Principal Engineer - Substations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare discounts

Wellbeing benefits (GP, counselling)

Cycle to Work scheme

Family entitlements

Job summary

SSE's SSEN Transmission is seeking a Principal Engineer - Substations to shape technical policy and drive design excellence across our high‑voltage network. You will own specifications, mentor peers and represent SSEN at industry groups to ensure safe, compliant substations and future-ready solutions.

The role requires a degree in Electrical Engineering (Chartered status preferred) and extensive experience in transmission substations design, with strong knowledge of national and European

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering with Chartered Engineer status or progress towards it.
• Strong experience in design, specification and application of transmission voltage substations.
• Ability to assess technical challenges and evaluate a range of solutions for the transmission network.
• Familiarity with SSE Transmission, National Grid, and British/European Standards; experience writing specs or guidance.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain technical specifications and guidance notes for substation designs, including earthing.
• Improve specifications based on lessons learned and new technology.
• Collaborate with Civil, LV/MV, Cables and OHL, while aligning with asset management.
• Support Design Authority and act as Technical Authority for reviews and compliance.
• Represent SSEN Transmission at industry events and mentor peers.

Skills

Substation design

Technical evaluation

Standards familiarity

Technical writing

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Chartered Engineer status or progress

Job description

Base Location:

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

Salary:

£59,800 - £89,800 + 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 - one that's smarter, more flexible, and equipped to support the future of energy. Our mission is to deliver clean, reliable investment in the network that provides long-lasting benefits for generations to come.

Our Network Engineering team sits within the Asset Management and Operations Directorate. We are responsible for ensuring that engineering activities across our Transmission projects and business areas are safe, technically sound and fully supported. We carry out Design and Technical Engineering Governance for the Transmission business, ensuring our network operates safely, reliably and in compliance with the relevant legislation.

As part of our journey, we are looking for a Principal Engineer - Substations to join our specialist team. This is a key role where you will help shape technical policy, influence industry standards, and support the delivery of innovative, future-ready projects across our high-voltage transmission network.

You will

• Own and maintain technical specifications and guidance notes for substation designs, including substation earthing systems.
• Continuously improve existing specifications based on lessons learned and emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines, including Civil, LV/MV systems, Cables and Overhead Lines, while working closely with asset management and operations teams.
• Support the Design Authority and act as part of the Technical Authority, providing expert input into substation design reviews to ensure compliance with technical specifications and suitability for the transmission network.
• Represent SSEN Transmission at industry events and working groups, share best practice, offer technical consultancy across the business and mentor peers to support team development.

You have

• A degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, with Chartered Engineer status or active progress towards it.
• Strong experience in the design, specification and application of transmission voltage substations.
• The ability to critically assess technical challenges and evaluate a range of solutions, with a solid understanding of the design, planning, operation and development requirements of the transmission network.
• Familiarity with SSE Transmission, National Grid, British and European Standards, and experience writing technical specifications, guidance notes or work instructions.
• Relevant exposure to the design, manufacturing, testing, installation or maintenance of transmission voltage plant and equipment, plus a passion for engineering excellence and helping shape the future of the UK's transmission network.

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.