Who We Are
SONI is Northern Ireland’s Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Ireland’s electricity grid. We make sure that every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm has power - when and where they need it. And that’s just the beginning of our story. We have a critical role to play in delivering a cleaner, cheaper, more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland. Our focus is on safety, security and reliability. Our work environment is challenging, fast‑moving, collaborative and team‑orientated. Our culture is driven by continual development, knowledge and teamwork. Our people are committed to reducing Northern Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels and transforming the energy system to make decarbonisation a reality – while providing a safe and reliable electricity supply in a way that secures the future for those who follow us. The work you will deliver with us here at SONI matters. Join a great and supportive team and be part of the transformation.
Role Title: SCADA Engineer
Reports to: Head of IT
Location: Belfast (Hybrid)
The Role
As a SCADA Engineer, you will help ensure the safe, reliable operation of Northern Ireland’s electricity transmission system. SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems and Energy Management Systems (EMS) provide the real‑time information our control centre needs to operate the grid—so your work will play a vital part in keeping power flowing across Northern Ireland. You will help maintain, update and develop these systems, support real‑time operations, and contribute to important projects that modernise how we manage the electricity grid. You will work closely with colleagues across SONI as well as with NIE Networks, EirGrid, generators and technology suppliers. This role has real impact—both today and in shaping the future of Northern Ireland’s energy system.
Key Responsibilities
* Maintain, configure and fix SCADA and EMS systems, including the equipment used to collect data from substations and power plants.
* Ensure the real‑time data used by our control centre is accurate, reliable and always available.
* Investigate and resolve technical issues or alarms, and escalate more complex problems when needed.
* Help respond to major incidents by working with others to restore systems safely and quickly.
* Ensure backup systems, disaster recovery processes and failover arrangements are always ready to use.
* Keep SCADA/EMS databases and real‑time models up to date as the electricity system changes.
* Support commissioning of new generators, substations and assets by testing and validating data and configurations.
* Apply software updates, patches and configuration changes safely and in line with change management processes.
* Test and validate new data connections, communication links and equipment configurations.
* Contribute to upgrade projects across SCADA, operational telecoms and wider operational technology (OT).
* Support the testing and acceptance of new systems or equipment provided by vendors.
* Create and maintain technical documentation, drawings, test results and configuration records.
* Work with NIE Networks, EirGrid, generators and technology suppliers to make sure SCADA data is integrated securely and consistently.
* Work with internal teams such as System Operations, IT, Cyber Security, Networks and Compliance.
* Ensure systems comply with regulatory, cybersecurity and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) requirements.
* Maintain asset registers, diagrams, procedures and service documentation.
* Support audits, incident reviews and continuous improvement work.
* Help develop SONI’s own OT processes and systems as part of its growing operational independence.
* Support modernisation of OT systems, including moving to more digital and automated technologies.
* Identify opportunities to improve reliability, reduce manual tasks and improve system performance.
* Take part in team training, cross‑skilling and knowledge sharing.
* Out of hours working, including standby support, is required because these systems operate 24/7.
* Occasional travel may be required, including outside the UK for training or vendor engagement.
* Duties may evolve as SONI’s operational technology capability grows.
Essential
* HNC / Level 4 qualification or above in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Computer Systems, IT or a similar discipline.
* Hands‑on experience working with SCADA, EMS, telemetry or operational technology systems.
* Understanding of communication methods used in SCADA systems (e.g. IEC 60870‑5‑101/104, DNP3, ICCP).
* Experience identifying and fixing technical faults in systems that operate in real time.
* Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to prioritise and take ownership of issues.
* Good communication skills and a commitment to clear documentation.
* Ability to work well within a collaborative team environment.
* Full driving licence and willingness to travel to sites across Northern Ireland.
* Willingness to take part in standby and out of hours work.
Desirable
* Experience with SCADA/EMS systems in an electricity utility environment.
* Familiarity with GE eterra or similar platforms.
* Understanding of how the transmission system operates and how substations and protection systems work.
* Experience with operational telecoms technologies (e.g. IP networks, serial‑to‑IP devices, MPLS, SDH).
* Awareness of cybersecurity standards for OT environments (e.g. NIST, IEC 62443).
* Experience working on projects, including testing, documentation and vendor management.
* Knowledge of safety practices for high‑voltage environments.
* ITIL Foundation or experience working in an IT/OT service management framework.
Why join us?
* Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.
* Enjoy a competitive salary, performance‑related bonus, private medical cover, and pension matching.
* Benefit from flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options (3 days office / 2 days home).
* Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave and wellbeing days.
* Access salary‑sacrifice schemes (such as cycle to work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch.
* Access professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways.
* We offer an inclusive culture that values diversity, supports flexible working and empowers you to grow. We know flexible working means different things to different people. Contact us if you’d like to talk about how this role could work for you.
Closing date for applications is 22nd April 2026.
SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We particularly encourage women to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in our organisation.
We have a duty to prevent illegal working and applicants must demonstrate they have a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.
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