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Principal Engineer: Protection, Automation & Control

  • 554668
  • Closing at: Aug 5 2025 - 23:55 BST

Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations – Perth, Glasgow, Inverness or Aberdeen

Salary: £58,100 - £95,700 + 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

The Network Engineering team are part of the Asset Management and Operations Directorate and are the Design and Technical Engineering Governance function for the SSEN Transmission business. Our purpose is to ensure that suitable specifications and guidance are in place for all Transmission projects and business areas and to ensure that the design of the network and the equipment used ensures we operate safely, reliably and in compliance with the relevant legislation.

You will

- Write, review and maintain technical specifications required for all protection and control designs and equipment used on the SSEN Transmission network. Updates will be based upon stakeholder engagement and technology advancement where you will use your excellent communication skills to technically and economically justify the changes made.

- As a Technical Authority and working in conjunction with the Protection & Control Technical Assurance engineer, ensure that all IED types are safe, adequately tested, configured and validated prior to approval for use on the network.

- Assist the Design Authority to verify project proposals are fit for purpose and identify any scope changes required to ensure the network is adequately protected in accordance with legislation, Grid Code and specifications.

- Represent SSEN Transmission at industry body events, standardisation working groups and subject matter conferences to identify technology or opportunities for innovation.

- Provide technical consultancy services across the SSEN Transmission business, encouraging the development of staff and have a willingness to share your specialist expert knowledge.

You have

- A degree in Electrical Engineering or other relevant engineering discipline and you should be a Chartered Engineer with a relevant institution or working towards chartered status.

- Demonstrable experience in development, design and specification of transmission level protection and control systems, preferably including the use of IEC61850. Be comfortable to technically assess issues and critically assess a range of proposed technical solutions.

- Knowledge and understanding of a range of Protection & Control related International Standards and an understanding of the technical requirements for design, planning, operation and development of the transmission network. Knowledge of relevant legislation would be beneficial.

- Excellent communication skills allowing you to communicate at all levels on a range of technical subjects. This includes the ability to form structured and reasoned justification in your guidance and support to others, along with the ability to write clear and well-structured technical reports and specifications.

- The ability to prioritise your workload in an organised and methodical manner in order to meet targets and deadlines.

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future. Our investment will see us build the world's largest offshore wind farm and transform the grid to deliver greener electricity to millions.

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 andrew.torrance@sse.com / 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.

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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Our Benefits

  • Sharesave Scheme
  • 34 days of annual leave
  • Option to purchase up to 10 days holiday
  • Interest-free technology loans
  • 24/7 free and confidential employee counselling service
  • Private healthcare discounts
  • Subsidised gym memberships
  • 21 weeks full pay maternity leave
  • Cycle to Work scheme with generous £2500 limit
  • Interest-free salary advance to cover transport season tickets

 

Explore our full list of benefits:

UK Benefits Booklet

ROI Benefits Booklet

NI Benefits Booklet

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