Principal Engineer - Real Time Systems
| Posting date: | 21 July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £58,100 to £87,100 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Car allowance & Performance related bonus |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 20 August 2025 |
| Location: | Perth, Perth & Kinross, PH1 3GH |
| Company: | SSE |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 554937_1753089055 |
Summary
Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations - Perth, Inverness, Aberdeen or Glasgow
Salary: £58,100 - £87,100 + 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
At SSEN Transmission, we are building a network for Net Zero that's smarter, more flexible, and equipped to support the future of energy, one that delivers clean, secure, and affordable electricity for generations to come. Real Time Systems play a crucial role in this transformation by providing the control and operational data needed to manage our network.
Network Engineering are part of the Asset Management and Operations Directorate. Their purpose is to ensure that engineering activities for all Transmission projects and business areas are safe, sound and supported. They carry out the Design and Technical Engineering Governance functions for the Transmission Business, ensuring that the design of the network and the equipment used operates safely, reliably and in compliance with the relevant legislation.
As part of our journey, we're looking for a Principal Engineer - Real Time Systems (RTS) to join our specialist Network Engineering team. You'll play a vital role in defining technical policy, influencing industry standards, and supporting the delivery of innovative, future-ready projects across our high-voltage transmission network related to RTS.
You will
- Write, review, and maintain technical specifications required for all real time system (RTS) architectures and equipment used in the SSEN Transmission network substations including Ethernet networks, RTUs, HMIs and substation control systems. Updates will be based upon stakeholder engagement and technology advancement where you will use your excellent communication skills to justify the changes technically and economically.
- As a Technical Authority and working in conjunction with the Technical Assurance engineers, ensure that all RTS equipment types are safe, adequately tested, configured, and validated prior to approval for use on the network.
- Assist the Design Authority to verify project proposals for substation control systems are fit for purpose and identify any scope changes required to ensure the network is adequately managed in accordance with legislation, Grid Code and specifications.
- Provide technical consultancy services across the SSEN Transmission business, encouraging the development of staff and have a willingness to share your specialist expert knowledge.
- Represent SSEN Transmission at industry body events such as ENA, IEC or CIGRE working groups and attend conferences to support engineering development and feedback best practice to our business.
You have
- A degree in Electrical Engineering or other relevant engineering discipline and you should be a Chartered Engineer with a relevant institution or working towards chartered status.
- Demonstrable experience in design, testing and specification of control systems, including the use of IEC61850, PTP and its associated Ethernet architectures within electrical substations or similar environment. Knowledge of fibre installation, serial connectivity, DNP3 and other control system protocols will be highly beneficial. Be comfortable to technically assess issues and critically assess a range of proposed technical solutions.
- Knowledge and understanding of a range of Real Time System (SCADA) related International Standards. Knowledge of implementation of cybersecurity best practices within a substation or other operational technology environment, as well as communications technologies and systems would be preferable.
- Excellent communication skills allowing you to communicate at all levels on a range of technical subjects. This includes the ability to form structured and reasoned justification in your guidance and support to others, along with the ability to write clear and well-structured technical reports and specifications.
- The ability to prioritise your workload in an organised and methodical manner in order to meet targets and deadlines.
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.