Overview
Distribution Electrical Engineering Graduate Programme
Locations: Glasgow, Perth, Aberdeen, Inverness, Reading and Portsmouth
Base Salary: £34,000 + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances and wellbeing.
Degree Disciplines: Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time starting Autumn 2026
What is the Role?
We have ambitious net zero targets, and our business is growing to help us achieve our strategy. We\'re looking for graduates who can bring fresh ideas, new skills and creative thinking, to deliver innovative solutions to help us reach net zero. Electrical engineering graduates joining SSEN Distribution will be at the forefront of building a better world of energy for future generations. Our programme provides real hands-on experience. You will follow a specialist pathway, working with specialists in the Distribution System Operation (DSO) directorate to gain a depth of knowledge and exposure to equip you for one of the below substantive posts at the end of your programme. You will be able to indicate on your application which role you would prefer.
Substantive posts
* System Planning Engineer – System Planning (Reading)
We have an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Systems Engineer to cater for the growth in large demand and renewable generation connections and support our CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) investment programme to ensure that our electricity networks remain fully compliant with the technical and regulatory requirements of our licence. You will model networks and act as a strategic decision maker for projects, handing over designs and coordinating with delivery teams to ensure the network is developed in the most economic, efficient and coordinated manner.
* Innovation Project Engineer – Future Networks (Glasgow or Reading)
As a future networks project engineer you will deliver innovative projects and solutions that drive continuous improvement and change the landscape of our utility networks. This will range from project management to developing new tools that are cutting edge. You will work with project managers to propose projects, and take successful projects from discovery through to full network trials. The role involves communicating with external and internal stakeholders to efficiently deliver projects.
* DSO Engineer – Network Operations (Portsmouth, Reading, Perth, Glasgow)
The network operations team supports a range of business functions from flexibility markets and access products to digital transformation and smart energy systems. This role provides opportunities to work with teams to support delivery of flexibility markets, procuring and dispatching products onto our network, and developing flexibility products enabling customers to access our network quicker and accelerating the net zero transition.
* DSO Forecasting Engineer/Analyst – Modelling and Reporting (Glasgow or Reading)
Are you a numerate graduate interested in forecasting climate-related energy usage? We are seeking talent to boost our capability in forecasting the future energy usage on the power system that supplies homes and businesses and enables generation to be connected close to source demand. Our modelling and reporting team seeks a specialist in probabilistic forecasting techniques to guide investments in the right places at the right time for decarbonisation and growth. A background in Electrical Engineering, Physics or Mathematics with comfort in statistical quantification is desirable.
* DSO System Planning Engineer SHEPD – (Perth, Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow)
This role mirrors the System Planning focus above, supporting growth in demand and renewable connections and ensuring our CAPEX investment programme aligns with licence requirements. You will model networks and coordinate with delivery teams to develop the network efficiently and cohesively.
What do I need to join?
At SSE we celebrate difference. We aim for an inclusive culture where you can be yourself. Safety is at the heart of everything we do at SSE, and we live by the mantra "if it\'s not safe, we don\'t do it". You should show alignment with our core values and have a genuine passion and interest in the energy sector.
You\'ll have a minimum of a 2:2 in the desired degree disciplines listed above.
As the organisation grows, our graduates need to be highly flexible to adapt to the fast-paced evolution of the business. Our graduates are agile in their thinking and seek to address knowledge gaps. You should be comfortable working to and setting stretching individual targets and using your own initiative to overcome challenges.
You can find out more about what to expect during the recruitment process here.
What’s in it for you?
An excellent package with 34 days holiday entitlement, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, discounted healthcare, salary sacrifice car leasing and much more. View our full benefits package on our careers site.
As an equal opportunity employer we encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We actively encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments required during the application, assessment and upon joining SSE. Search for “Inclusion & Diversity at SSE” to find out more.
Next Steps
All applications should be submitted online. If you would like to discuss any working differently requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact graduates@sse.com. If you would prefer a call to discuss adjustments let us know by email and we will arrange a call with you at a time that suits you.
Before commencing employment with SSE, you\'ll be required to fully complete our pre-employment screening process consisting of a basic criminal records and credit check.
Please note, due to immigration rule changes in July 2025 to the Skilled Worker route, this role falls below the minimum “New Entrant” salary threshold and therefore does not meet the requirements to allow for sponsorship.
Please note that any successful candidate must be able to evidence a valid right to work prior to commencement of employment.
#dist
Refinements completed to improve formatting and clarity while preserving original content.
#J-18808-Ljbffr