Principal Engineer - FACTS

SSEN Transmission; Aberdeen City; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare discounts

Gym memberships discounts

Online GP and 24/7 counselling

Cycle to Work scheme

Maternity and adoption pay

Job summary

SSEN Transmission is seeking a Principal Engineer – FACTS to shape HVDC/FACTS technologies across the UK grid, defining standards and guiding designs from concept to commissioning. You will own specifications for STATCOM, SYNCOM, SVC, SSSC, and UPFC; assess suppliers; mentor colleagues; and represent SSEN Transmission at ENA, IEC and CIGRE platforms to bring back best practice for our network.

Flexible First, base location Scotland, salary £59,800–£89,800 with car/car allowance, performance

Qualifications

• Requires degree in Electrical Engineering (MSc/PhD desirable).
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards it.
• Hands-on experience with FACTS & HVDC in transmission environments.
• Deep knowledge of FACTS topics: design, control, protection, maintenance, test/commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve HVDC/FACTS specifications (STATCOM, SYNCOM, SVC, SSSC, UPFC).
• Review supplier test plans and witness acceptance tests.
• Evaluate new suppliers/technologies for safety, reliability and compliance.
• Provide SME input across design lifecycle and mentor engineers.

Skills

HVDC engineering

FACTS systems design

Control & protection

Technical specification writing

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

MSc or PhD desirable

Job description

Base Location: Flexible Scotland | We're proud to offer a Flexible First approach to work, and this role is no exception. We will, however, need your base 'home' location to be one of our SSEN offices or depots around Scotland, Perth, Aberdeen or Inverness

Salary: £59,800 - £89,800 + car /car allowance + 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

At SSEN Transmission, we’re leading one of the most ambitious energy‑infrastructure transformations in the UK. As we make the journey toward Net Zero, our high‑voltage network must become smarter, stronger and more dynamic than ever before. Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) and advanced HVDC solutions are central to achieving this.

As our new Principal Engineer – FACTS, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping how these cutting‑edge technologies are designed, specified, tested and integrated across the UK transmission system. This is an opportunity to influence national engineering policy, set standards that define the future of the grid, and directly support some of the most complex and innovative energy projects in the country.

You will

• Own and evolve SSEN Transmission’s technical specifications for HVDC and FACTS devices (including STATCOM, SYNCOM, SVC, SSSC, and UPFC), leveraging stakeholder feedback and emerging technology insights to ensure industry-leading standards.
• Review and validate supplier test plans; witness complex acceptance tests and ensure all technology is fully proven before deployment.
• Evaluate new suppliers and technologies, approving only those capable of delivering safe, reliable and compliant solutions.
• Provide specialist input throughout the design lifecycle, from concept through detailed review, ensuring proposals are technically sound and future‑proof.
• Challenge assumptions, refine scopes and help project teams navigate the nuances of FACTS and HVDC engineering.
• Act as a subject matter expert across the organisation, mentoring and developing engineering colleagues and strengthening our overall technical capability.

This role will also involve representing SSEN Transmission on influential national and international platforms (ENA, IEC, CIGRE), bringing back best practice that shapes our direction.

You have

• A degree in Electrical Engineering (or similar); a MSc or PhD is desirable but not essential
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it)
• Hands‑on experience with FACTS & HVDC technologies in transmission environments and solid demonstratable experience of FACTS & HVDC related works.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of at least two or more of the following FACTS & HVDC topics:
• FACTS system & plant design, equipment specs and requirements
• Control & Protection systems
• MMC Valves or Synchronous Compensator Generator (SYNCOM)
• Operational and maintenance experience with a proven track record
• Test and commissioning
• Strong capability in assessing technical issues, validating solutions, and writing clear, effective technical specifications with a solid understanding of National Grid, British and European Standards, the UK Grid Code, SQSS and related electrical power quality standards

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.