Head of Engineering - Substations
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 5, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 3, 2026.
Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations and you'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in the office - Perth, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness
Salary: £101,000 - £151,400 + car /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
The role
SSEN Transmission is delivering one of the most ambitious periods of electricity network investment in the UK, with our network expected to double in size over the next six years as we enable the transition to Net Zero. We’re looking for a Head of Engineering - Substations to provide technical and people leadership across our Substations engineering discipline, shaping how we design, develop and assure the transmission network of the future.
Key responsibilities:
As Head of Engineering - Substations, you will:
- Provide technical leadership across the Substations discipline, setting direction and ensuring the right engineering standards, policies and technical guidance are in place.
- Lead Technical Authority for Substations, ensuring engineering decisions are consistent, robust and well governed across all projects.
- Drive innovation, Value Engineering and standardisation, challenging established approaches and embedding smarter, repeatable solutions that improve project and asset outcomes.
- Provide senior technical judgement on complex or novel engineering challenges, balancing safety, reliability, operability, constructability, cost, programme and whole-life value.
- Build a high-performing engineering community, leading and developing around 40 engineering specialists while strengthening technical capability, future leadership and collaboration across SSEN Transmission, our supply chain and industry partners.
What do I need?
To thrive in this role, you’ll ideally have:
- A degree-level engineering qualification or equivalent experience, ideally with an electrical engineering background.
- Strong technical knowledge of high-voltage electrical systems and Substation engineering, with the breadth and judgement to navigate complex engineering challenges.
- Significant senior engineering or technical leadership experience, ideally within electricity transmission, utilities or another safety-critical infrastructure environment.
- A strong understanding of engineering governance, Technical Authority and Design Authority, combined with the credibility to influence, challenge and support senior stakeholders and technical teams.
- Exceptional people leadership, communication and commercial judgement, with a track record of developing high-performing technical teams and a genuine passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
About SSE
SSE’s purpose is to be restless every day until we make electricity clean, affordable and available for all.
We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. This includes electricity transmission and distribution networks, onshore and offshore wind farms, hydro-electric power and flexible thermal generation. We also provide products and services for businesses and other customers.
Our investment plan will see SSE invest £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure to 2030.
SSEN Transmission own and operate the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for the communities we serve. But that's not all - we're upgrading the grid to deliver cleaner, homegrown power for the future and building the infrastructure needed for a cleaner electricity system to create secure power for generations to come.
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 [email protected] / 01738 341043 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.