Safety & Training Engineer (S202655) in Belfast

Role Title: Safety & Training Engineer
Reports to: Safety & Training Manager
Location: Belfast (2 Days Remote, 3 Days Office)

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

SONI is seeking to recruit a Senior Safety & Training Engineer to join the Control Centre Operations Team. The role plays a key part in supporting the training, competence, and compliance of operational personnel and other users of the transmission system.

Working within the Control Centre Operations Team, the successful candidate will contribute to compliance with NIEN Safety Rules and relevant network codes. They will support the development and delivery of training for operational staff and stakeholders as new systems of work, technologies, operational practices, and market regulations are introduced.

The role will also provide support during incident investigations and contribute to the review and development of systems, processes, and procedures that enhance Control Centre operations, safety, and operational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop expertise in the Dispatcher Training Simulator (DTS).

• Develop and enhance training tools, materials, and methods for operational staff and users of the Northern Ireland transmission system.

• Identify and establish training requirements for Grid Control Engineers and Assistant Grid Control Engineers.

• Coordinate and support control room training activities, ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and operational requirements.

• Support the certification process for Grid Control Engineers and Assistant Grid Control Engineers in accordance with European Network Code requirements.

• Organise and facilitate workshops, training courses, and learning events.

• Coordinate annual Black Start and emergency response exercises for operational shift teams.

• Identify emerging training needs and develop relevant transmission and generation scenarios within the training simulator.

• Collaborate with internal and external subject matter experts to deliver specialist training programmes.

• Assist with the analysis and review of incidents and significant system events.

• Promote and strengthen a positive safety culture across Control Centre operations.

• Support the testing, evaluation, and implementation of safety management tools and systems.

• Engage effectively with stakeholders and transmission system users.

• Develop and improve operational processes and procedures to enhance safety and efficiency.

• Liaise with NIEN, ESB, and other stakeholders to coordinate training days, workshops, and joint learning activities.

• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of NIEN Safety Rules.

• Support the safe and compliant integration of new transmission system connections, ensuring alignment with applicable safety requirements.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across SONI as new operational procedures, market arrangements, and regulatory requirements are implemented.

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential:

• Degree in Engineering, or HNC/HND with relevant industry experience.

• Understanding of the principles of safe, secure, reliable, and economic power system operation.

• A minimum of four years' relevant engineering or industry experience.

• Ability to work independently, manage priorities effectively, and deliver high-quality outcomes within agreed timescales.

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of power system operations and operational safety requirements.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex technical challenges.

• Commitment to continuous professional development and lifelong learning.

• Experience within the electricity, utilities, or wider energy sector.

• Knowledge of electrical safety rules and their practical application.

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.

If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the energy sector, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future of SONI and delivering a cleaner and more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.

Closing date for applications is 18th September 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.