Principal Engineer - HVDC Systems - Convertors

Overview

Base

Location:

Flexible Scotland. We offer a Flexible First approach to work. This role requires your base “home” location to be one of our SSEN offices or depots around Scotland, Perth, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness.

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

Working Pattern: 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’d also welcome applications from candidates who feel they may not meet all requirements for the Principal Engineer position and would be happy to be considered for a Senior Engineer position.

• Write, review existing, 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, and 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.

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. 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.

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7…