Principal Engineer - HVDC Systems - Convertors and Control & Protection

SSE PLC; Aberdeen City; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare discounts

Gym membership discounts

Cycle to work scheme

Family leave benefits

Job summary

SSE is seeking a Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership across HVDC projects, setting direction for converters, protection equipment, and governance. The role involves shaping supplier strategy, driving innovation, and building capability within the engineering community.

Applications from those who may not meet all requirements are welcome for Senior Engineer consideration. The position offers Flexible First working options with base locations in Scotland, Perth, Glasgow, Aberdeen

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartered status.
• Expert level in design, specification, construction, control, operation, and maintenance of HVDC systems.
• Strong understanding of HVDC interfaces with AC networks and global standards.
• Ability to assess technical issues and develop viable solutions across HVDC projects.

Responsibilities

• Write and maintain HVDC specifications and guidance for converters and protection equipment.
• Provide technical guidance on HVDC network development, refurbishment, or fault investigations.
• Lead supplier engagement and evaluate new technologies for HVDC applications.
• As part of the HVDC Technical Authority, review tests and validate supplier qualifications for transmission use.
• Contribute SME input to design reviews and verify project scope and feasibility.

Skills

HVDC systems expertise

Electrical engineering knowledge

Technical governance

Supplier engagement

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Chartered Engineer status

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, Glasgow, 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

As a Principal Engineer, you'll provide technical leadership across multiple projects or portfolios, setting direction for HVDC Systems including converters and control & protection equipment, standards and long-term engineering decisions. The role is broader in scope and influence, with accountability for technical governance, risk and consistency, while also shaping supplier strategy, driving innovation, representing the business externally and building capability across the wider engineering community.

We'd also welcome applications from candidates who feel they may not meet all may not yet meet every requirement of the Principal Engineer position and would be happy to be considered for a Senior Engineer position.

You will

• Write, review existing, maintain, and own technical specifications and guidance notes required for all for all HVDC Converter and Control & Protection Equipment (i.e. HVDC systems, Converters, Valves, C&P MACH & DCSS) used on the Transmission network - Responsible for integrating with existing SSEN specifications for HVDC.
• Provide technical guidance and advice to the transmission business for HVDC network development, refurbishment, or fault investigations of failed plant.
• Participate and lead in supplier engagement and innovation projects for evaluation of new technologies for use in HVDC applications
• As part of the HVDC Technical Authority, review test plans and witness tests to ensure that HVDC technology and equipment selected is adequately tested, proven, 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.

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 HVDC Systems. Specifically, experience in the application and integration of HVDC in various environments.
• 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 development, design, planning, control, integration, and operation of HVDC Systems.
• Significant understanding of the interfaces between AC Network design and integration of HVDC Systems.
• 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 all HVDC aspects.

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 plansees 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.