Senior Engineer - Fixed Term Contract (Operations)

SONI Ltd; Belfast; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy infrastructure company in Belfast is seeking a Senior Engineer for a fixed-term contract in Operations. The successful candidate will oversee power system operations, requiring an engineering degree and a minimum of four years' experience. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits, alongside hybrid working arrangements to ensure a balanced work-life experience. The closing date for applications is 07 November 2025.

Benefits

Private medical provision

Competitive pension

Salary sacrifice schemes

Flexible start and finish times

Complimentary car parking with charging point

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years post-qualification experience in power system operations.
• Ability to guide and influence through communication.
• Demonstrated flexible working approach with prioritisation skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute core activities of SONI as Transmission System Operator.
• Keep the lights on through planning and engineering analysis.
• Develop, test and incorporate operational systems and tools.

Skills

Engineering degree

Collaboration with stakeholders

Communication and diplomacy

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Innovative proposals development

Data analysis

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Job description

Role Title: Senior Engineer – Fixed Term Contract (Operations)
Reports to: Head of System Operations
Location: Belfast (Hybrid)
Duration: 30 Month Fixed Term Contract

About us

SONI as Transmission System Operator (TSO) is responsible for the safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity – now and in the future. We have a pivotal role in the economy of Northern Ireland, supporting competition in energy, promoting economic growth, facilitating renewable energy and providing essential services. The transmission grid brings power from where it is generated to where it is needed to supply industries and businesses that use large amounts of electricity. The grid also powers the distribution network, which supplies electricity for everyday use in homes and businesses across the Island. As a TSO we operate closely with EirGrid & National Energy System Operator. We operate the Single Electricity Market (SEM) which is the wholesale electricity market on the Island of Ireland. We see ourselves at the forefront of innovations in the industry, transitioning towards a low‑carbon, technology enabled smart future.

The Team

The Operations Directorate is central to the delivery of our primary role – the operation, development and enhancement of the power system and the wholesale electricity market. SONI Operations is also responsible for the sustainable implementation of transmission system and market development to meet the future needs of all users of electricity. We have a variety of roles at levels matching your experience in topics ranging from system analysis to implementing and developing technical policies and procedures and specifications. We also have opportunities in challenging areas such as Control centre readiness as well as Grid and Network Code management, technical audits and compliance. These roles are initially fixed‑term contract basis to 2028, with a view to an enduring role.

System Operations Function

The System Operations Function executes the core activity of SONI as the Transmission System Operator (TSO) for Northern Ireland. Its primary function is to keep the lights on through meticulous planning and engineering analysis such as loadflow studies, in advance of and during real time operation. The team develops, tests and incorporates the operational systems, tools, system services, standards and operational policies required to operate the power system and to integrate new technologies and innovations in a coordinated and secure manner. The team liaises with the relevant stakeholders to manage planned and unplanned outages, voltage control, generator testing, scheduling and dispatch, risk management and responds to alarms and constraints to ensure the grid remains within operational security standards. It facilitates any reporting post‑event along with the associated process audits to demonstrate compliance with the relevant regulations. The team also leads the development of strategies and frameworks to ensure that resilience, business continuity, and emergency response plans are fit for purpose to guarantee Security of Supply to all end users of the electricity system.

Markets, System Support and Analysis Function

The Markets, System Support and Analysis Function facilitates the end‑to‑end operational life cycle of grid connections, from Commissioning, Testing and Registration, through performance monitoring and data feed analysis until decommissioning, while managing the associated Tariffs, Imperfections and Derogations processes. The team manages the Grid Code and Network codes and ensures Grid Code compliance for all new connections to the grid and for validating plant seeking to provide system services, including developing and executing test requirements as per the Operational Notification process. Testing in accordance with the Grid Code. The team carries out daily analysis of all aspects related to the performance of windfarms, solar farms, DSUs, batteries and conventional units to identify and address issues that affect system operation including signalling, failed dispatches, trips, frequency response and the provision of ancillary services in line with contracted values and the relevant Grid and Network Codes. The team aggregates, validates and publishes market‑related data pertinent to participant availability, dispatch instructions and meter data, providing assurance and quality control of same. In certain scenarios, the team will consider the capability of the units to comply with the standards set out in the Grid and Network Codes and may propose for a temporary derogation against them if the Regulatory Authorities deem appropriate. The team also executes techno‑economic modelling to evaluate and forecast the costs of operating the power system for revenue recovery. Following consultation with the Regulatory Authorities, this is translated into tariffs and use of system charges. Any imperfections arising from dispatch imbalances and system constraints are also analysed and reported on against the budgeted costs.

About you

Successful candidates will have the following:

• Engineering degree or equivalent, with a minimum of 4 years post‑qualification experience in power system operations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with customers and with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Be able to guide, persuade and influence others through developed skills of communication and diplomacy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team while also being able to define and guide his/her own work under minimal supervision.
• Excellent organisational skills and strong track record of delivery.
• Ability to develop and progress innovative proposals and solutions.
• Good oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts to a non‑technical audience.
• Strong work ethic, excellent organisation skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated flexible working approach with ability to prioritise a wide range of demands and activities whilst maintaining a professional and positive focus.
• Comfortable with large data sets, can see through the data and analyse it to find conclusions.

What You Will Get

This is an opportunity to lead and contribute to the advancement of a critical component of the energy infrastructure. The rewards package includes a competitive salary commensurate with experience, eligibility for an annual performance related payment, private medical provision, competitive pension with employer matching arrangements, a variety of salary sacrifice schemes (e.g. pension and cycle to work) together with hybrid working arrangements (3 days office: 2 days working at home), flexible start and finish times, competitive holidays and complimentary car parking with electric charging point on site. If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the electricity sector, we invite you to apply. We know flexible working means different things to different people. Contact us if you’d like to talk about how this role could work for you.

Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).

Closing date for application is 07 November 2025.

Equal Opportunities

SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We particularly welcome applications from women, who are currently underrepresented in our organisation. If you're passionate about shaping the future of energy, we’d love to hear from you.

SONI is an equal opportunities employer. SONI IS NOT providing sponsorship for this role.

Skills

• Senior Engineer
• System Operation
• Markets