Principal Engineer - Cables

SSE plc; Inverness; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in Scotland is seeking an HVDC Cables Principal Engineer for technical governance on HVDC projects. The role involves writing specifications, reviewing test plans, and providing expert advice on cable projects. Applicants should have a degree in Electrical Engineering, Chartered status, and significant HVDC experience. This position offers a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Discounts on private healthcare

Wellbeing benefits

Interest-free loans for transport

Generous family entitlements

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience with HVDC cable design, specification, testing, and installation.
• In-depth knowledge of National Grid and European cable standards.
• Experience in manufacturing of HVDC cables is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical specifications for HVDC cables on the Transmission network.
• Review test plans and assess suppliers for transmission network use.
• Provide expert input to design reviews and identify scope changes.
• Represent the company at industry events.

Skills

Expertise in HVDC cable design

Technical specification writing

Knowledge of cable standards

Chartered Engineer status

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Overview

Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations - Glasgow, Perth, Inverness or Aberdeen

Salary: £58,100 - £95,810 + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent Full Time Flexible First options available

The Role

SSEN Transmission has an opportunity for an HVDC Cables Principal Engineer to join our Network Engineering team to support the technical governance of our growing number of HVDC projects. The Network Engineering team, part of the Asset Management and Operations Directorate, oversees design and technical engineering governance for the Transmission business. They ensure proper engineering guidance and specifications for all Transmission projects, ensuring safe, reliable operations in compliance with relevant legislation.

Responsibilities

• Write, maintain, and manage technical specifications and guidance for all HVDC cables on the Transmission network, including updates based on project lessons and technological advancements.
• As part of the Technical Authority, review test plans to ensure equipment is properly tested and validated, and assess suppliers and factories for approval for use on the transmission network.
• Provide Subject Matter Expert input to design reviews, offer specialist advice, verify project proposals, and identify necessary scope changes.
• Provide technical guidance and advice to the Transmission business for new HVDC cables, cable replacements and cable repair.
• Represent SSEN Transmission at industry body events such as Energy Networks Association (ENA), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) or International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) working groups and conferences.

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, testing and installation of HVDC cables.
• Expertise in assessing HVDC cable issues, with a deep understanding of design, installation, operation, maintenance, and testing requirements.
• In-depth knowledge of National Grid, British, and European cable standards, with experience writing technical specifications, guidance, and work instructions for HVDC cables and installation (land/subsea).
• Experience in manufacturing of HVDC cables would also be advantageous.

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 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.

Benefits

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.

Equal Opportunities

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact Andy 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.