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Protection and Control Field Engineer

  • 557066
  • Closing at: Dec 22 2025 - 23:55 GMT

Base Location: Inverness, Elgin or Thurso 

Salary: £49,004 - £81,406 dependant on experience + car /car allowance + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family. 

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

The role 

SSEN Transmission is seeking a Protection and Control Field Engineer to join our critical field operations team. This technical role involves commissioning, testing, maintenance, and fault resolution of High Voltage (HV) protection and control systems across our 132kV, 275kV, and 400kV transmission substations. You will be instrumental in ensuring the maximum reliability and compliance of our grid infrastructure, playing a crucial part in the ongoing delivery and expansion of the UK's energy network. 

You will 

  1. Ensure the Transmission network operates to the highest reliability standards through technical management of connected protection and control system, and associated HV plant. 

  1. Help to deliver the multimillion-pound capital delivery programme on our transmission network, including the commissioning of new protection and control, primary HV equipment and substation auxiliary systems. 

  1. Learn or have knowledge all aspects of field protection and control work, including commissioning, maintenance, scheme design, setting calculation and verification, outage management, contractor liaison and budget management. 

  1. You may be required to work away from your base location on occasion depending on operational and project requirements. 

  1. Participation in a paid out of hours standby rota due to the 24/7 nature of operating a high voltage Transmission network. 

You have 

  1. A qualification in a relevant electrical engineering subject (a minimum HNC level is desirable) with previous experience and technical knowledge of power systems protection, including installation and commissioning of high voltage plant and apparatus up to 400kV. 

  1. A good understanding of reading and interpreting protection single line, schematic and block diagrams. 

  1. Excellent knowledge of protection and control principles and applications in a power system. 

  1. Experience or willingness to learn carrying out testing and fault-finding on secondary wiring and auxiliary equipment, including the application of logic and settings files on integrated electronic protection devices. 

  1. Hold or be willing to work SAP or High Voltage Switching authorisations, especially at Transmission voltages up to 400kV. 

Please note applications will also be considered from electrical engineers from other sectors with less specific protection experience, with a starting salary commensurate with experience levels. Training and development will be provided to ensure continuous progress. 

 

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. 

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

  • 34 days of annual leave with the option to purchase up to 10 days holiday
  • 24/7 free and confidential employee counselling service
  • Sharesave Scheme
  • Private healthcare discounts
  • Subsidised gym memberships
  • Generous family entitlements including adoption leave, paternity leave and gradual return to work for new parents
  • Flexible working opportunities
  • Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets
  • And much more…

 

Explore our full list of benefits:

UK Benefits Booklet

ROI Benefits Booklet

NI Benefits Booklet