Principal Engineer - FACTS

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

Job summary

Join SSE PLC's Network Engineering team as a Principal Engineer - FACTS, where you'll lead technical policy and influence industry standards. Your expertise in FACTS and high voltage transmission will drive the UK's transition to cleaner energy solutions. This permanent, full-time role based in Scotland offers a competitive salary and extensive benefits.

Benefits

Private healthcare discounts

Free online GP service

Interest-free loans

Maternity and adoption pay

Paternity leave

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience with FACTS devices at transmission voltages.
• Ability to assess technical solutions for issues.
• In-depth understanding of technical requirements for FACTS design.

Responsibilities

• Write and maintain technical specifications for FACTS devices.
• Review test plans to ensure proper testing of technology.
• Provide consultancy services across the SSEN Transmission business.

Skills

Technical specification writing

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Problem assessment

Knowledge of National Grid Standards

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Chartered Engineer status or working towards

Job description

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

Salary: £58,100 - £87,100 + 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 are building a network for Net Zero that's smarter, more flexible, and equipped to support the future of energy, one that delivers clean, secure, and affordable electricity for generations to come. Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) play a crucial role in this transformation by enabling greater control, stability, and efficiency across our high voltage infrastructure.

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 - FACTS to join our specialist Network Engineering team. You'll play a vital role in defining technical policy, influencing industry standards, and supporting the delivery of innovative, future-ready projects across our high-voltage transmission network related to HVDC and FACTS.

You will

- Write, maintain and own technical specifications and guidance notes required for one or more FACTS devices (STATCOM, SYNCOM, SVC, SSSC, UPFC) or HVDC technology used on the Transmission network. Updates will be based upon stakeholder engagement and technology advancement where you will use your excellent communication skills to justify the changes technically and economically.

- As part of the Technical Authority, review test plans and witness tests to ensure that all FACTS technology and equipment selected is adequately tested, proven and validated and review proposed suppliers to confirm their suitability to be approved for use on the transmission network.

- 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.

You have

- 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, control & operation and maintenance of one or more FACTS devices at transmission voltages.

- The ability and experience to technically assess issues and/or problems and critically assess a range of technical solutions and an in depth understanding of the technical requirements for design, planning, control, operation and development of FACTS devices.

- A detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of National Grid, British and European Standards, UK grid code and SQSS alongside the capability and experience in writing technical specifications, guidance notes and work instructions for FACTS.

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.

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 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.