OT Security Engineer - (HVDC/FACTS)

SSE PLC; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Performance-related bonus

Private healthcare

Gym memberships

Online GP

Counselling service

Cycle to Work scheme

Maternity and adoption pay

Paternity leave

Job summary

SSE is seeking a skilled HVDC cybersecurity specialist to support design, delivery and operation across HVDC systems. The role involves working with project teams, vendors and operators to ensure cybersecurity requirements are understood, embedded and maintained from design through live service.

The candidate should be comfortable with site visits, travel across Caithness, Aberdeenshire and Shetland, and occasional European travel, with 50% office presence in Inverness or Aberdeen.

Qualifications

• Understanding of HVDC control systems.
• Understanding HVDC operating environments.
• Knowledge of OT/ICS cybersecurity regulations, standards and control frameworks such as NIS, IEC 62443, NIST CSF or NCSC CAF.
• Experience working with technical stakeholders, vendors or service providers in an engineering or operational environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly, challenge constructively and work collaboratively across project and operational teams.
• Hold a full clean driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Apply SSEN Transmission OT and HVDC cybersecurity requirements across projects, including reviewing vendor design deliverables and supporting procurement activities.
• Participate in security assurance, testing, and commissioning activities, such as vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, ensuring security requirements are validated before commissioning.
• Attend cyber service meetings, support site security audits, review vulnerability reports, and participate in change management and outage planning for HVDC assets.
• Manage HVDC cyber risks through IT/OT risk processes, addressing changes and emerging vulnerabilities, and assist during maintenance and outages to meet cybersecurity standards.
• Contribute to HVDC service management strategies, define cybersecurity service expectations, oversee service delivery with vendors, and support service review and renewal activities.

Skills

HVDC control systems

HVDC operating environments

OT/ICS cybersecurity regulations

Stakeholders & vendors collaboration

Clear communication

Full driving licence

Job description

Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from either our Inverness or Aberdeen office with 50% office expectation required. The role will involve regular site visits to locations across Caithness, Aberdeenshire and Shetland, and candidates should be comfortable with travel to support project and operational activities. There may also be some European travel as required.

Salary: £51,600 - £77,400 + car allowance + performance-related bonus and a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

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

The role

This role supports the secure design, delivery and operation of HVDC systems across SSEN Transmission. You'll work closely with project teams, vendors and operational colleagues to ensure cybersecurity requirements are understood, embedded and maintained across the HVDC lifecycle - from early project design through to live service and ongoing operations.

Depending on experience, this role can suit someone who is already confident operating independently, or someone looking to develop their capability with support from senior engineers.

You will

• Apply SSEN Transmission OT and HVDC cybersecurity requirements across projects, including reviewing and challenging vendor design deliverables and supporting procurement activities.
• Participate in security assurance, testing, and commissioning activities, such as vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, ensuring security requirements are validated before commissioning.
• Attend cyber service meetings, support site security audits, review vulnerability reports, and participate in change management and outage planning for HVDC assets.
• Manage HVDC cyber risks through IT/OT risk processes, addressing changes and emerging vulnerabilities, and assist during maintenance and outages to meet cybersecurity standards.
• Contribute to HVDC service management strategies, define cybersecurity service expectations, oversee service delivery with vendors, and support service review and renewal activities.

You have

• An understanding of HVDC control systems.
• An understanding of HVDC operational environments.
• Knowledge of OT / ICS cybersecurity regulations, standards and control frameworks, such as NIS, IEC 62443, NIST CSF or NCSC CAF.
• Experience working with technical stakeholders, vendors or service providers in an engineering or operational environment.
• The ability to communicate clearly, challenge constructively and work collaboratively across project and operational teams.
• A full clean driving licence as this role will require visits to a variety of remote locations.

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 plansees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.

Our IT division powers growth across all SSE business areas by making sure we have the systems, software and security needed to take the lead in a low carbon world. They provide expertise, advice and day-to-day support in emerging technologies, data and analytics, cyber security and more.

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 275 846 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.

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