At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HVDC Plant engineering initiatives and resolve complex design issues.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in clean energy and innovative infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health perks, and family support.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy with cutting-edge technology and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in HVDC engineering and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80700 - 121100 £ per year.
Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations – Perth, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness and you'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in the office.
Salary: £80,700 - £121,100 + car / car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time (Part Time options available) | Flexible First options available.
The role: This is an opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the future of HVDC Plant engineering across some of the UK’s most complex and ambitious transmission projects. As we deliver a programme valued at c. £30bn over the next 5 years and accelerate towards Net Zero, we are seeking a collaborative, influential and technically respected leader to join our Offshore Project Engineering team. As Lead Principal Engineer – HVDC Plant, you will provide technical leadership into development, standardisation and continuous improvement of our HVDC System across a multi-project offshore portfolio. You will lead the resolution of HVDC Plant related design issues, ensuring solutions align with SSEN Transmission standards, statutory requirements, programme objectives and long-term operational needs. You will play a key role in driving consistency, balancing technical risk, and delivery certainty across major projects. Working closely with colleagues across our business, supply chain and industry partners, you will help shape technical standards and best practice, strengthen engineering capability and contribute to the successful delivery of strategically important HVDC infrastructure. Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, you will help advance the development of HVDC technology while raising the profile of SSEN Transmission's offshore delivery programme and achievements.
You Will:
- Provide technical leadership and accountability for all HVDC Plant engineering initiatives, ensuring solutions meet business, regulatory, and safety requirements.
- Drive proactive and pragmatic resolution of technical issues across the programme.
- Bring together diverse perspectives, foster collaborative problem-solving and apply sound engineering judgement to deliver effective outcomes, ensuring both programme delivery and engineering excellence remain at the forefront of decision-making.
- Guide and nurture a team of specialist engineers from across the business, fostering a supportive and inclusive culture and encouraging career growth.
- Promote health, safety, and environmental excellence, ensuring compliance with CDM, ESQCR, and SSEN standards.
- Drive Innovation by encouraging creativity and continuous improvement, implementing enhancements and engaging with industry forums to shape best practice.
- Actively engage with Technology providers to develop a thorough understanding of technical developments, new solutions and emerging providers, feeding into technology strategies for our future project pipeline.
You Have:
- A proven track record of bringing out the best in people and delivering complex HVDC Converter engineering projects.
- Strong ability in taking initiative to solve complex problems using collaborative decision making, influencing outcomes and a passion for growing others.
- Deep technical knowledge of HVDC Plant engineering, relevant legislation (including CDM & ESQCR), and industry standards.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and simplify complex ideas.
- A degree in an appropriate engineering discipline, with Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent) preferred.
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.
Lead Principal Engineer - HVDC Plant 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 Lead Principal Engineer - HVDC Plant
✨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 Lead Principal Engineer - HVDC Plant role you’re after at SSE plc.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
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✨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
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We think you need these skills to ace Lead Principal Engineer - HVDC Plant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead Principal Engineer - HVDC 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.
