Power System Evolution Engineer

SONI; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SONI in Belfast is seeking a Power System Evolution Engineer to support the joint SONI/EirGrid roadmap towards 100% renewable electricity by 2035. You will perform dynamic stability modelling and assess system strength, reserve and ramping needs to forecast capabilities up to ten years ahead, enabling renewable integration and interconnection.

The role requires a degree in engineering with at least 3 years’ experience, strong technical knowledge of generation and demand, and proficiency in

Qualifications

• University degree in engineering, or other relevant equivalent degree, with a minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience.
• Technical knowledge of generation, demand and enabling technologies connecting to power systems.
• Experience in power system analysis with modelling tools such as PLEXOS, PSSE, PowerFactory, DSA tools, MATLAB.
• Analytical tools such as Python, R, and Excel for large data sets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain complex information clearly.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.
• Advanced level Excel skills for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of the Operational Policy Roadmap.
• Dynamic modelling of the NI and all-island power system.
• Forecast reserves and ramping up to 10 years ahead.
• Deliver national statutory and EU-mandated assessments.
• Review reserves/ramping System Services products and methodologies.
• Collaborate with EirGrid to align All-Island System Services.
• Develop internal capability and expertise in System Services.
• Document inputs, analyses and outputs aligning with the roadmap.

Skills

Power system analysis

Python

Excel

Data analysis

Strong communication

Teamwork

Analytical thinking

Power system modelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

PLEXOS

PSSE

PowerFactory

MATLAB

DSA tools

Excel (Advanced)

Job description

Be part of the change. We are transforming the power system for future generations.

We aim to attract and develop outstanding talent. Join us to play a part in the future of energy in Northern Ireland.

Power System Evolution Engineer (S202650)

12 Manse Rd, BT6 9RT, Belfast, County Antrim, United Kingdom

Role Title: Power System Evolution Engineer

Reports to: Power System Evolution Manager, Future Power Systems

Location: Belfast (2 Days Remote, 3 Days in Office)

Who We Are

SONI is Northern Ireland’s Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Ireland’s electricity grid. We make sure that every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm has power - when and where they need it.

And that’s just the beginning of our story. We have a critical role to play in delivering a cleaner, cheaper more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.

Our focus is on safety, security and reliability. Our work environment is challenging, fast-moving, collaborative and team orientated. Our culture is driven by continual development, knowledge and teamwork.

Our people are committed to reducing Northern Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels and transforming the energy system to make decarbonisation a reality – while providing a safe and reliable electricity supply in a way that secures the future for those who follow us.

The work you will deliver with us here at SONI matters. Join a great and supportive team and be part of the transformation.

The Role

The Power System Evolution Engineer will support the all-island and Northern Ireland aspects of the joint SONI and EirGrid Operational Policy Roadmap to achieve 100% renewable electricity at any point in time by 2035.

The successful candidate will undertake technical modelling and analysis, with a particular focus on dynamic stability, system strength and assessment of reserve and ramping requirements. This will help operational needs and capabilities are forecasted for up to 10 years out – a critical enabler of renewable integration and interconnection.

Key Responsibilities

• Support delivery of the Operational Policy Roadmap.
• Dynamic modelling of the Northern Ireland and all-island power system.
• Modelling and forecasting of reserve & ramping requirements and capabilities up to 10 years out.
• Delivering national statutory and EU-mandated assessments.
• Conduct continuous review of reserves and ramping System Services products including definitions, methodologies, reviews of applicable technology and volumes.
• Working collaboratively with EirGrid to ensure that jurisdictional considerations are factored into All-Island System Services.
• Support development of internal capability and expertise in System Services.
• Supporting the Power System Evolution manager to ensure the technical inputs, analysis and outputs are clearly documented and aligned with the Operational Policy roadmap.

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:

• University degree in engineering, or other relevant equivalent degree, with a minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience.
• Technical knowledge of generation, demand and enabling and emerging technologies connecting to the power system
• Experience inpower systemanalysiswith power systemmodelling skills in software such as PLEXOS, PSSE,PowerFactory,DSA tools,Matlab,or similar.
• Expertise in using analytical tools such as Python, R, and Excel for large data sets
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and concisely
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Advanced level Excel skills for data analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable:

• Proven understanding/good technical knowledge of the All Island power system.
• Proficiency in Python coding.
• Understanding of National and European policy and operational modelling
• Knowledge of alternative power system modelling and analysis techniques.
• Proficiencyin project management as part of a team.

Why join us?

• Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.
• Enjoy a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover, and pension matching.
• Benefit from flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options (3 days office / 2 days home).
• Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave and wellbeing days.
• Access salary sacrifice schemes (such as cycle to work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch.
• Access professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways.
• We offer an inclusive culture that values diversity, supports flexible working and empowers you to grow. We know flexible working means different things to different people. Contact us if you’d like to talk about how this role could work for you.

Closing date for applications is 28 August 2026. SONI reserves the right to extend this deadline where necessary to maximise the applicant pool.

SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone can thrive. As a STEM organisation, we are continuing to strengthen gender diversity across our engineering and technology roles and welcome applications from women who want to build and apply their expertise to Northern Ireland’s energy system.

We have a duty to prevent illegal working and applicants must demonstrate they have a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.

SONI Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion or political beliefs.