Hydro Schedule and Dispatch Engineer

Base Location: 24/7 Hydro Operations Centre, Perth

Salary: £61,620 - £72,592 + performance-related bonus + shift allowance + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | 

The role

Are you passionate about hydro generation and real-time power system operations? Join SSE’s Hydro Operations Centre in Perth, where you’ll play a critical role in safely operating and optimising one of the UK’s most important renewable energy fleets.

As a Hydro Schedule & Dispatch Engineer, you’ll be at the heart of real-time decision-making, balancing commercial value, system security, and environmental responsibility. From managing generation output to responding to rapidly changing network and weather conditions, your work will directly support the reliability of the electricity system and SSE’s net-zero ambitions.

You will

• Operate and optimise the Hydro Generation fleet to maximise value while minimising operational and commercial risk.
• Develop and deliver strategic operating schedules for hydro power stations, balancing market signals, plant capability, and water resource constraints.
• Act as SSE’s control point for all operational interactions with National Grid, ensuring full compliance with the Grid Code.
• Dispatch generation in real time, responding to events such as weather changes, plant faults, outages, and network reconfigurations.
• Protect what matters most — ensuring all decisions uphold SSE’s PEAR principles: People, Environment, Assets, and Reputation.
• Work from a 24/7 operational control environment, collaborating with engineers, asset managers, and external stakeholders to maintain safe and reliable operations.

You have

You’ll bring both technical capability and sound operational judgement, thriving in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment.

• A minimum HNC (or equivalent) in an engineering or science discipline, with relevant operational or power systems experience.
• Experience with generating plant and/or high-voltage systems, ideally in an operational or control-room setting.
• A working understanding of the energy market and the Balancing Mechanism.
• Strong attention to detail, self-motivation, and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• A genuine interest in hydro generation, with an understanding of hydro schemes and power station characteristics.

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 contact Andrew.Duncan2@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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