Job No: S202510

Job Title: System Operational Readiness Senior Lead Engineer

Reports to: Head of System Operations

Contract: Permanent

Location: Belfast (Hybrid)

Who We Are

SONI is Northern Ireland’s Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Ireland’s electricity grid. We operate the Northern Ireland power system with world leading levels of variable asynchronous renewable generation, ensuring that everyone has the power they need, when and where they need it. But that’s not all, we are now transforming the Northern Ireland power system for future generations.

And that’s just the beginning of our story. We have a critical mission to transform the energy system to enable our society to reduce our carbon emissions and meet our climate change and net zero ambitions.

Be part of the transformation.

The opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for an innovative, solution-focused, resilient, individual to join our System Operations team as a System Operational Readiness Senior Lead Engineer. This is a new position with a focus on supporting System Operations to deliver on our purpose to ‘Transform the power system for future generations.’

You will support the System Operational Readiness Lead by carrying out a range of power system analyses and project development to execute operational change. You will be responsible for carrying out analysis of technical and economic problems, proposing solutions, preparing presentations and reports for internal and external stakeholders and supporting the development of new control centre tools, procedures and policies.

You will thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative work environment where you will play a key role in leading the energy transition, enabling a greener, more sustainable future for everyone in Northern Ireland.

The team

The System Operations function is responsible for the real time and near time operational activities in the Control Centre on a 24 x 7 basis across Northern Ireland, driving effectiveness and efficiency, embedding transformational change and ensuring SONI’s core remit is delivered. The team comprises highly skilled professionals with backgrounds in engineering and business/commerce.

Northern Ireland has a target to achieve 80% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and to be net carbon neutral by 2050. The System Operations team is central to the delivery of our primary role – the operation, development and enhancement of the all-island power system and the wholesale electricity market. Creating a culture of continuous improvement whilst maintaining operational resilience, that drives technical and process innovation is central to delivering on this role.

Key Responsibilities

What you will do

Lead on the development and implementation of complex projects, both technical and commercial, which are designed to achieve regulated targets and meet stakeholder needs in line with company requirements.
Implement and deliver on significant change as specified under the Shaping our Electricity Future framework. This includes the development and implementation of critical operational programmes of work to support the operation of the power system from 2-4 years out up to real time operation, whilst managing emerging operational risks.
Support the System Operational Readiness Lead to engage, influence and coordinate activity with our key customers and stakeholders to deliver on business strategy and ensure appropriate solutions are identified. This includes working with industry, NIE Networks, generators, the Regulatory Authorities, and other areas within SONI and the EirGrid Group to deliver on core remit in a cost effective and transparent manner.
Deliver business objectives, overcoming any new challenges and technical issues.
Lead on key operational work streams, co-ordinating the work of others
Review and update existing processes and procedures and introduce continuous improvement to increase efficiency and effectiveness as well as improve clarity and transparency.
Lead on System Operations input to audits and compliance management of operational activities and resolution of issues and change from audit findings.
Support the wider System Operations team with system operational activities, security of supply, outage management and incident analysis/investigation.
Perform all work to a high standard with a focus on on-time delivery, applying process excellence to deliver efficiency and quality output.
Anticipate and mitigate problems as they arise, developing solutions and escalating where necessary.
Lead on the transformation of work practices, processes and procedures in support of the Group Strategy.
Approach problem solving with an innovative mindset, being open to a wide range of solutions.
Any other reasonable duties and responsibilities as may be required.

About you

Skills And Experience

Essential:

Engineering degree or equivalent, with a minimum of 6 years post qualification experience.
Excellent knowledge of electrical power systems and awareness of energy targets and ambitions for decarbonisation of the energy sector.
Demonstrated experience of leading projects, and planning for successful delivery.
Demonstrated experience to scope and carry out complex analysis such as power system modelling and analysis using power systems analysis software (such as STNET, LSAT, PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD, or Plexos).
Knowledge of the industry, environment and context, e.g. knowledge of evolving energy policy.
Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills with an analytical and proactive mind-set.
Strong analysis, judgement and problem-solving skills along with an ability to make decisions and recommendations in a changing and dynamic environment
Ability to develop and provide innovative solutions to complex issues in a timely manner.
A proven ability to work effectively as part of a team, while also being able to define and guide work streams
Good oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts to a non-technical audience.
Commercial awareness with the ability to make decisions and recommendations in all aspects of project implementation.
Self-motivated, resilient and capable of delivering in the context of changing parameters/requirements.

Desirable

Experience of implementing significant change within System Operations or similar environment.
Familiarity with control room systems including EMS, MMS, LSAT, EDIL and RMT.

What You Will Get

This is an opportunity to lead and contribute to the advancement of a critical component of the energy infrastructure. The rewards package includes a competitive salary commensurate with experience, eligibility for an annual performance related payment, private medical provision, competitive pension with employer matching arrangements, a variety of salary sacrifice schemes (e.g. pension and cycle to work) together with hybrid working arrangements (3 days office: 2 days working at home), competitive holidays and complimentary car parking with electric charging point on site.

If you are an experienced project manager seeking a challenging and impactful role within the electricity sector, we invite you to apply. Join us in shaping the future of SONI and the wider industry. Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).

Closing date for applications is 18 February 2025.

We have a duty to prevent illegal working and applicants must demonstrate they have a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.

SONI is an equal opportunities employer. All appointments are based on merit.

SONI - System Operator for Northern Ireland jobs

System Operational Readiness Senior Lead Engineer