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- Tasks: Plan and manage outages on the electricity network, ensuring safety and minimal customer impact.
- Company: Join SSE, a leading energy company committed to a net zero future, powering millions across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, discounts on healthcare, gym memberships, and generous family entitlements.
- Other info: SSE values diversity and offers support for all applicants to ensure a positive experience.
- Why this job: Be part of a critical role in a dynamic environment, contributing to a sustainable energy future.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or similar, with experience in EHV networks and power system analysis.
The predicted salary is between 50700 - 57700 £ per year.
Base Location: Portsmouth
Salary: £58,630 - £68,098 and a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available
The role of an Operational Planning Engineer in the Network Management Centre (NMC) involves:
- Agreeing and planning all outage requirements on the electricity network up to and including 132kV (EHV).
- Conducting power system analysis and implementing contingencies in the event of a fault.
- Balancing network access for both capital and revenue work while ensuring secure customer supplies and supporting OFGEM's incentives.
- Monitoring SSEN's southern network which serves over 3.1 million customers, operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting power system analysis, managing planned outages and faults on the network while ensuring security and minimising impact to customers.
- Ensuring SSEN's safety by managing risks when changing the EHV network and offering support during emergencies.
- Scheduling and updating EHV outages to comply with DOC2 timelines, ensuring coordination among all parties.
- Collaborating with Control Engineers, Protection Engineers, System Planners, Design Engineers, National Grid (NESO & NGET), EHV Customers, other DNOs, SSEN Management, Project Managers and Cartographers.
- Communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Requirements:
- A degree in Electrical Engineering or similar experience, ideally working towards Chartered Engineer status.
- Knowledge of electricity network design, operation, protection, and safety.
- Previous engineering experience within a distribution network, ideally with EHV networks.
- Familiarity with statutory and regulatory requirements, industry codes, and engineering standards.
- Able to use Power System Analysis software (PSS/E, PowerFactory or similar) and understand electrical theory.
- Capable of analysing large data volumes and presenting results clearly.
About SSE:
SSE has a bold ambition to be a leading energy company in a net zero world, transforming the grid to provide greener electricity for millions and investing over £20 billion in homegrown energy.
Flexible benefits include 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, and generous family entitlements.
SSE is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Ready to apply? Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online.
Operational Planning Engineer employer: SSE-1
Contact Detail:
SSE-1 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Planning Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific software mentioned in the job description, such as PSS/E or PowerFactory. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these tools during the interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the electricity distribution sector, especially those who have experience with EHV networks. Engaging with industry experts can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous engineering experiences in detail, particularly any relevant projects involving power system analysis or outage management. Real-life examples will showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research SSE's current initiatives and future plans regarding net zero and renewable energy. Showing that you understand their goals and how you can contribute will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Planning Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Operational Planning Engineer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your engineering background, particularly any experience with electricity networks or power system analysis. Use specific examples to demonstrate your knowledge of EHV networks and your ability to manage outages effectively.
Showcase Technical Skills: Mention your proficiency in Power System Analysis software like PSS/E or PowerFactory. Provide examples of how you've used these tools in previous roles to analyse data and present results clearly.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only summarises your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Make sure to address how you can contribute to SSEN's mission of providing greener electricity.
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE-1
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what an Operational Planning Engineer does. Familiarise yourself with power system analysis, outage management, and the importance of network security. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous engineering experience, especially if it involves EHV networks or distribution networks. Highlight specific projects or situations where you successfully managed outages or worked with stakeholders, as this will show your practical understanding of the role.
✨Familiarise with Software Tools
Since the role requires using Power System Analysis software, brush up on your skills with tools like PSS/E or PowerFactory. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in the past and how they can aid in conducting power system analysis.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would handle them, particularly in emergency situations or when coordinating with multiple stakeholders.