Lead Power System Design Engineer

Job Description

SP Energy Networks is seeking an experienced Lead (Power System) Design Engineer to join our Transmission Network Team. This is a key technical leadership role responsible for shaping the long-term development of the transmission network and delivering strategic investment plans that support the evolving energy landscape.

You will lead the development of transmission network strategies, policies, and system designs, ensuring the network remains safe, reliable, efficient, and compliant with industry standards. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, you will influence major infrastructure decisions, support innovation, and provide technical leadership across a wide range of complex transmission projects.

This role offers the opportunity to play a significant part in delivering the transmission network required to support the UK's transition to a Net Zero future while working within a collaborative and forward-thinking

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and ownership of long-term transmission network investment plans.
• Develop holistic network solutions to address future load growth, reinforcement requirements, asset replacement programmes, and new onshore and offshore connections.
• Engage with customers, stakeholders, regulators, and industry bodies on transmission network development, connection opportunities, and system requirements.
• Lead the development and implementation of transmission investment strategies, policies, and network plans.
• Define transmission system requirements and identify, assess, and justify optimum network solutions.
• Ensure compliance with planning standards, Grid Code requirements, NETS SQSS, and other industry standards.
• Evaluate alternative design options and promote innovative engineering solutions.
• Maximise value and performance opportunities through effective long-term network planning.
• Represent SP Energy Networks in industry working groups, collaborative projects, and stakeholder forums.
• Support the preparation and review of key industry documentation, including Future Energy Scenarios (FES), Electricity Ten Year Statement (ETYS), Network Options Assessment (NOA), and Business Plans.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to engineers across the wider team.
• Support the development of new tools, methodologies, and approaches that enhance capability and efficiency.
• Promote knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across the organisation.

What you'll bring

• Significant experience in power system design, transmission network planning, analysis, or operations within regulated utility environments.
• Expert knowledge of electricity transmission network design philosophy, policies, and practices.
• Strong understanding of legal, regulatory, technical, and commercial frameworks affecting transmission networks.
• Extensive knowledge of short and long-term factors influencing network development and investment decisions.
• Experience developing and implementing network strategies, policies, and investment plans.
• Strong understanding of transmission system equipment including overhead lines, cables, and reactive compensation systems.
• Working knowledge of industry codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of onshore and offshore transmission connection requirements.
• Experience working with NESO interfaces, STC processes, and long-term network investment frameworks.
• Aware of financial planning and governance processes.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and compliance requirements applicable to transmission networks.
• Strong stakeholder management, influencing, and communication skills.
• Ability to present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to solve complex engineering challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Track record of developing large-scale infrastructure investment plans and delivering strategic outcomes.
• Strong customer focus with the ability to meet and exceed stakeholder expectations.

Minimum Criteria

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience in power system design, power system analysis, transmission operations, or regulated utilities.
• Understanding of GB transmission network design standards and industry codes, including NETS SQSS and Grid Code.
• Knowledge of transmission network operation and planning principles.

What's in it for you

As well as a competitive salary which is reviewed annually, you can also enjoy a number of other benefits. With our pension scheme, we'll double match your contribution up to a company contribution of 10%.

At ScottishPower, we believe it's the little things we do in life that make a big difference. From helping you look after your family's wellbeing, save for your future and take personal steps for climate action - our benefits are designed to help you do just that - so that you have everything you need to take care of your world - today and tomorrow. That's why our benefits include:

• 36 days annual leave
• Holiday purchase - perfect your work/life balance with extra annual leave
• Share Incentive Plan and Sharesave Scheme
• Payroll giving and charity matched funding
• Technology Vouchers - save more and spread the cost of your technology purposes
• Count us in - pledge to reduce carbon emissions and help fight climate change
• Electric Vehicle Schemes - to help you transition to green/clean driving
• Cycle to Work scheme and public transport season ticket loans
• Options to purchase dental insurance, private medical insurance, health cash plan and annual health assessments
• Life Assurance (4x salary)
• Access to SmartSave financial wellbeing support
• Plus shopping, leisure, restaurant and gym discounts, and unique employee deals on travel insurance and more

Why SP Energy Networks

SP Energy Networks is part of the Iberdrola Group, one of the world's largest integrated utility companies and a world leader in wind energy. We keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses through Central and Southern Scotland, North Wales and in the North West of England. We operate over 4000km of cables and lines that make-up the transmission network - connecting infrastructure like wind farms into the electricity system. It's a role that puts us right at the heart of Scotland's ambition to be Net Zero by 2044. And we're taking it very seriously. We're investing >£5.5 billion into our transmission network, directly supporting the rapid growth needed in renewable energy. With diverse opportunities across our businesses and a commitment to invest in our own internal talent, ScottishPower can offer people real career opportunities that meet personal and professional goals, in a global organisation.

Inclusion, diversity, and a social purpose are at the heart of everything we do. Together with our values, they bring us together into a stronger, more sustainable business with direct links to the communities we serve. It takes all kinds of people to build a large-scale business like ours, so whatever your background, you'll fit right in.

We are committed to providing reasonable support or adjustments in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long term conditions, mental health conditions, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support. If you need support, please reach out to [email protected].

Mobility

Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country. If/when required, the Company will support the employee with the necessary Immigration requirements.