Substation Lead Principal Engineer
SSE Renewables
Company Overview
SSE Renewables, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SSE plc
Perth, Scotland, United Kingdom
2010
Approximately 4,900 MW of renewable capacity as of March 2023 (source: dcfmodeling.com). SSE plc reported £8.4 billion in revenue for 2023 (source: dcfmodeling.com).
What They Do
SSE Renewables specializes in the development, ownership, and operation of renewable energy assets, primarily focusing on onshore and offshore wind farms, as well as hydroelectric generation. The company is a key player in the renewable energy sector, with a significant emphasis on expanding its capabilities in emerging technologies such as battery storage and hydrogen. SSE Renewables operates within SSE plc's broader low-carbon infrastructure framework, which includes extensive electricity transmission and distribution grids that span nearly 132,000 km and serve approximately 3.8 million customers (source: en.wikipedia.org). The company has a strong commitment to sustainability and aims to address the climate emergency through large-scale renewable projects.
Projects & Track Record
SSE Renewables has an impressive portfolio of completed projects, including the 504MW Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm, which was completed in 2012 off the coast of Suffolk, England, and the 588MW Beatrice offshore wind farm, which became operational in 2019 off Caithness, Scotland. The company also developed the 100MW Glendoe hydroelectric scheme near Fort Augustus, Scotland, completed in 2009, and the Clyde wind farm, which was operational by 2013, making SSE the largest onshore wind generator in Great Britain and Ireland at that time. Additionally, the 72MW Meentycat wind farm in Ireland is notable for supplying 100% renewable electricity (source: sserenewables.com). The company is currently engaged in major projects such as the 1.1GW Seagreen offshore wind farm, which began construction in 2020 and is set to be completed in 2023.
Recent Developments
In June 2023, SSE Renewables published a brochure celebrating 20 years of offshore wind, highlighting significant milestones from the Arklow Bank project in 2003 to the ongoing construction of the Seagreen project and the development of the Dogger Bank project, which is poised to be the world's largest offshore wind project. In 2023, SSE plc invested £2.3 billion in renewable assets, including wind and solar, achieving a total renewable capacity of 4.7GW, with SSE Renewables contributing 4.9GW by March 2023 (source: sserenewables.com). The company has committed to investing £24 billion over the next decade to further enhance its offshore and onshore wind capabilities.
Working There
SSE Renewables offers a variety of roles across its operations, including positions in renewable energy development, engineering, and customer service. The company operates from key locations such as its headquarters in Perth, Scotland, and various project sites including Cromarty Firth and Nigg, where significant construction activities are taking place for projects like Beatrice and Seagreen. The company culture emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, with initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Fund launched in 2013/14 to support local communities near renewable projects (source: sseheritage.com). SSE Renewables also provides training opportunities, particularly at its Dundee training facility, to ensure employees are well-equipped for the evolving energy landscape.
Last updated on Apr 21, 2026 | Report an issue
Job Description
The Network Engineering Team are part of the Network Directorate and are the Design and Technical Engineering Governance function for the Transmission Business. Their purpose is to ensure that suitable engineering guidance and specifications are in place for all Transmission projects and relevant business areas and that the design of the network and the equipment used ensures we operate safely, reliably and in compliance with the relevant legislation.
You will
- Manage the Substation Team including workload and resource planning, recruitment, development, and line management responsibilities , contribute to the wider Substations Group leadership team and represent SSEN Transmission at industry body events such as ENA, IEC or CIGRE working groups
- Lead design reviews as the Design Authority, offering Subject Matter Expert input to ensure project proposals are suitable for their purpose and to identify any necessary technical scope changes.
- Develop, maintain, and manage technical specifications and guidance notes for your area of expertise (Substation electrical design), while reviewing and updating existing documents based on project lessons learned , innovation and standardisation opportunities. Offer technical guidance and support to the transmission business within your discipline.
- As part of the Technical Authority, review test plans to ensure that all technology and equipment selected is adequately tested, proven and validated and review proposed suppliers and their factories to confirm their suitability to be approved for use on the transmission network
You have
- A degree in a relevant Engineering discipline and Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) with a relevant institution.
- Relevant experience in managing a team of subject-matter experts and as a Design and Technical Authority.
- Demonstrable experience on an expert level in the design, construction and installation of transmission substations ideally with experience of modularisation and standardisation.
- The ability and experience to technically assess issues, problems and/or faults related to substation design alongside an in depth understanding of the technical requirements for operation and maintenance of electrical substations.
- A detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of national and international standards alongside the capability and experience in writing technical specifications and guidance notes.
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 [email protected] / 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.
Apply now
Job expired?Please let SSE Renewables know you found this job on Rejobs. This will help us grow and get more people to work on renewable energy!
Apply now
Job expired?Please let SSE Renewables know you found this job on Rejobs. This will help us grow and get more people to work on renewable energy!
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About the role
May 14, 2026
Full time
Company
- Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Inverness, United Kingdom
- Perth, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Senior level with relevant engineering experience
UTC+00:00
