At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical assurance for protection systems in major capital projects across Scotland.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in energy infrastructure and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health perks, and family support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy transition while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: HNC in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience; strong design and commissioning skills required.
The predicted salary is between 71869 - 85880 £ per year.
Base Location: You'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of the following locations Inverness, Dingwall, Orkney, Shetland, Wick or Fort William.
Salary: £71,869 - £85,880 depending on skills and experience + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available
The role
We’re looking for an experienced Protection and Control Engineer to join our Distribution Technical Services team, supporting the delivery of a significant capital investment portfolio across the north of Scotland.
Our team provides specialist technical leadership, design, and assurance for protection and control systems on the distribution network up to 33 k V.
We work closely with Capital Delivery, Operations, and external partners to ensure schemes are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose, both technically and operationally.
You’ll take a leading role in providing technical assurance across major capital projects, while still retaining hands‑on involvement in design, commissioning, and problem‑solving where required.
You’ll be trusted to make engineering judgements, challenge designs where necessary, and act as a point of escalation for complex protection issues.
- You will
- Provide technical leadership and design assurance for protection and control aspects of large and complex capital investment and customer connection projects.
- Take a leading role in providing technical assurance across major capital and connections projects.
- Review and approve protection and control designs, relay settings, and commissioning documentation produced by contractors.
- Act as a Design authority for protection‑related technical queries, deviations, and engineering challenges arising during delivery.
- Shape project scope and influence investment decisions through the production and review of scoping documents, single‑line diagrams, and MC&P diagrams.
- Carry out detailed protection and control design where required, including AC/DC schematics, grading studies, relay settings, and configuration files.
- Support onsite activities including commissioning, energisation, fault investigation, and post‑fault analysis.
- Provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers, supporting capability development within the wider Technical Services team and work closely with Capital Delivery, Operations, Control Room, and external contractors to ensure safe, timely, and compliant project delivery.
- You have
- A strong safety‑first mindset with demonstrable experience of managing and mitigating engineering risk.
- A qualification in Electrical Engineering (minimum HNC) or equivalent practical experience.
- Significant experience in the design, commissioning, and assurance of power system protection, ideally within a distribution network environment up to 33 k V.
- The confidence and credibility to challenge designs, influence decisions, and provide independent technical judgement.
- Experience working with a range of protection relays, testing equipment, and manufacturer tools.
- Familiarity with industry‑standard engineering software such as Power Factory and Auto CAD.
- Operational experience on the distribution network would be highly advantageous.
This role involves travel across various locations to support business needs.
To enable you to fulfil these responsibilities, as a role requirement, the company will provide access to a vehicle for work‑related travel.
The requirement will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and if the company car policy criteria are met, there will be an opportunity to join the company car scheme.
Provision of a company car or cash allowance does not form part of the contractual terms and conditions of employment for this role.
A valid driving licence is essential.
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 plansees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.
SSEN Distribution, part of the wider SSE group, powers 3.9 million UK homes and businesses.
Our team of more than 4,200 skilled engineers, customer service advisors and energy experts keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low carbon future.
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 fiona. smith@sse. com / 01738 340954 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Protection Engineer in Wick employer: SSE PLC
SSE plc is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and work-life balance, offering flexible working patterns in a dynamic hybrid environment. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have access to generous benefits and opportunities for growth within the energy sector, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to impactful energy infrastructure projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Protection Engineer in Wick
✨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 Protection 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
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 Protection 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 Protection Engineer in Wick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Protection 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.
