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- Tasks: Lead the design and governance of overhead line projects, ensuring safety and reliability.
- Company: Join SSE, a pioneering energy company committed to a net zero future.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and wellness perks like gym discounts and online GP access.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the energy grid while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and expert knowledge of transmission voltage overhead lines required.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
The predicted salary is between 48100 - 87100 £ per year.
Base Location: Flexible Scotland. We offer a Flexible First approach to work; however, your base home location should be one of our SSEN offices or depots around Scotland, including Perth, Glasgow, Aberdeen, or Inverness.
Salary: £58,100 to £87,100 + 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: SSEN Transmission is looking for a Principal Engineer – Overhead Lines to join its Network Engineering Team, which oversees design and technical governance across Transmission projects. The team ensures policies, standards, and designs meet safety, reliability, and legal requirements. You will:
- Write, maintain and own technical specifications and guidance notes required for all Overhead Line equipment used on the Transmission network and review existing specifications and update them based on lessons learnt from projects and to include development of technology.
- As part of the Technical Authority, review test plans and witness tests to ensure that all technology and equipment selected is adequately tested, proven and validated and review proposed suppliers to confirm their suitability to be approved for use on the transmission network.
- Provide Subject Matter Expert input to design reviews carried out by the Design Authority, provide specialist input where required, verify project proposals are fit for purpose and identify any scope changes required.
- Provide technical guidance and advice to the transmission business for new OHL assets, OHL replacements or fault investigations of failed plant.
- Represent SSEN Transmission at industry body events such as ENA, IEC or CIGRE working groups and attend conferences.
You have:
- A degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Civil Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline and Chartered Engineer status with a relevant institution or working towards chartered status.
- Demonstrable experience on an expert level in the design, specification, construction, operation and maintenance of transmission voltage overhead lines at 132kV and above comprising all civil, mechanical and electrical aspects.
- The ability and experience to technically assess issues and/or problems and critically assess a range of technical solutions and an in depth understanding of the technical requirements for design, planning, operation and development of OHLs.
- A detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of National Grid, British and European Standards alongside the capability and experience in writing technical specifications, guidance notes and work instructions for all OHL aspects.
- Experience in manufacturing and testing of transmission voltage OHL plant and equipment would also be advantageous.
About SSE: SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We are transforming the grid to provide greener electricity for millions of people and investing over £20 billion in homegrown energy, with £20 billion more in the pipeline. 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. We are 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 are 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.
Ready to apply? Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We will be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we will be taking your application further. If you are offered a role with SSE, you will need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.
Principal Engineer Overhead Lines in Inverness employer: SSE
Contact Detail:
SSE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer Overhead Lines in Inverness
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops related to overhead lines. This is your chance to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise in person.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn! Make sure your profile is up-to-date and reflects your skills as a Principal Engineer. Connect with industry professionals and engage with relevant content to get noticed.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical knowledge and recent projects in overhead lines. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to SSEN’s mission of delivering cleaner energy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at SSEN Transmission.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer Overhead Lines in Inverness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your experience with overhead lines and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of safety and technical standards.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Since this role requires a deep understanding of overhead line design and specifications, be sure to include specific examples of your work in these areas. We love seeing how you've tackled challenges in past projects!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications made online. So, make sure to hit that 'Apply Now' button on our website. It’s the easiest way for us to get your application and start the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of overhead lines, especially the design and technical specifications. Be ready to discuss your experience with 132kV and above systems, as well as any relevant standards. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical insights too.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to assess technical issues or propose solutions. Think about past projects where you had to critically evaluate options or make decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Engineer, you’ll be expected to lead and guide others. Prepare examples of how you’ve provided technical guidance or led teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas simply, especially when working with cross-functional teams.
✨Engage with Industry Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in the energy sector, particularly around net zero initiatives. Being able to discuss recent developments or industry events will demonstrate your passion and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate.
