At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative electrical plant projects and shape industry standards in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in clean energy and electricity infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health perks, and family support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience with high-voltage transmission systems.
The predicted salary is between 59800 - 89800 £ per year.
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, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness.
Salary: £59,800 - £89,800 + car /car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available.
The role:
Our Network Engineering team provides technical governance across Transmission projects, ensuring engineering activities are safe, robust, fully supported and compliant with relevant legislation. We're looking for a Principal Engineer – Electrical Plant to join our specialist team. This is a key role where you'll help shape technical policy, influence industry standards, and support the delivery of innovative, future-ready projects across our high-voltage transmission network.
- Own and improve technical specifications for substation electrical plant, including GIS, circuit breakers, transformers, HVDC and FACTS equipment.
- Act as Technical Authority for new plant approvals, reviewing designs and type testing against network requirements.
- Support Design Authority reviews to ensure substation and system designs are safe, compliant and fit for purpose.
- Collaborate with engineering, asset, operations, system design teams and manufacturers to resolve technical challenges.
- Provide technical consultancy, mentor colleagues and represent SSEN Transmission in industry forums.
- Represent SSEN Transmission and/or the UK at industry events and working groups (e.g. ENA, IEC, CIGRE), and bring back insights and best practices to strengthen our engineering approach.
You have:
- A degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, and Chartered Engineer status (or are actively working towards it).
- Strong experience in the design, specification, testing, and application of electrical plant such as AIS, GIS, instrument transformers or FACTS/HVDC at transmission voltage levels of 145 kV and above.
- The ability to critically assess technical challenges and evaluate a range of solutions, with a solid understanding of the design, planning, operation, and development requirements of the transmission network.
- A detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of relevant national and international standards.
- Experience writing technical specifications, guidance notes, or work instructions.
- Exposure to the design, manufacturing, testing, installation, or maintenance of transmission voltage plant and equipment is a plus.
We're seeking someone with substantial experience in substation electrical plant, particularly design and type testing, ideally within the UK transmission network, who can bring deep technical insight and a collaborative mindset to our team. That said, we understand that expertise comes in many forms, and we're open to hearing from candidates who meet most of the criteria and are eager to grow into the role.
About SSE:
SSE's purpose is to be restless every day until we make electricity clean, affordable and available for all. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. This includes electricity transmission and distribution networks, onshore and offshore wind farms, hydro-electric power and flexible thermal generation. We also provide products and services for businesses and other customers. Our investment plan will see SSE invest £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure to 2030. SSEN Transmission own and operate the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport electricity 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 power for the future and building the infrastructure needed for a cleaner electricity system 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 andrew.torrance@sse.com / 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.
Principal Engineer – Electrical Plant in Glasgow employer: SSE plc
At SSE, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where safety and teamwork are paramount. Our employees benefit from a comprehensive range of perks, including full PPE, tools, and a company vehicle, alongside opportunities for professional growth through training and development. With a commitment to inclusivity and employee wellbeing, we ensure that our team members feel valued and empowered in their roles across the Southern region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer – Electrical Plant in Glasgow
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal Engineer – Electrical Plant role you’re after at SSE plc.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at SSE plc a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at SSE plc.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal Engineer – Electrical Plant at SSE plc, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer – Electrical Plant in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Engineer – Electrical Plant, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at SSE plc a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to SSE plc specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE plc
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with SSE plc, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like SSE plc want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
