Role Title: Assistant Grid Control Engineer
Reports to: Control Centre Manager (Control Centre Operations)
Location: Belfast
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‑oriented. 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.
The Role
The Assistant Grid Control Engineer plays a key role in the secure, safe and efficient operation of the Northern Ireland electricity system. Working within the Control Centre environment, the role supports real‑time system operations, market‑driven scheduling and system security analysis, collaborating closely with internal teams and external stakeholders across the island of Ireland. This position operates within a highly regulated, 24/7 operational setting and requires a strong focus on safety, reliability and compliance while responding effectively to both planned activities and unplanned system events. This role carries out shifted working, more information available on request.
Key Responsibilities
* Instruct the loading of generating plant on the Northern Ireland and Ireland system.
* Taking the market position as a starting point, develop a secure schedule that minimises deviation from market running. Monitor changes in the market and advise being presented to develop a secure schedule that takes into account:
o Consideration of plant margins and generation security, and actions to be taken in the event of a shortfall.
o Consideration of system security under outage or fault conditions.
o Safe operation under planned and emergency working conditions.
o Gas schedules.
o Annual DBC budget.
o All forecasts required for market and internal systems (e.g. demand, renewables).
* Managing and troubleshooting network models (Outage Database, EMS and MMS).
* Ensure compliance with audit requirements and ensure publication of required information to the market (e.g. updated constraints).
* Carry out studies for system security analysis using available tools (e.g. LSAT, EMS, RMT).
* Obtain all relevant weather information and disseminate as appropriate.
* Interaction with 24/7 Market Operator activities.
* Cross‑border prices and volumes and SO‑SO trading as required.
* Managing interconnector trip processes.
* Incident investigation and support of disputes, audits, reporting and manifest errors.
* Monitor market prices and cash‑out positions and investigate abnormalities and errors.
* Assist with the introduction and development of new technologies on the Northern Ireland system.
* Support and maintain data provision to the I‑SEM, DSOs and internal teams as required (e.g. electronic logs).
* Review and issue System Operations Instructions, policies and procedures as required.
* Assist with generation outage planning (long‑term, short‑term and day‑ahead).
* Liaise with third‑party providers and maintain effective working relationships with EirGrid, NI Power Stations, NIE, Moyle, National Grid, SP and NIAUR.
* Support the development and achievement of departmental KPIs and performance targets.
* Assist in the preparation and delivery of training for Control Room staff.
* Participate in simulation exercises and support the development of these exercises as necessary.
* Coordinate with other TSOs (EirGrid and National Grid) under emergency conditions.
Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
* Relevant Degree or relevant HNC and relevant experience.
* Detailed knowledge of the Northern Ireland Transmission system.
* Extensive experience of more than one of the following areas:
o Transmission Systems
o Power Stations
o Power Systems Operations
o Generation, transmission system development planning
o Power system (including generators) protection maintenance or commissioning
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
* Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
* Ability to work and commit to shift work (incl. night shift) for which a shift allowance will be paid.
* Operational knowledge of Energy Management System (EMS) and other real time applications required to monitor system security.
Desirable
* Experience of loading desk operations.
* Experience of unit commitment software.
* Experience of European Network Codes and European power systems.
The successful candidate should also be able to demonstrate
* Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines using analytical skills that are both detailed and commercially oriented.
* Effective decision making and problem solving skills.
* Ability to work on own initiative with minimum supervision.
* A strong team ethic as it is essential to work closely with the System Operations team in a 24/7 environment and to support other SONI/EirGrid departments.
* Ability to multi-task successfully.
* Effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills when required.
* Fully flexible approach to job role and the changing business environment.
* Competency in the role and will be required to undertake continual development in line with changes to European Legislation.
Why join us?
* Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.
* Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical cover, and pension matching.
* 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 and empowers you to grow.
Closing date for applications is 05 May 2026. SONI reserves the right to extend this deadline where necessary to maximise the applicant pool.
Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).
SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and everyone can thrive. As a STEM organisation, we are continuing to strengthen gender diversity across our engineering and technology roles and welcome applications from women who want to build and apply their expertise to Northern Ireland’s energy system.
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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