Substations Risk Principal Engineer

Substations Risk Principal Engineer

ScottishPower HQ, Glasgow

Salary starting from £70,800 per annum plus up to 20% annual bonus, car allowance (£450pcm) and family healthcare cover.

Flexible Hybrid Working

Closing Date: 14 June 2026

Help us create a better future, quicker

SP Energy Networks (SPEN) are working to achieve network targets set by the Scottish and UK Government as part of our journey to Net Zero. Our focus is on harnessing technology and innovation to create the networks of the future. SPEN is building a dynamic network to meet the changing demands for electricity and increasingly, renewable electricity – safely, securely and sustainably in the communities we serve.

The Substations Risk Principal Engineer within Network Planning and Regulation reports directly to the Transmission Asset Risk Manager.

The Principal Engineer will lead the development and implementation of strategies, policies and plans for transmission substations, ensuring long[1]term resilience, safety and cost efficiency.

The postholder will also provide technical and strategic leadership for substations, influence internal and external stakeholders and manage a team to deliver asset risk management objectives aligned with regulatory and business requirements. They will closely collaborate with the Engineering Design and Standards and SPT Project teams are a key aspect of the role.

What you’ll be doing

• Define and implement long term asset strategies for substation assets, aligned with the current and future regulatory frameworks.
• Govern the intervention plans for substations, balancing cost, risk and performance to maximise network availability.
• Lead the development of condition assessment and maintenance strategies for substations, ensuring that the data gathered informs investment planning and risk models.
• Oversee failure investigations and ensure lessons learned are embedded in future strategies.
• Represent SPEN at industry forums and regulatory engagements, influencing policy and technical standards.
• Manage a team of specialist professional engineers, providing clear technical, commercial and regulatory guidance.
• Interface regularly with colleagues from across the business at a senior level to ensure that all work is carried out in a coordinated manner and in accordance with licence requirements and industry best practice.
• Provide strategic input to business planning and investment prioritisation for circuits.
• Identify and support process improvements either within the Asset Risk team or across the wider business.

What you’ll bring

• Knowledge of the transmission network and its unique and complex technical challenges with a wide variety of sensitive stakeholders.
• Significant experience in a responsible position and expert knowledge of the following areas at voltages from 132kV to 400kV: Transformers, Reactors, Switchgear and substation auxiliaries, Operations & Maintenance.
• Excellent written, verbal and numerical skills, capable of effectively analysing data to identify risks and opportunities.
• Ability to translate strategic thinking and direction into policies and deliverable plans.Ability to influence and collaborate at a senior level across SPEN and the wider industry.
• Strong understanding of the energy industry structure, legal/contractual framework and regulatory funding mechanisms.
• Working knowledge of SP Energy Networks policies, procedures and working practices.
• Provide Direct Reports and Senior Managers with a clear sense of purpose and  direction, stimulating a productive team climate where members participate and feel involved.

To be successful in this role, as minimum you will demonstrate:

• Degree in an engineering discipline supported by experience in an operational,  technical or commercial engineering role.
• Knowledge of the transmission network and its unique and complex technical challenges.  
• Strong communication skills given the requirement to interface with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of industry health & safety requirements.
• Willingness to travel throughout the SPT licence areas or to other locations (i.e. London, Spain) on a short-term basis.
• A balanced competence set which would meet the requirements of Chartered membership of the IET.
• Valid UK driving licence.
• Scottish Power Safety Rules Authorisation to a minimum of APSA.

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.

IMPORTANT 

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