Operational Planning Engineer

SSE; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks an Operational Planning Engineer to ensure the reliability of the electricity network. In this pivotal role, you will conduct power system analysis, manage outages, and collaborate with various engineering teams to maintain a secure supply for over 3.1 million customers. This position offers flexibility while requiring core hours in the control room. Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to transforming the grid for a greener future, with a commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth.

Benefits

Private Healthcare Discounts

Gym Membership Discounts

Free Online GP

24/7 Counselling Service

Interest-Free Loans

Cycle to Work Scheme

Generous Family Entitlements

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or similar experience.
• Knowledge of electricity network design and operation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct power system analysis and manage planned outages.
• Ensure safety by managing risks on the EHV network.

Skills

Power System Analysis

Electrical Theory

Risk Management

Data Analysis

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PSS/E

PowerFactory

Job description

About the Role

Base Location: Portsmouth

Salary: £58,630 - £68,098 and a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

The role

An Operational Planning Engineer in the Network Management Centre (NMC) will be responsible for agreeing and planning all outage requirements on the electricity network up to and including 132kV (EHV), ensuring our Engineers are able to plan their work and operate the network. They conduct power system analysis and put in place contingencies in the event of a fault.

The role balances network access for both capital and revenue work while ensuring secure customer supplies and supporting OFGEM's incentives.

This is a key role within the control room monitoring SSEN's southern network which has over 3.1 million customers and is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As this role is critical to the control function, whilst there is flexibility on working hours, you will be required in the control room for most of your core hours.

You will

- Conduct power system analysis, mainly managing planned outages and faults on our network whilst ensuring our network is as secure as possible and minimise impact to our customers.

- Ensure SSEN's safety by managing risks when changing the EHV network and offer support and advice during emergencies.

- Schedule and update EHV outages to comply with DOC2 timelines, ensuring all parties are coordinated in the safest, most secure and cost-effective manner.

- Work with Control Engineers, Protection Engineers, System Planners, Design Engineers, National Grid (NESO & NGET), EHV Customers, other DNOs, SSEN Management, Project Managers and Cartographers.

- Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

You have

- A degree in Electrical Engineering or similar experience, ideally working towards Chartered Engineer status.

- Knowledge of electricity network design, operation, protection, and safety.

- Previous engineering experience within a distribution network, ideally working with EHV networks.

- Familiar with statutory and regulatory requirements, industry codes, and engineering standards.

- Able to use Power System Analysis software (PSS/E, PowerFactory or similar) and understand electrical theory.

- Capable of analysing large data volumes and presenting results clearly.

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're transforming the grid to provide greener electricity for millions of people and investing over £20 billion in homegrown energy, with £20 billion more in the pipeline.

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 Fiona on [e-mail] / 01738 340954 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.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.