Digital Substation: Protection & Control Engineer in Perth

Digital Substation: Protection & Control Engineer in Perth

Perth Full-Time 50100 - 75100 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of digital substation protection systems for a sustainable energy future.
  • Company: Join SSEN Transmission, a leader in building a cleaner, smarter energy network.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, health perks, and family-friendly policies.
  • Other info: Be part of an inclusive team dedicated to innovation and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the energy transition while developing your engineering skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in power system protection and knowledge of IEC 61850 standards required.

The predicted salary is between 50100 - 75100 £ per year.

Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations – Aberdeen, Inverness or Perth.

Salary: £50,100 - £75,100 + 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:

At SSEN Transmission, you’ll join us as a Digital Substation Protection, Automation and Control (PAC) Engineer, playing a key role in building a smarter, more flexible network for Net Zero, one that delivers clean, secure, and affordable electricity for generations to come.

Within our Network Directorate, you’ll become part of Network Engineering, the team that ensures all engineering activity across Transmission projects is safe, sound, and fully supported. You’ll help deliver the design and technical engineering governance that keeps our network operating safely, reliably, and in line with legislation, while shaping the standards and equipment we rely on every day. In our specialist Digital Substation development team, you’ll take the lead in defining protection scheme architectures, designs, and configurations, driving innovation as we move towards a fully digital, multi-vendor substation environment.

You will:

  • Deliver the required outputs to the digital substation programme and participate in the development of our digital design capabilities.
  • Support the creation, review and release of specifications and technical guidance documents related to digital substation implementation.
  • Work closely with project engineers to develop project-specific scope documents and review contractor proposals related to digital substation delivery, all during initial project implementation.
  • Collaborate with project stakeholders to reduce development risk and support implementation of risk mitigation strategies.
  • Work closely with strategic suppliers delivering digital substation capabilities to select solutions that meet SSEN Transmission’s operational requirements.

You have:

  • Solid understanding of power system protection, with practical experience configuring and testing protection IEDs and schemes used in transmission networks.
  • Working knowledge of IEC 61850 (all parts), including station and process bus applications, and the implementation of MMS, GOOSE, and SV.
  • Familiarity with additional standards and protocols such as DNP3, IEC 60255-118-1 (IEEE C37.118.1), IEEE C37.118.2, and IEC TR 61850-90-5 is preferred.
  • Working knowledge of Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), remote terminal units (RTUs), and SCADA / EMS systems is highly desirable.
  • An understanding of cyber security within an operational technology environment.

About SSE:

SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.

SSEN Transmission own and operate the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport energy 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 energy for the future and building a network for net zero 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.

Digital Substation: Protection & Control Engineer in Perth 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.

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Contact Details:

SSE plc Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Digital Substation: Protection & Control Engineer in Perth

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 Digital Substation: Protection & Control Engineer 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

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Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Digital Substation: Protection & Control Engineer 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 Digital Substation: Protection & Control Engineer in Perth

Power System Protection
Configuration and Testing of Protection IEDs
IEC 61850
MMS Implementation
GOOSE Protocol
Sample Values (SV)
DNP3

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Digital Substation: Protection & Control Engineer, 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.