System Planning & Design Engineer

SSE plc; Reading; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Gym discounts

Cycle to Work scheme

Wellbeing support

Family entitlements

Job summary

SSE Thermal owns and operates private electrical power networks in the UK and is expanding its planning and design team in Reading and Slough. The role focuses on new connections, reinforcements and asset replacement projects with seniority in power systems.

You will contribute to project delivery across planning, design, and stakeholder engagement while ensuring regulatory compliance and safety standards as part of SSE’s energy transition strategy.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering with solid experience in power system planning and design.
• Knowledge of Distribution Network Operator standards and the Distribution Code.
• Experience with safety legislation and large connection project lifecycles.
• Strong knowledge of electrical power systems (EHV, HV, LV).
• High proficiency with spreadsheets and power system modeling software.

Responsibilities

• Support the network team with system planning and design for existing networks and new assets.
• Contribute to asset management and investment programs to improve health index and safety.
• Ensure standards for EHV/HV/LV networks are maintained and developed.
• Oversee design and specification of new connection projects and reinforcements.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders and support governance processes.

Skills

Power systems analysis

Spreadsheet proficiency

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory standards knowledge

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

Power system analysis software

Job description

Base Location: You'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in our Slough or Reading offices.

Salary: SS09 £64,085 - £76,581 depending on skills and experience + car /car allowance + performance-related bonus and additional allowances + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

The role

SSE Thermal owns and operates private electrical power networks in the UK comprising of a number of BSP, primary and secondary substations including 132kV, 33kV, 11kV and LV assets. Due to our sustained growth and future development pipeline, we are looking to grow our planning & design team to support our portfolio of new connection, network reinforcement and asset replacement projects.

Some of your main accountabilities will include;

• Supporting the network team across system planning and design around activities for existing networks, development plans, and new network assets as required.


• Contributing to the asset management and investment program to improve the heath index, network safety and delivery the growth strategy for the network.


• Ensuring that electrical power distribution standards and specifications for EHV, HV and LV networks are adhered to, maintained and developed accordingly so that the network remains fully complaint with the technical and regulatory requirements.


• Overseeing the design and specification of new connection projects, diversions, network alternations, reinforcements and capital replacement projects, whilst actively engaging with the project teams throughout the construction and project delivery phases.


• Engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders, supporting robust corporate governance processes across network planning and design activities.

To be successful in this role, we would love you to have;

• A minimum of a degree level qualification (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, with solid experience in power system planning and design of electrical networks.


• Knowledge of electrical power industry regulatory standards for Distribution Network Operators (DNO) and the Distribution Code, accompanied with an understanding of network and engineering policy documents, practice and standards.


• A background encompassing working with national and company safety legislation and rules, as well as large connection project lifecycles and associated stakeholder management.


• Demonstrable knowledge of electrical power systems, including the planning, design, operation and development of EHV, HV and LV distribution networks and associated assets.


• A high level of confidence in the use of spreadsheets, as well as experience using power systems analysis software to model electrical networks, analyse results and present findings clearly.

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 plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.

SSE Thermal keep the lights on for millions of people while pioneering low-carbon technologies. From ground-breaking carbon capture and storage projects to plans for what might be the world's first hydrogen-fired power station, we're transforming how we generate energy.

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 Pamela Hendry on [e-mail] or 01738 342002 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.