Principal Engineer – FACTS/HVDC

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

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

The role

As our new Principal Engineer – FACTS and HVDC C&P, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping how these cutting-edge technologies are designed, specified, tested and integrated across the UK transmission system. This is an opportunity to influence national engineering policy, set standards that define the future of the grid, and directly support some of the most complex and innovative energy projects in the country. This role includes direct stakeholder involvement; which requires provision of guidance, mentoring others and point of escalation for Project Engineers

You will

• Own and update SSEN Transmissions technical specifications for FACTS (STATCOM, SYNCOM, SVC, SSSC, UPFC) and HVDC systems, focusing on Control & Protection (C&P) requirements for the transmission network.
• Review key supplier design documents, test plans and witness complex factory tests to ensure C&P equipment is fully validated, proven, and suitable for use. Assess proposed suppliers to confirm they meet approval standards for deployment on the network.
• Assess and approve new suppliers and emerging technologies, ensuring they can deliver solutions that are safe, reliable, and compliant.
• Provide specialist technical input at every design stage, from early concept to detailed design review. Offer expert guidance on refurbishments, upgrades, and fault investigations related to HVDC/FACTS C&P systems.
• Challenge assumptions and refine project scopes, supporting project teams as they work through the complexities of HVDC and FACTS engineering.
• Act as a subject matter expert across the organisation, mentoring engineers and strengthening technical capability. Represent SSEN Transmission in key industry groups (ENA, IEC, CIGRE) and bring back best‑practice insights to shape strategy and standards.

You have

• Electrical Engineering degree (or related discipline). A Masters or PhD is beneficial but not essential.
• Chartered Engineer (or actively working toward chartership).
• Proven experience in Control & Protection (C&P) engineering for FACTS and HVDC systems – including design, specification, settings, and development of transmission‑level protection and control schemes. Strong understanding of key industry standards (e.g., IEC 61850, BS IEC 61588, PROFINET, EtherCAT) and the interfaces between AC networks and HVDC/FACTS systems.
• Good knowledge of Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) and Software‑in‑the‑Loop (SIL) testing for FACTS/HVDC C&P systems, along with experience in factory and site acceptance testing. Awareness of emerging technologies, such as grid‑forming FACTS.
• Strong analytical and technical writing skills, with the ability to assess issues, validate technical solutions, and produce clear specifications. Solid understanding of National Grid, British and European Standards, the UK Grid Code, SQSS, and relevant power quality standards.

About SSE

SSEs 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. 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. please contact Andy on / 01738 275370 to discuss how we can support you.

We’re 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.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We’ll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we’ll be taking your application further. If you’re offered a role with SSE, you’ll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.