Control Engineer

SSE PLC; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare discounts

Gym discounts

Online GP

Counselling service

Cycle to Work

Maternity pay

Adoption pay

Paternity leave

Job summary

SSE plc in Portsmouth is recruiting Trainee Control Engineers to support the 24/7 operation of the electricity network from our Portsmouth Control Centre. This permanent, full‑time, office‑based role involves shift work and contributing to safe, reliable network performance.

You will work in the Control Team to analyse the network, follow SSEN procedures, and communicate with staff to ensure safe operation.

Qualifications

• An understanding of the electricity distribution network.
• HNC or equivalent qualification in electrical engineering or technical experience.
• Excellent communication and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to solve complex problems under pressure.
• Committed team player with track record of delivery.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of the Control Team to analyze the network and identify where interventions are required.
• Follow SSEN rules and procedures to foster a positive SHE culture and identify improvements.
• Ensure safe release of apparatus and plant from service according to safety rules.
• Communicate with staff internally and externally to ensure safe operation of the distribution network.
• Maintain accurate reporting of interruptions of supply, planned or unplanned, per regulatory requirements.

Skills

Electrical distribution knowledge

Strong communication

Decision-making under pressure

Team player

Problem solving

Education

HNC in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Base Location: Portsmouth

Salary:£57,150- £68,295+ a range of other benefits to support your family, finances and wellbeing.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time - office based in our Portsmouth Control Centre, covering shifts of 0700-1630 and 0800 - 1800 Monday - Friday

The role

SSEN are looking to recruit Trainee Control Engineers in Portsmouth. The role involves supporting the 24/7 operation of Southern Electric Power Distribution's electricity network to ensure the safe, efficient and effective operation of the system.

You will

• Work as part of the Control Team to support others in analysis of the network to identify where interventions are required and support their resolution across the voltage ranges
• Ensure that all SSEN rules and procedures are followed to foster a positive SSEN Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) culture, and identify any opportunities for improvement
• Ensure the safe release of apparatus and plant from service in accordance with operational safety rules and SSEN procedures
• Communicate directly with other members of staff both internal and external to the control room to ensure the safe operation of the distribution network.
• Maintain accurate reporting of all interruptions of supply either planned or un-planned in-line with regulatory requirements

You have

• An understanding of the electricity distribution network combined with a technical knowledge of electricity distribution or similar market sector
• An HNC or similar qualification in electrical engineering or have technical experience within a similar industry
• Excellent communication and decision-making skills.
• The ability to solve complex problems under pressure.
• Be a committed team player with passion to succeed and great track record of delivery

Once authorised as a Control Engineer, you will be required to join the Distribution Control Standby Rota. To fulfil your standby commitments, you will need to live within approx. 45 minutes of the Network Management Centre.

Candidates for this role will be required to obtain vetting to SC level through UK Government. The criteria normally includes 5 yearsUK residency, further information can be found here: United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant - GOV.UK ([www.gov.uk] www.gov.uk )

About SSE

SSE's purpose is to be restless every day until we make electricity clean, affordable and available for all.

We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. This includes electricity transmission and distribution networks, onshore and offshore wind farms, hydro-electric power and flexible thermal generation. We also provide products and services for businesses and other customers.

Our investment plan will see SSE invest £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure 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 technical specialists keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low carbon future.

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.