Asset Technology Standards Engineer

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

SSEN Distribution, part of the SSE group, is seeking a skilled engineer to shape substation control systems through design, testing and standardisation of OT solutions. The role supports critical infrastructure and drives safe, compliant configurations across the network.

The position involves working with RTUs, IEC61850/DNP3 and AutoCAD, delivering robust engineering standards and contributing to procurement decisions while ensuring cyber security compliance.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience designing, configuring and/or commissioning substation control systems.
• Knowledge of OT incl. RTUs, telecoms and substation automation.
• Experience with DNP3 and IEC61850.
• Experience using AutoCAD for schematics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain technical standards for substation control systems.
• Design, test and approve OT solutions with standardised configurations.
• Lead technical assurance activities with test plans and equipment evaluations.
• Apply cyber security and NIS requirements to OT systems.
• Provide technical leadership to projects and stakeholders.

Skills

Substation controls

OT design

DNP3/IEC61850

AutoCAD drafting

Tools

Schneider Talus

Hitachi/ABB RTU520-560

ZIV XCell

SEL Axion/RTAC

Job description

Base Location

Perth, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Inverness, Reading, Thatcham, New Forest, Poole. You’ll be expected to spend 50% of your working week at one of these locations.

Salary

£71,869 - £85,880 + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern

16 Month Fixed Term Contract | Flexible First options available

The role

The Technology Standards team is our source of engineering policy, standardised equipment and configurations for the substation control systems on our distribution network – including protection, automation and telecontrol systems. This role gives an opportunity to shape the control systems of the future, and to tackle engineering challenges associated with critical Operational Technology solutions.

You will

• Develop and maintain technical standards, specifications and engineering policies for substation control systems, ensuring compliance, consistency and safe operation across the network.
• Design, test and approve operational technology solutions, including RTUs and substation control equipment, creating standardised configurations and repeatable designs for business-wide deployment.
• Lead technical assurance activities by developing test plans, evaluating equipment against specifications and supporting equipment approval and procurement decisions.
• Apply cyber security and NIS regulatory requirements to both existing and new operational technology systems, helping protect critical electricity infrastructure.
• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise to projects, working groups and stakeholders, influencing strategy, innovation and continuous improvement across the business.

You have

• Extensive experience designing, configuring and/or commissioning substation control systems, telecontrol equipment and automation solutions within electricity networks.
• Strong knowledge of Operational Technology, including RTUs, telecommunications protocols and substation automation, with expertise in DNP3 and ideally IEC61850.
• Hands-on experience configuring industry-standard control system equipment, preferably Schneider Talus, Hitachi/ABB RTU520-560, ZIV XCell or SEL Axion/RTAC platforms.
• Experience producing engineering schematics and technical drawings using AutoCAD, alongside developing robust technical documentation and standards.
• A strong understanding of cyber security principles, substation protection and control schemes, and the operation of electricity distribution networks.

About SSE

SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.

SSEN Distribution, part of the wider SSE group, powers 3.9 million UK homes and businesses. Our team of more than 4,200 skilled engineers, customer service advisors and energy experts keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low carbon future.

Flexible Benefits To Fit Your Life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact [e-mail] / 01738 341814 to discuss how we can support you.

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.