Transmission Lead Control Engineer

SSE PLC; Perth; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare discounts

Gym membership discounts

Cycle to Work scheme

Maternity/adoption pay

Paternity leave

Job summary

SSE PLC in Perth is seeking a Transmission Lead Control Engineer to operate the GB transmission network in real time from SSEN Transmission’s Control Centre. You will provide senior operational expertise to safeguard public safety, maintain network security and support rapid restoration during major incidents.

You will lead real-time decisions under pressure, coordinate outages and engage with NESO and external partners, while mentoring junior engineers to uphold safety and continuous

Qualifications

• HNC or degree in electrical engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in electrical power system operation, preferably in a control room.
• Strong knowledge of transmission systems, network security and outage delivery.
• Ability to analyse complex technical information and make real-time decisions under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior real-time operational leadership for GB transmission network (132kV–HVDC).
• Assess system conditions, manage operational risk and fault response.
• Coordinate outage switching, commissioning activities and safety documentation.
• Engage with NESO and stakeholders to maintain network security and support outage delivery.
• Mentor Control Engineers to promote safe working and continuous improvement.

Skills

Operational leadership

Real-time decision making

Electrical engineering knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring/coaching

Education

HNC or degree in electrical engineering

Job description

Base Location: Transmission Control Centre - Perth

Salary: £71,869 - £85,880 + shift allowance + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time

The role

This is a key frontline role within SSEN Transmission's Network Control team, responsible for operating critical national infrastructure in real time. As a Transmission Lead Control Engineer, you will provide senior operational expertise within the Transmission Control Centre, making timely decisions that safeguard public safety, maintain network security, support the restoration of supplies during major incidents and help enable Scotland's transition to Net Zero through a cleaner, more resilient electricity system.

You will

• Provide senior real-time operational leadership for the GB transmission network, including 132kV, 275kV, 400kV and HVDC assets.
• Assess system conditions, manage operational risk, and make timely decisions during faults, abnormal events and severe weather.
• Coordinate outage switching, commissioning activities, system safety requirements and accurate safety document management.
• Engage effectively with NESO, operational teams and external stakeholders to maintain network security and support delivery of the transmission outage plan.
• Mentor and support Control Engineers, promoting safe working, operational excellence and continuous improvement within the Control Centre.

You have:

• An HNC, degree or equivalent experience in electrical engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Relevant experience in electrical power system operation, ideally within a control room, transmission, distribution or operational engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of electricity transmission systems, network security, system restoration, operational risk management and safe switching or outage delivery.
• Ability to analyse complex technical information and make sound real-time operational decisions in high‑pressure environments.

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with a proactive approach to sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues and achieving positive outcomes

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.

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.