize advanced OEM-specific software tools:
ABB PCM600 (including GOOSE and Sampled Values configuration).
Siemens DIGSI 4/5 (including CFC logic and IEC 61850 engineering).
Schneider Easergy Pro / Sepam.
SEL acSELerator / SEL-5051.
ZIV P&C Manager.
Execute rigorous FAT (Factory Acceptance Tests) and SAT (Site Acceptance Tests) using advanced secondary injection tools such as Omicron Test Universe, Dobles, and EuroSMC, validating selectivity, dynamic performance, and logic integrity. Lead Step Up Substation integration and commissioning including Collector Substation, dispatch and Control Center or other BESS or renewable plants.
Advanced Communication Protocols and Integration.Demonstrate expert knowledge of industrial communication protocols: IEC 61850 (GOOSE, Sampled Values, MMS, SCD/CID modeling), IEC 60870-5-104, Modbus TCP/IP and RTU, DNP3, and OPC UA.
Configure and commission protocol gateways and converters for seamless integration between substations, Plant Power Controllers (PPC), Energy Management Systems (EMS), and BESS controllers.
Commissioning Leadership and Grid Compliance.Lead commissioning activities at the Point of Connection (PoC), ensuring synchronization with external networks and compliance with REE Operational Procedures (P.O. 9, 12.2, 14.x) and Spanish grid codes.
Coordinate end-to-end communication tests with REE Dispatch Center, including telemetry, metering, and frontier counting systems.
Manage power injection and dynamic control setpoints from PPC/EMS to individual assets such as inverters and BESS.
Does this role inspire you?
We are looking for someone proactive and dynamic who is willing to be part of the Energy team in Arup Madrid. Ideally, you’ll bring:
We are looking for a proactive and highly specialized professional to join our Energy team as main specialist in Substation Control, Protection, and Communications. Ideally, you’ll bring:
A degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electronics, or Electrical.
8+ years of proven experience in the design, implementation, and commissioning of high-voltage substations P&C, comms and SCADA alongside other systems integration.
Strong technical expertise in substation control systems, protection schemes, and advanced communication protocols (IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-104, Modbus, DNP3, OPC UA).
Fluent in Spanish and English (spoken and written).
Bonus points if you have:
Power System simulation tools such as DIgSILENT PowerFactory, ETAP for protection coordination.
SCADA/HMI Systems.Experience configuring or operating SCADA platforms such as iFIX, WinCC, Webnabla, and Ignition.
Industrial Cybersecurity.Advanced knowledge of IEC 62443, network segmentation, firewall deployment, system hardening, and DMZ architecture for OT environments.
Energy Storage and Data Centers. Deep understanding of BESS integration, inverter control, EMS functionality, and critical power continuity for hyperscale Data Centers.
Advanced Automation.PLC programming skills (Siemens S7, Rockwell, Codesys) for complex substation logic and interlocking schemes.
Conditions
Immediate incorporation
How to apply for this vacancy?
To apply for this vacancy, register your updated CV and a cover letter in English.
At Arup, we offer a rewarding career with a global company committed to a better future. Our unique trust ownership structure allows us to prioritize meaningful work and invest in our people. We also offer a unique profit share program, allowing our members to share in the results of our collective efforts.
Benefits that work for you:
Professional Growth & Development: Benefit from continuous learning opportunities, training programs, and mentorship to enhance your skills and advance your career at Arup.
Global Opportunities: Collaborate with colleagues worldwide and explore potential short-term or long-term assignments at other Arup offices and project locations.
Financial Well-being & Ownership: Receive a competitive salary and benefits package and share in Arup's success through our global profit-sharing programme.
Work-Life Balance: We offer a hybrid working model and flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
Well-being and Culture: Access to a range of well-being programs, including sports subsidies, social activities, and initiatives promoting a healthy work-life balance. We foster a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.
Arup is recognized as one of the best companies to work for in Spain in 2024 by Actualidad Económica and Forbes magazine, thanks to our flexibility policies. We also adhere to the Code of Principles of Generational Diversity, committing to equal opportunities regardless of age.
At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective where individuality is encouraged. Our strength comes from how we respect, share, and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas. You’ll have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning—to Arup, to your career, and to the clients and communities we serve.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a workplace that reflects the rich diversity of the world around us. We actively promote a culture of inclusion where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.
We welcome applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible. If you need any assistance or adjustments, please contact beatriz.estefania@arup.com. We’re here to support you.
Do you want to join us in shaping a better world?
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-BE1