System Planning & Design Engineer

SSE PLC; Slough, Reading; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Performance bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

SSE Thermal is seeking a Planning & Design Engineer to support the portfolio of new connection, network reinforcement and asset replacement projects. You will contribute to system planning, asset management and ensure compliance with EHV/HV/LV standards.

Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders across project lifecycles, you will help maintain network health indices while supporting governance processes. A degree in Electrical Engineering and relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in planning and designing electrical networks at 11kV/33kV and larger at 132kV.
• Understanding of DNO regulatory standards and the Distribution Code.
• Experience with national safety legislation and project lifecycles.
• Ability to model networks and communicate findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Support the network team in planning and design of existing networks and new assets.
• Contribute to asset management and investment programs to improve health index and safety.
• Ensure distribution standards for EHV/HV/LV are adhered to and updated as needed.
• Oversee design and specification of new connection projects and reinforcements.
• Engage with stakeholders and support governance processes across planning and design.

Skills

Power systems analysis

Spreadsheet skills

Stakeholder management

Safety compliance

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

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;

• Experience in the planning and design of new electrical network assets and substations at 11kV and 33kV, as well as larger, more complex schemes at 132kV, supported by a strong understanding of EHV, HV and LV distribution networks.
• 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.
• Experience working with national safety legislation and company safety rules, alongside an understanding of large connection project lifecycles and associated stakeholder management.
• Strong spreadsheet and power systems analysis skills to model networks, interpret results and communicate findings clearly.

About SSE

SSE's purpose is to be restless every day until we make electricity clean, affordable and available for all.

We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. This includes electricity transmission and distribution networks, onshore and offshore wind farms, hydro-electric power and flexible thermal generation. We also provide products and services for businesses and other customers.

Our investment plan will see SSE invest £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure to 2030.

SSE Thermal

help keep electricity available 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 flexible power supports a cleaner electricity system.

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.