Principal Engineer Building Services and Auxiliary Power

SSE; Inverness; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy provider is seeking a Principal Engineer for Building Services & Auxiliary Power. This role involves defining technical policy, influencing standards, and overseeing innovative projects within the transmission network. Candidates must have a degree in Electrical Engineering and chartered status, alongside significant experience in electrical services. The position is based in Inverness with a salary range of £58,100 to £87,100 plus bonus and benefits.

Benefits

Discounts on private healthcare

Free online GP

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Expert level experience in electrical services and auxiliary systems.
• Ability to assess technical solutions and standards.
• Experience in substation environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain technical specifications for Electrical services.
• Review and approve apparatus/equipment.
• Provide consultancy across the Transmission business.

Skills

Electrical Engineering expertise

Stakeholder management

Technical assessment

Data-led design validation

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Chartered Engineer status

Job description

Base Location

We're proud to offer a Flexible First approach to work, and this role is no exception. Your base "office" location must be one of our SSEN offices or depots around Scotland: Aberdeen, Inverness, Perth.

Salary

£58,100 to £87,100 + performance‑related bonus + car/car allowance + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances and wellbeing.

Working Pattern

Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available.

The Role

Network Engineering are part of the Asset Management and Operations Directorate. Their purpose is to ensure that engineering activities for all Transmission projects and business areas are safe, sound and supported. They carry out the Design and Technical Engineering Governance functions for the Transmission Business, ensuring that the design of the network and the equipment used operates safely, reliably and in compliance with the relevant legislation.

As part of our journey, we're looking for a Principal Engineer – Building Services & Auxiliary Power to join our team. You'll play a vital role in defining technical policy, influencing industry standards, driving project decision making and supporting the delivery of innovative, future‑ready projects across our transmission network.

Responsibilities

• Write, maintain and own technical specifications required for substation Electrical services and Auxiliary Systems and their interfaces to plant and equipment used on the Transmission network (e.g. LVAC/LVDC systems, Standby Generators, Automatic Voltage Regulators, EV charging, Smart Monitoring, Battery Systems, Building Services such as Fire Protection, Building Lightning Protection, Building and substation lighting, Substation Security, Innovative new technologies etc.) and review existing specifications and update them based on lessons learnt from projects and to include development of technology.
• As part of the Technical Authority review perform approval of apparatus/equipment, Inspection Test Plan, Inspection Test Record, witness tests to ensure that all technology and apparatus/equipment selected is adequately tested, proven and validated and write Technical Authority reports.
• Provide Subject Matter Expert input to design reviews carried out by the Design Authority, provide specialist input where required and verify project proposals are fit for purpose and identify any scope changes required.
• Provide technical consultancy services across the SSEN Transmission business, encouraging the development of staff and have a willingness to share your specialist expert knowledge.
• Represent SSEN Transmission at industry body events such as ENA, IEC or CIGRE working groups and attend conferences to support engineering development and feedback best practice to our business.

Qualifications

• A degree in Electrical Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline and Chartered Engineer status with a relevant institution or working towards chartered status.
• Demonstrable experience on an expert level in the design, specification, construction, operation and maintenance of Electrical Services and Auxiliary Systems in a data centre, substation or industrial background.
• The ability to technically assess issues and/or problems and critically assess a range of technical solutions and adetailed knowledge and understanding of a range of National and International Standards including National Grid, Energy Network Association, British and European specification/standards.
• Experience in the management of various stakeholders, e.g. engineering, asset management, contractors, etc.
• Experience in manufacturing or testing and commissioning of transmission voltage substation Electrical Services and Auxiliary Systems in substations would also be advantageous.
• Demonstrable experience in development of a data‑led approach to design validation and specification compliance of transmission substation specific building requirements. Be comfortable to technically assess issues and critically assess a range of proposed technical solutions.

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 Transmission own and operate the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport energy from where it is generated to where it is needed, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for the communities we serve. But that's not all – we're upgrading the grid to deliver cleaner, homegrown energy for the future and building a network for net zero to create secure power for generations to come.

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 Andy on [e-mail] / 01738 275370 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.