Job Review: Senior HVDC System Design Engineer with SSEN Transmission

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior HVDC System Design Engineer to join SSEN Transmission, a pivotal player in Scotland's energy infrastructure. The role offers a chance to contribute significantly to high-profile and complex HVDC and AC substation projects, influencing delivery from the initial design stages through to successful commissioning. If you're passionate about shaping the future of energy and possess a strong technical background in HVDC systems, this role presents a compelling career advancement.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Impactful Projects: You'll be involved in "high-profile and complex HVDC and AC substation projects," offering the chance to work on technically challenging and nationally significant infrastructure. This is a role where your contributions will be visible and have a tangible impact.
• Career Development & Mentorship: SSEN Transmission actively promotes best practices and innovation. This includes opportunities for "staff development, including mentoring graduates." This indicates a commitment to nurturing talent and sharing expertise, fostering your own growth while contributing to the development of others.
• Competitive Remuneration & Benefits: The position offers a "Competitive salary" with additional perks such as a "car/cash allowance," "performance-related bonus," and a "range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family." The mention of flexible benefits, including discounts on private healthcare, gym memberships, and wellbeing services, suggests a holistic approach to employee welfare.
• Flexible Working: "Flexible First options available" signals a modern and adaptable working environment, allowing for a better work-life balance.
• Location Options: The role is based from one of four key Scottish locations: Glasgow, Perth, Inverness, or Aberdeen, offering geographical flexibility within Scotland.
• Technical Leadership: The description emphasizes providing "technical expertise and leadership," offering you the platform to demonstrate and further develop your leadership capabilities within a specialized field.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Extensive HVDC Experience Required: The role demands "Extensive experience working on the Transmission Network with strong knowledge of HVDC system design, primary plant apparatus, and insulation coordination." Candidates without this specific and in-depth expertise may find the role a significant stretch.
• Chartered Engineer Status: While a degree in Electrical Engineering is a minimum, "ideally Chartered Engineer status (or working towards this)" is highly preferred. This suggests a desire for candidates with a high level of professional accreditation and a commitment to continuous professional development.
• Contractor Design Assessment: A crucial aspect of the role involves the "Proven ability to assess and challenge contractor designs and submissions effectively." Candidates should be confident in their technical scrutiny and ability to push back when necessary.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: You will need to ensure "effective coordination with other disciplines." This highlights the importance of strong communication and collaboration skills to work seamlessly with diverse teams.
• Commitment to Safety and Quality: Overseeing and attending critical testing stages like FAT, SAT, and commissioning, along with supporting site installation teams as NEC Supervisor, underscores the critical importance of adhering to stringent "quality and safety standards."
• Location Specificity: While there are multiple base locations, candidates must be willing and able to work from one of the specified Scottish sites.

This Senior HVDC System Design Engineer role at SSEN Transmission is a prime opportunity for seasoned professionals looking to make a substantial impact in the energy sector. It offers a blend of technical challenge, leadership responsibility, and a supportive work environment with a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing. For those meeting the rigorous experience and qualification requirements, this position represents a significant step forward in their career, contributing to a cleaner energy future for generations to come.