At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead substation engineering design and drive innovation for a sustainable energy future.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in energy transition and infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the energy sector while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in electrical engineering and experience in high voltage substation design.
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 – Glasgow, Perth, Aberdeen, 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 OR Fixed Term Contract OR Secondment | Full Time OR Part Time | Flexible First options available.
The role: As part of SSEN Transmissions Onshore Portfolio of works, we have an opportunity for a Principal Substation Engineer to join our Technical Engineering team within Project Engineering to help drive forward our substation engineering design, with a focus on standardisation, design improvements, innovation adoption, team training and in turn help deliver a network for Net Zero.
- Promote and implement best practice within the substation design team, bringing your experience to provide suggested improvements in design, specifications and innovation of technology, with a specific focus on switchgear, busbar bay systems, earthing systems, system modelling implications, as well as LV systems.
- Have core responsibilities for developing substation standardisation, including implementation in designs through senior and project engineers for all substation projects associated with AC engineering from development through to delivery.
- Provide technical support and training to more junior engineers to drive their personal development and performance to fulfil their potential, as well as support the growth of the team with the recruitment of new team members.
- Ensure that project technical requirements align with regional strategy and standardised design, by supporting projects, where required, to ensure early identification of Technical Authority (TA) approval requirements for switchgear and LV systems.
- Support the Lead Principal Substation Engineer with tasks associated with standard design, innovation, team development and wider stakeholder technical improvement initiatives.
You have:
- A degree in electrical engineering and be a Chartered Engineer or actively working towards chartered status.
- Significant experience in substation design and delivery, with specific experience of HV (132kV to 400kV) switchgear, busbar bay systems, earthing systems, system modelling implications on substation design and LV systems.
- Technical knowledge of the Transmission network, with strong technical understanding of all elements regarding electrical transmission substation design, and detailed technical understanding of facilitating functions and an understanding of legal and regulatory obligations in the UK.
- In depth technical knowledge of relevant legislation and the implications for Transmission network management for both assets and projects, including CDM, ESQCR and SQSS.
- Built strong relationships and understanding of consultants and external industry experts and the ability to communicate and challenge complex technical issues and recommendations in a clear and concise manner to facilitate decision making by senior management.
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 shirley-anne.o'connor@sse.com / 01738 351976 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 Substation Engineer in Inverness employer: SSE
SSE is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly in the vibrant Scottish locations where this role is based. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, enabling them to grow their careers while contributing to Scotland's Net-Zero ambitions. With a strong commitment to health and safety, SSE ensures a supportive environment where every team member can thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Substation Engineer in Inverness
✨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 Substation Engineer role you’re after at SSE.
✨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 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.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal Substation Engineer at SSE, 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 Substation Engineer in Inverness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Substation 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 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 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
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with SSE, 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 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.
