Principal Engineer - HVDC Systems - Convertors

Base Location

Flexible Scotland | We’re proud to offer a Flexible First approach to work, and this role is no exception. We will, however, need your base 'home' location to be one of our SSEN offices or depots around Scotland, Perth, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness

£58,100 - £87,100 + car /car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

As a Principal Engineer, you’ll provide technical leadership across multiple projects or portfolios, setting direction for HVDC converter equipment strategy, standards and long-term engineering decisions. The role is broader in scope and influence, with accountability for technical governance, risk and consistency, while also shaping supplier strategy, driving innovation, representing the business externally and building capability across the wider engineering community.

We also welcome applications from candidates who feel they may not meet all requirements of the Principal Engineer position and would be happy to be considered for a Senior Engineer position.

• Write, review, maintain, and own technical specifications and guidance notes required for all HVDC Converter Equipment (i.e., DCSS, DCCB, converters, etc.) used on the Transmission network – responsible for integrating with existing SSEN specifications for HVDC.
• Provide technical guidance and advice to the transmission business for HVDC network development, refurbishment, or fault investigations of failed plant.
• Participate and lead in supplier engagement and innovation projects for evaluation of new technologies for use in HVDC applications.
• As part of the HVDC Technical Authority, review test plans and witness tests to ensure that HVDC technology and equipment selected is adequately tested, proven, validated; 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 and verify project proposals are fit for purpose and identify any scope changes required.

• A degree in Electrical 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, control & operation, and maintenance of HVDC Systems. Specifically, experience in the application and integration of HVDC in various environments.
• 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 development, design, planning, control, integration, and operation of HVDC Systems.
• Significant understanding of the interfaces between AC Network design and integration of HVDC Systems.
• A detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of National Grid, British and European Standards, UK grid code and SQSS alongside the capability and experience in writing technical specifications, guidance notes and work instructions for all HVDC aspects.

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.

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact Andy on to discuss how we can support you.