Substation Lead Principal Engineer
* Job Number: 558451
* Closing at: May 27 2026 - 23:55 BST
Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations and you'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in the office – Perth, Aberdeen, Glasgow or Inverness.
Salary: £78,400 - £117,600 + car /car allowance + performance related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | options available
The role
The Network Engineering Team are part of the Network Directorate and are the Design and Technical Engineering Governance function for the Transmission Business. Their purpose is to ensure that suitable engineering guidance and specifications are in place for all Transmission projects and relevant business areas and that the design of the network and the equipment used ensures we operate safely, reliably and in compliance with the relevant legislation.
You will
- Manage the Substation Team including workload and resource planning, recruitment, development, and line management responsibilities, contribute to the wider Substations Group leadership team and represent SSEN Transmission at industry body events such as ENA, IEC or CIGRE working groups
- Lead design reviews as the Design Authority, offering Subject Matter Expert input to ensure project proposals are suitable for their purpose and to identify any necessary technical scope changes.
- Develop, maintain, and manage technical specifications and guidance notes for your area of expertise (Substation electrical design), while reviewing and updating existing documents based on project lessons learned, innovation and standardisation opportunities. Offer technical guidance and support to the transmission business within your discipline.
- 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
You have
- A degree in a relevant Engineering discipline and Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) with a relevant institution.
- Relevant experience in managing a team of subject-matter experts and as a Design and Technical Authority.
- Demonstrable experience on an expert level in the design, construction and installation of transmission substations ideally with experience of modularisation and standardisation.
- The ability and experience to technically assess issues, problems and/or faults related to substation design alongside an in depth understanding of the technical requirements for operation and maintenance of electrical substations.
- A detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of national and international standards alongside the capability and experience in writing technical specifications and guidance notes.
About SSE
SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.
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 / 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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