Principle Engineer – Futures Years Operations & Planning

Base Location: Perth Transmission Control Centre 

Salary: £58,100 - £87,100 + car /car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family. 

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

The role 

We are hiring a Principal Engineer – Future Years Operations & Planning for the SSEN Transmission network, within the Transmission Control Centre and Network Access functions.  

You will support the network access and outage coordination of the SSEN Transmission network within future years timescales, from year ahead up to 8 years ahead, and to provide operational support within the Control Centre.  Working closely with the Engineering Manager – Future Years Operations and Planning, you will ensure the Future Years team delivers optimum performance while we plan, commission, and operate the transmission network.  

You will also work with the wider Transmission Business and the key industry stakeholders to increase the network’s access capability up to 24GW capacity by 2030, as we develop into the UK’s the second largest network company with an operational asset value of around £30bn. 

To meet the ongoing network growth, you will support the Business on the programming of longer-term project energization sequences, ensuring alignment with project programmes and outage plans, and whilst maintaining acceptable levels of network security and operability. 

 You will 

• Support delivery of the coordinated outage plan across timeframes, aligning project planning, design, construction and commissioning with safe network operation.  

• Work with NESO and key industry stakeholders to secure outages, maintain system security on the remaining network, and minimise disruption and Energy Not Supplied risk (ENS).  

• Provide technical support and operational guidance to the TCC and field staff, offering advice on new technologies such as HVDC and FACTS, whilst also delivering regulatory guidance and ensuring accurate, auditable reporting and submissions to support performance incentives. 

• Take accountability for system safety and integrity by prioritising holistic solutions and, influencing or adjusting programmes to protect business interests and the wider network. 

• Support the Control Centre on the skills, resources, training, and tools required to meet growing operational demand and network expansion. Support the Control Centre Managers to develop a proactive, highly skilled team that provides technical and logistical support. 

You have 

• Proven experience in a regulated energy (or similar) environment, operating at national level with a strong grasp of safety, performance and operational delivery.  

• In depth knowledge of statutory, regulatory and licence obligations, including the Transmission Licence, Grid Code, STC framework, and the wider GB transmission landscape.  

• Strong technical authority in power system engineering and operational safety, with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure and across complex scenarios.  

• Degree qualified in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent), Chartered Engineer or operating at that level, with recognised credibility in transmission system operation and planning.  

• A demonstrated ability to lead, coach and resource high performing teams, combined with excellent stakeholder engagement skills to influence at all levels and support Net Zero delivery.