Lead Design Engineer - Power Systems

Job Description

SP Energy Networks is responsible for the transmission of electricity in central and southern Scotland. The SP Transmission network operates primarily at 400kV, 275kV and 132kV. The Transmission Network team is responsible for the development of the SP Transmission network and its long-term management through strategies, policies and plans, across a variety of programmes of work and complex projects, to minimise system, economic, safety and environmental risks. This includes maximising the performance of the transmission system, as expected by our customers and stakeholders, and maximising returns in both the short and long term. We identify and develop a range of programmes of work and complex projects for the transmission system, including asset modernisation, major new connections, reinforcement and other activities.

Our engineers display technical leadership by participating in industry working groups and other collaborative activities as required, guiding and supporting innovation projects, developing and testing new tools and methods to improve business capability and efficiency, and sharing knowledge in matters relating to power system planning and design.

What you'll be doing

• Lead the development and take ownership of long-term investment plans for the transmission network. This includes transmission network planning (up to 400kV) and the development of holistic solutions and plans to systematically address load related requirements over time, including new onshore and offshore connections, integrating with network modernisation plans.
• Take ownership of defining transmission system requirements, identifying the range of potential solutions and propose and justify network designs to ensure the transmission system maintains compliance with planning standards such as the NETS SQSS, Grid Code and other relevant design and asset management standards.
• Engagement on behalf of SP Energy Networks (SPEN) with stakeholders and customers regarding the development of the transmission network, connection capacity and opportunities, technical and security requirements, ensuring that the SPEN position is well understood and viewed favourably.
• Lead the development and implementation of investment strategies, policies, system designs, and plans, in accordance with best practice, to ensure effective management of the asset base consistent with legal and licence requirements.
• Develop robust and detailed engineering need cases and optioneering to support Regulatory engagement and submissions.
• Management of risk on the transmission network through leading the development of system plans, designs and other network policies and strategies in a coordinated and cost-effective manner. This will include identifying and resolving potential technical issues, evaluating alternative schemes to satisfy the power system development needs and proposing innovative design solutions.
• Application of commercial and technical innovation into policies and plans to maximise value whilst managing risk.
• Take part in industry working groups and collaborative projects and prepare, support and review as required industry and Licence documentation e.g. Future Energy Scenarios (FES), Electricity Ten Year Statement (ETYS) and Network Options Assessment (NOA), Business Plans etc.

What you'll bring

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or relevant experience.
• Chartered membership of the IET or equivalent, or working towards this.
• Experience in power system design and analysis or operations.
• Understanding of GB network design standards and codes (e.g. NETS SQSS, Grid Code), and
• of the operation of the transmission network.
• Knowledge of SPEN/ industry health and safety requirements and compliance.
• Knowledge and significant experience of Legal and licence obligations, electricity transmission network design philosophy, policies and practices.
• Knowledge of Regulatory, technical and commercial frameworks and issues impacting SPEN.
• Working knowledge and experience of Industry codes and standards, connection requirements for on- and off-shore transmission systems.
• Working knowledge of STC processes and procedures associated with the Electricity System Operator interface, including the processes in support of the production of the annual FES, ETYS and NOA documents.
• Awareness of Advanced data processing and analytical methods.
• Track record of excellent customer service and an ability to meet/exceed customer expectations.
• Good influencing and communication skills with the ability to write clear reports and present complex technical matters to a non-technical audience.
• Ability to develop and contribute to large scale infrastructure investment plans which are deliverable and maximise return.

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 Schemes
• Payroll Giving and Charity Matched Funding
• Technology Vouchers - save more and spread the cost of your technology purchases
• Electric Vehicle Schemes - to help you transition to green/clean driving
• Cycle to Work scheme and Public Transport Season Ticket Loans
• Healthcare benefit options including: Dental Insurance, Private Medical Insurance, Health Cash Plan and annual Health Assessments
• Life Assurance (4x salary)
• Access to Savesmart 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.