Principal Engineer - FACTS/HVDC Control & Protection

As our new Principal Engineer - FACTS and HVDC Control and Protection (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 Transmission's 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.

• Electrical Engineering degree (or related discipline). A Master's 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.

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, 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.

About SSE 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. 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.