Hydro Operational Engineer

Base Location:  You'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of the following locations - Contin / Perth / Sloy.

Salary: SSE09 £61,620–£72,592 depending on skills and experience + annual bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent Full Time Flexible First options available

The role

The Operational Planning Engineer plays a key role in optimising hydro plant operation and production planning to maximise value from SSE’s hydro assets.

Working across Commercial Planning, Water Management, Hydro Operations Control (HOC) and Asset Management, the role translates system‑level constraints and opportunities into clear, robust production plans. It balances short‑term operational decision‑making with longer‑term planning and continuous improvement, ensuring safe, compliant and efficient operation of the hydro fleet.

This role offers a strong development opportunity for engineers looking to broaden from operational delivery into system‑level planning, optimisation and commercial decision‑making, while remaining closely connected to live operations

Some of your other main accountabilities will include;

• Developing and continuously improving operational procedures, guidance and planning approaches.
• Leading and influencing optimisation of hydro operating parameters, addressing performance degradation and improving production‑based availability.
• Supporting prioritisation and planning of defects, significant or high‑risk outages, with a focus on water management, compliance and value, ensuring stakeholders are aligned and impacts understood.
• Contributing to weekly and monthly production planning, working closely with Hydro Operations Control and Water Management to manage constraints and injected works.
• Leading annual and in‑year production reforecasting, presenting clear Production Plans to the wider business.

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

• A degree in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent experience in an operational or maintenance role within a hydro or energy environment, including an authorisation under a safe system of work. 
• Experience in operational planning, optimisation or performance improvement within hydro or comparable complex systems.
• Strong technical judgement, with the ability to challenge established practices and present evidence‑based recommendations.
• An understanding of operational and asset risk within strong safety, regulatory and environmental frameworks
• A full and current UK driving licence

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 Renewables delivers the green energy the world needs today and tomorrow. We lead the way in the development, build, and operation of renewable power assets, including windfarms, hydro power stations, and solar and battery projects. Join a global team of 1,800 energy experts powering the transition to a net zero future.

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 pamela.hendry@sse.com 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.

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