Substations Risk Principal Engineer

Substations Risk Principal Engineer Scottish Power  HQ, Glasgow Salary starting from £70,800 per annum plus up to 20% annual bonus, car allowance (£450pcm) and family healthcare cover.

Flexible Hybrid Working Closing Date: 14 June 2026

Help us create a better future, quicker

SP Energy Networks (SPEN) are working to achieve network targets set by the Scottish and UK Government as part of our journey to Net Zero. Our focus is on harnessing technology and innovation to create the networks of the future. SPEN is building a dynamic network to meet the changing demands for electricity and increasingly, renewable electricity – safely, securely and sustainably in the communities we serve.

The Substations Risk Principal Engineer within Network Planning and Regulation reports directly to the Transmission Asset Risk Manager.

The Principal Engineer will lead the development and implementation of strategies, policies and plans for transmission substations, ensuring long[1]term resilience, safety and cost efficiency.

The postholder will also provide technical and strategic leadership for substations, influence internal and external stakeholders and manage a team to deliver asset risk management objectives aligned with regulatory and business requirements. They will closely collaborate with the Engineering Design and Standards and SPT Project teams are a key aspect of the role.

What you’ll be doing

Define and implement long term asset strategies for substation assets, aligned with the current and future regulatory frameworks.

Govern the intervention plans for substations, balancing cost, risk and performance to maximise network availability.

Lead the development of condition assessment and maintenance strategies for substations, ensuring that the data gathered informs investment planning and risk models.

Oversee failure investigations and ensure lessons learned are embedded in future strategies.

Represent SPEN at industry forums and regulatory engagements, influencing policy and technical standards.

Manage a team of specialist professional engineers, providing clear technical, commercial and regulatory guidance.

Interface regularly with colleagues from across the business at a senior level to ensure that all work is carried out in a coordinated manner and in accordance with licence requirements and industry best practice.

Provide strategic input to business planning and investment prioritisation for circuits.

Identify and support process improvements either within the Asset Risk team or across the wider business.

What you’ll bring

Knowledge of the transmission network and its unique and complex technical challenges with a wide variety of sensitive stakeholders.

Significant experience in a responsible position and expert knowledge of the following areas at voltages from 132kV to 400kV:
Transformers, Reactors, Switchgear and substation auxiliaries, Operations & Maintenance.

Excellent written, verbal and numerical skills, capable of effectively analysing data to identify risks and opportunities.

Ability to translate strategic thinking and direction into policies and deliverable plans.

Ability to influence and collaborate at a senior level across SPEN and the wider industry.

Strong understanding of the energy industry structure, legal/contractual framework and regulatory funding mechanisms.

Working knowledge of SP Energy Networks policies, procedures and working practices.

Provide Direct Reports and Senior Managers with a clear sense of purpose and direction, stimulating a productive team climate where members participate and feel involved.

To be successful in this role, as minimum you will demonstrate:

Degree in an engineering discipline supported by experience in an operational, technical or commercial engineering role.

Knowledge of the transmission network and its unique and complex technical challenges.

Strong communication skills given the requirement to interface with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

Knowledge of industry health & safety requirements.

Willingness to travel throughout the SPT licence areas or to other locations (i.e. London, Spain) on a short-term basis.

A balanced competence set which would meet the…