Principal Engineer – AC Cables

The role 

SSEN Transmission has an opportunity for a Principal Engineer – HVAC Cables to act as a subject matter expert within our Network Engineering team. The role provides technical leadership and assurance for HVAC cable systems (and relevant interfaces) across their full lifecycle, developing and governing standards, assuring designs, and technically approving HVAC cable assets deployed across the Transmission business.  

Reporting to the Lead Principal Engineer – Cables, the role underpins delivery of a significant programme of transmission works, shaping innovative technical solutions and representing SSEN Transmission within key industry forums, technical bodies and conferences. 

You will 

• Write, maintain and technically own a comprehensive suite of specifications and guidance governing HV and EHV HVAC cable systems, exercising lifecycle accountability through critical review, assurance and continuous enhancement of standards, incorporating project delivery and operational feedback and with the advancement of emerging cable technologies in mind. 

• As part of the Technical Authority, review test plans to ensure that all technology and equipment selected is adequately tested, proven and validated, and review proposed suppliers and their factories to confirm their suitability to be approved for use on the Transmission network. 

• Provide subject matter expert input to design reviews carried out by the Design Authority, provide specialist input where required, verify project proposals are fit for purpose and identify any scope changes required. 

• Provide technical guidance and advice to the Transmission business for new HVAC cable systems and strategy for replacements and repair solutions.  

• Lead the identification, evaluation and adoption of emerging and innovative HVAC cable technologies.  

• Represent SSEN Transmission at industry body events such as ENA, IEC or CIGRE working groups and conferences. 

You have 

• A degree in Electrical Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline and Chartered Engineer status (or working towards chartered status) with a relevant institution. 

• Demonstrable experience in the design, specification and testing of transmission voltage HVAC cables. 

• The ability and experience to technically assess issues, problems and/or faults related to HVAC cables alongside an in depth understanding of the technical requirements for design, installation, operation and maintenance of HVAC cables as well as experience in HVAC cable testing. 

• A detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of National Grid, British and European Cable Standards alongside the capability and experience in writing technical specifications, guidance notes and work instructions for HVAC cables, cable laying and installation (land and/or subsea). 

• Direct experience in manufacturing of HVAC cables (land or subsea) and/or experience with subsea cable systems design, supply and installation would also be advantageous.