At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HVDC Protection & Control engineering for ambitious UK transmission projects.
- Company: Join SSE, a leading energy company committed to a net zero future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health perks, and family support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy while mentoring a talented team.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and experience in HVDC P&C projects required.
The predicted salary is between 78400 - 117600 £ 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: £78,400 - £117,600 + 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 Protection & Control (P&C) engineering across some of the UK’s most complex and ambitious transmission projects. As we deliver a programme valued at c.£30bn over the T3 period and accelerate towards Net Zero, we're looking for a credible, collaborative and technically authoritative leader to join our Offshore Project Engineering team. As Lead Principal Engineer – HVDC P&C, you'll oversee the design development, coordination and implementation of standardised P&C strategies and solutions across a multiproject offshore portfolio. You’ll provide technical leadership, mentor specialist P&C engineers, ensure engineering consistency and safety, and drive innovation and design improvement across the entire offshore programme. You will act as a critical point of escalation for HVDC P&C related offshore design issues, ensuring solutions meet SSEN Transmission standards, statutory requirements (including CDM and ESQCR) and operational needs. You collaborate closely with colleagues from across our business, partner organisations and supply chain, contributing to the development of fit for purpose standards and sharing knowledge and experience to advance and optimise the available solutions, whilst raising the profile of SSE Offshore Delivery projects and achievements.
You Will:
- Provide technical leadership and accountability for all P&C engineering initiatives, ensuring solutions meet business, regulatory, and safety requirements.
- Guide and nurture a team of specialist engineers, fostering a supportive and inclusive culture and encouraging career growth.
- Oversee and coordinate resolution of technical issues, applying collaborative problem‑solving and thoughtful thinking across projects and workstreams.
- 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 P&C engineering projects.
- A degree in an appropriate engineering discipline, with Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent) preferred.
- Deep technical knowledge of HVDC P&C 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.
- Strong problem‑solving ability, collaborative decision‑making skills, and a passion for supporting the growth of others.
About SSE: SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We’re investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future. SSEN Transmission owns and operates 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. 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.
Lead Principal Engineer - HVDC Protection & Control employer: Ssen Transmission
SSE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Scotland where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide flexible working options, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to the ambitious goal of achieving net zero. Join us to lead transformative HVDC Protection & Control projects that shape the future of energy in a supportive and inclusive culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Principal Engineer - HVDC Protection & Control
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local engineering meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to HVDC Protection & Control and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've mentored others or led projects in the past. Companies like SSE are looking for someone who can inspire and guide a team, so make sure to highlight those experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at SSE and contributing to our mission of a net zero future.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Principal Engineer - HVDC Protection & Control
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Lead Principal Engineer role. Highlight your technical leadership and HVDC P&C engineering expertise to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about HVDC Protection & Control. Share specific examples of how you've driven innovation and supported team growth in previous roles.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give us a glimpse of your collaborative decision-making process. We love seeing how candidates tackle complex engineering challenges and work with teams to find solutions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ssen Transmission
✨Know Your HVDC Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HVDC Protection & Control engineering. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will show your technical authority and credibility.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Principal Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to guide and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've nurtured talent in previous roles and fostered an inclusive culture. Highlight your collaborative problem-solving skills as well.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation like CDM and ESQCR. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your projects and how you’ve navigated regulatory challenges in the past. This will show that you can meet business and safety requirements.
✨Engage with Innovation
Be prepared to talk about how you've driven innovation in your previous roles. Discuss any new technologies or solutions you've implemented and how they improved project outcomes. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and best practices.
