Operational Planning Engineer

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare discounts

Wellbeing program

Cycle to Work

Family leave benefits

Job summary

SSE's Network Management Centre in Portsmouth is seeking an Operational Planning Engineer to coordinate outages up to 132kV, run power system analyses and build contingencies for a secure, reliable supply for millions of customers. You’ll work in the 24/7 control room, with core hours in the control room and strong collaboration with engineers and external stakeholders.

The role requires a degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent, knowledge of network design and protection, and experience

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Solid understanding of electricity network design, operation, protection, and safety.
• Engineering experience within a distribution network, preferably involving EHV systems.
• Proficient in power system analysis tools (e.g. PSS/E, PowerFactory) with strong analytical and data presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Carry out power system analysis, managing planned outages and faults to keep the network secure and reduce customer impact.
• Plan and update EHV outages in line with DOC2 timelines, ensuring safe, coordinated, and cost-effective execution.
• Collaborate with Control Engineers, Protection Engineers, Planners, Designers, National Grid, customers, and other key stakeholders.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with both internal and external teams.

Skills

Power system analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Data presentation

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PSS/E

PowerFactory

Job description

Base Location:

Portsmouth, Walton Park

Salary:

£64,085 - £76,581 + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern:

Full Time

The role

As an Operational Planning Engineer in our Network Management Centre (NMC), you’ll help keep the lights on for over 3.1 million customers. You’ll plan and agree outages up to 132kV, run power system analysis, and build in contingencies to keep the network secure—day or night.

This role is at the heart of our 24/7 control room, balancing access for essential works with the need for safe, reliable customer supply. While there’s some flexibility, most of your core hours will be spent in the control room, working closely with a dedicated team to keep the network running smoothly.

You will

• Carry out power system analysis, managing planned outages and faults to keep the network secure and reduce customer impact.
• Manage risks during EHV network changes and provide safety support during emergencies.
• Plan and update EHV outages in line with DOC2 timelines, ensuring safe, coordinated, and cost-effective execution.
• Collaborate with Control Engineers, Protection Engineers, Planners, Designers, National Grid, customers, and other key stakeholders.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with both internal and external teams.

You have

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience, ideally progressing toward Chartered Engineer status.
• Solid understanding of electricity network design, operation, protection, and safety.
• Engineering experience within a distribution network, preferably involving EHV systems.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, industry codes, and engineering standards.
• Proficient in power system analysis tools (e.g. PSS/E, PowerFactory) with strong analytical and data presentation skills.

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

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 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.