Senior Power Systems Planning Engineer

Role

Title:

Senior Power System Planning Engineer
Reports to: Head of Networks
Location: Belfast (Hybrid)

SONI is Northern Ireland’s Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Ireland’s electricity grid. We make sure that every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm has power - when and where they need it. We have a critical role to play in delivering a cleaner, cheaper more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland. Our focus is on safety, security and reliability.

Our work environment is challenging, fast‑moving, collaborative and team orientated. Our culture is driven by continual development, knowledge and teamwork. Our people are committed to reducing Northern Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels and transforming the energy system to make decarbonisation a reality – while providing a safe and reliable electricity supply in a way that secures the future for those who follow us.

The Networks team in SONI is central in responding successfully to this transformational change and the increased complexities of planning and operating a power system that supports a clean energy system in Northern Ireland. The team is responsible for identifying, developing and delivering new transmission reinforcements to ensure the transmission network can facilitate Northern Ireland’s climate ambitions. The team is also responsible for managing, assessing and designing new connections onto the transmission system.

We are seeking innovative, solution focused, resilient and motivated individuals to join the Networks team and play a key role delivering the transition to a low carbon energy future. As a Senior Power System Planning Engineer, you will report to the Head of Networks and carry out technical analysis of the power system, ensuring that the transmission system remains safe, secure and reliable now and into the future as Northern Ireland transitions towards net zero emissions.

• Identifying future power system needs and possible solutions by carrying out power system analysis such as steady state load flow, voltage, short circuit, harmonics and transient stability.
• Assessing the optimal methods and locations for connecting new generation, demand and enabling technologies to the transmission system.
• Building and maintaining the power system dynamic model, ensuring the model accurately reflects the transient performance of the transmission system during contingency events.
• Using power system modelling software such as PSS/E, Power Factory or similar.
• Liaising with customers, assessing the impact of their projects on the transmission system and proposing solutions where relevant.
• Incorporating analysis outcomes into updating policies such as the Transmission System Security and Planning Standards.
• Developing and appraising network reinforcement options across multiple criteria including technical, cost and environment, recommending the optimal solution.
• Building strong and effective relationships with key stakeholders such as NIE Networks, the Utility Regulator and relevant government departments.
• Writing robust technical reports and governance papers and communicating these clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Mentoring junior team members and contributing to a team culture that is solution focused.

• University degree in engineering, or other relevant equivalent degree, with a minimum of 3 years relevant post graduate experience.
• Technical knowledge of power systems, network/connections planning and transmission equipment.
• Experience in power system analysis such as steady state load flow and transient stability.
• Ability to solve complex problems in a fast collaborative environment, demonstrating strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work well within a team with flexibility in approach, including a strong ability to work under own initiative and to tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant regulations, licence, technical standards, codes and policies relating to transmission system and connections planning.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with…