Senior Engineer - System Operations in Belfast

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Role Title: Senior Engineer – System Operations

Reports to: System Operations Manager

Location: Belfast – Hybrid (3 days in the office/2 days remote)

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.

The Role

As a Senior Engineer in System Operations, you’ll play a key role in keeping the lights on and enabling the transition to a cleaner energy future. You’ll work on planning and engineering analysis, such as load flow studies, and support the integration of new technologies into the grid.

This Role Involves

• Facilitating maintenance and network development while maintaining system security.
• Developing operational policies to integrate innovations safely and efficiently.
• Engaging with stakeholders to manage outages, voltage control, generator testing, and risk management.
• Supporting audits and compliance processes to meet regulatory standards.

You’ll collaborate closely with the Northern Ireland Control Centre and a wide range of stakeholders to ensure the grid operates securely and reliably.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders to support power system operations across all timeframes.
• Perform power system analysis and coordinate activities to enable outages safely and economically.
• Support technical and commercial projects designed to meet regulated targets and stakeholder needs.
• Contribute to audits and compliance management, resolving issues and implementing improvements.
• Provide expertise in maintaining and developing control centre tools, policies, and processes.
• Monitor and report on transmission system performance.
• Liaise with key stakeholders, including NIE Networks, generators, regulators, and government departments.
• Deliver high-quality work with accuracy and timeliness.
• Produce reports, guidance notes, and briefing documents as required.

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• An engineering degree or equivalent with at least 4 years’ experience.
• Experience in analysing large amounts of data related to the field.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non‑technical audiences.
• Excellent judgment and problem‑solving skills, with innovative solutions for complex issues.
• Awareness of the NI Transmission System and experience in a regulatory environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team while managing your own workload.
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills, commercial awareness, and a strong track record of delivery.
• Proficiency in MS Office tools.

Desirable

• Experience in power system operations or a similar area.
• Experience performing transient or electromagnetic transient analysis.
• Knowledge or experience of the All-Island system and Single Electricity Market.

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 8th January 2026

Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).

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.