Principal Engineer - Substations/ Electric Plant

SSEN Transmission; Perth; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Scotland is seeking a Principal Engineer in Substations/Electric Plant to support their innovative projects in the energy sector. In this role, you will define technical policy, oversee engineering activities, and ensure network safety and compliance. Ideal candidates will possess a degree in Electrical Engineering and extensive experience in substations up to 132kV.

Benefits

Private healthcare discounts

Wellbeing benefits

Interest-free loans for tech

Cycle to Work scheme

Generous family entitlements

Qualifications

• Experience in design and application of transmission voltage substations.
• Knowledge of GIS, AIS, HVDC systems.
• Expertise in authoring technical specifications.

Responsibilities

• Write and maintain technical specifications for substations.
• Review and approve test plans as Technical Authority.
• Provide consultancy services across the SSEN Transmission business.

Skills

Technical judgement

Design guidance

Standards knowledge

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Chartered Engineer status

Job description

Principal Engineer - Substations/ Electric Plant

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Principal Engineer - Substations/ Electric Plant

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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. Real Time Systems play a crucial role in this transformation by providing the control and operational data needed to manage our network.

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 – Substation Electrical Plant 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 substation electrical plant.

You will

• Write, maintain and own technical specifications and guidance notes for transmission voltage substations and all associated electrical primary plant (e.g. GIS/AIS switchgear, instrument transformers, surge arresters, MSCDNs, FACTS/HVDC interfaces, earthing systems, and auxiliary systems), ensuring they reflect current standards, lessons learned, and emerging technologies.
• As part of the Technical Authority, review and approve test plans, witness testing activities, and assess proposed suppliers and equipment to ensure fitness for use on the transmission network.
• Provide subject matter expert input to design reviews led by the Design Authority, ensuring all proposals are technically robust, compliant, and fit for purpose, while identifying and advising on any necessary changes to scope or design.
• 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 discipline, with Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartership with a recognised engineering institution.
• Extensive experience in the design, specification, and application of transmission voltage substations and associated electrical plant (e.g. GIS, AIS, FACTS, HVDC), ideally at 132kV and above.
• Strong technical judgement, with the ability to evaluate complex engineering issues and solutions, and a thorough understanding of the design, planning, operation, and development requirements of the transmission network.
• A deep knowledge of relevant national and international standards (e.g. National Grid, British, IEC), and proven experience in authoring technical specifications, design guidance, and work instructions.
• Practical experience in the manufacture, testing, installation, commissioning, or maintenance of high-voltage equipment, with a strong understanding of lifecycle considerations and asset performance.
  
  

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.

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.

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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Strategy/Planning, Science, and Engineering

• Industries

  Utilities, Oil and Gas, and Renewable Energy Semiconductor Manufacturing

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