Metering, Protection & Power Systems Transient Analysis Senior Engineer

Metering, Protection & Power Systems Transient Analysis Senior Engineer (S202531)

BT6 9RT, Belfast, County Antrim, United Kingdom

Role Title: Metering, Protection & Power Systems Transient Analysis Senior Engineer
Reports to: System Support Technical Manager
Location: Belfast (Hybrid)

About Us
SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) is Northern Ireland's Transmission System Operator (TSO). We manage the electricity grid to ensure that power can flow from where it is generated to where it is needed. We are now transforming the power system for future generations. Be part of the change!

Our focus is on safety, security and reliability. Our work environment is challenging, fast-moving, collaborative and team orientated. Our culture is driven by performance, knowledge and continual development. Our people are committed to reducing Northern Ireland's reliance on fossil fuels and making decarbonisation a reality - while providing a safe and reliable electricity supply in a way that secures the future for those who follow us. Our future has never looked more exciting. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of it. The world is ready for change. If you are too, join us.

The Role
This is a specialist senior role in the company that spans a number of related technical areas. SONI has a Grid Code obligation regarding metering and ensuring that the meters on the power systems are functional to allow monitoring and settlement to occur. This is more the day-to-day role. In addition, this role also has a responsibility in ensuring that protection systems deployed across the power system meet our policy standards which requires close working with NIEN and customers.

SONI also has access to event / disturbance recorders / PMUs that are installed at various points on the power system. These record a lot of data at a high sampling speed for transient faults, oscillations, power system harmonics etc. The power systems with its growing inverter-based systems results in an increasing need to have high speed recorders in order to analyse transient behaviour such as oscillations. As well as managing and developing the systems that store this data, the role be expected to investigate "events" on the power system to understand and learn from them and if required develop tools and policies for our control room operators. There are also formal EU Regulations on the recording and publication of this data at and ENTSOe level.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day management of the meters on the power system e.g. chase up faults and get new meters installed.
• Be a lead on our protection policy to ensure compliance.
• Lead on investigating faults and events on the power system; and also reporting of faults to ENTSOe.
• Provide analytical support for any changes in Codes in the metering code area.
• Ideally have a deep understanding of transient behaviour of the power system including oscillations and harmonics.
• Be a good communicator in explaining the changes to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Working closely with your EirGrid/ NIEN equivalents in the relevant areas.
• Building strong and effective relationships with key stakeholders such as Eirgrid, NIEN and the Utility Regulator.
• Coding development including refinement and existing codes or creation of new codes as required.
• Preparing and presenting technical reports for senior management and communicating these clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Training and supporting other team members and contributing to a team culture that is solution focused.
• Identifying and implementing efficiencies in existing processes and policies.

What You'll Need
Joining SONI as a Metering, Protection & Power Systems Transient Analysis Senior Engineer, you'll need:

Essential:

• Electrical Engineering Degree and or power systems background in the relevant areas highlighted on key responsibilities of the role, with a minimum of 3 years relevant experience.
• Exemplary analysis, judgement and problem-solving skills along with an ability to make decisions promptly and effectively.
• Able to extract data from different systems using a variety of methods and developing code/scripts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication including presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of the requirements of stakeholders and industry relevant to the role.
• An ability to do advanced coding.
• Advanced level Excel skills for data analysis.
• Strong ability to develop and provide innovative solutions to complex problems in a timely manner.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Demonstrated flexible working approach with the ability to manage and deliver on a range of projects and activities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Strong IT skills including experience with Microsoft Office Package.

Desirable:

• Has studied and investigated power system behavior such as oscillations, harmonics etc.
• A higher degree in a relevant area.
• Experience of PI Vision.

Applicants should note that based on the response, SONI may increase the shortlisting criteria.

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, cycle to work and electric vehicle leasing scheme) together with hybrid working arrangements (3 days office: 2 days working at home), flexible start and finish times, competitive holidays and complimentary car parking with electric charging point on site. If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the electricity sector, we invite you to apply.

Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).

Please note that successful applicant(s) will be subject to Access NI/ International Security Check.

Closing date for applications is 13 June 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 an equal opportunities employer. SONI IS NOT providing sponsorship for this role.