Principal Engineer: Protection, Automation & Control

SSE; Inverness; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in the UK is seeking a Principal Engineer in Protection, Automation & Control to join their Network Engineering team. This pivotal role involves defining technical policy, leading development on high-voltage transmission projects, and ensuring compliance with standards. Applicants should possess a degree in Electrical Engineering, chartered status, and significant experience in transmission systems. Competitive salary between £58,100 - £87,100 plus benefits including bonus, healthcare discounts, and family entitlements.

Benefits

Healthcare discounts

Gym memberships

Interest-free loans for tech

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer or working towards chartered status.
• Experience in development, design and specification of transmission-level systems.
• Knowledge of Protection & Control related International Standards.

Responsibilities

• Write and maintain technical specifications for protection designs.
• Ensure all equipment is safe and validated for use.
• Verify project proposals for adequate network protection.
• Represent the company at industry events.
• Provide technical consultancy to encourage staff development.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Technical communication

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

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 + 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 part of our journey, we're looking for a Principal Engineer – Protection, Automation & Control (PAC) 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 PAC.

You will

• Write, review and maintain technical specifications required for all protection and control designs and equipment used on the SSEN Transmission network. Updates will be based upon stakeholder engagement and technology advancement where you will use your excellent communication skills to technically and economically justify the changes made.
• As a Technical Authority and working in conjunction with the Protection & Control Technical Assurance engineer, ensure that all IED types are safe, adequately tested, configured and validated prior to approval for use on the network.
• Assist the Design Authority to verify project proposals are fit for purpose and identify any scope changes required to ensure the network is adequately protected in accordance with legislation, Grid Code and specifications.
• Represent SSEN Transmission at industry body events, standardisation working groups and subject‑matter conferences to identify technology or opportunities for innovation.
• Provide technical consultancy services across the SSEN Transmission business, encouraging the development of staff and have a willingness to share your specialist expert knowledge.

You have

• A degree in Electrical Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline and you should be a Chartered Engineer with a relevant institution or working towards chartered status.
• Demonstrable experience in development, design and specification of transmission‑level protection and control systems, preferably including the use of IEC61850. Be comfortable to technically assess issues and critically assess a range of proposed technical solutions.
• Knowledge and understanding of a range of Protection & Control related International Standards and an understanding of the technical requirements for design, planning, operation and development of the transmission network. Knowledge of relevant legislation would be beneficial.
• Excellent communication skills allowing you to communicate at all levels on a range of technical subjects. This includes the ability to form structured and reasoned justification in your guidance and support to others, along with the ability to write clear and well‑structured technical reports and specifications.
• The ability to prioritise your workload in an organised and methodical manner in order to meet targets and deadlines.

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're investing around £10 million a day in home‑grown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future. SSEN Transmission owns and operates 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, home‑grown 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.

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