Senior Lead Engineer - Networks

Role Title: Senior Lead Engineer
Reports to: Head of Networks
Location: Belfast
Who We Are
SONI is Northern Irelands Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Irelands electricity grid. We make sure that every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm has power - when and where they need it.
And thats just the beginning of our story. We have a critical role to play in delivering a cleaner, cheaper more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.
Our focus is on safety, security and reliability. Our work environment is challenging, fast-moving, collaborative and team orientated. Our culture is driven by continual development, knowledge and teamwork.
Our people are committed to reducing Northern Irelands reliance on fossil fuels and transforming the energy system to make decarbonisation a reality while providing a safe and reliable electricity supply in a way that secures the future for those who follow us.
The work you will deliver with us here at SONI matters. Join a great and supportive team and be part of the transformation.
The Role
We plan, develop and operate the transmission system to help ensure electricity is available safely, securely and reliably, while supporting the transformation of Northern Ireland's energy system.
Our Networks team has an important role in preparing the electricity transmission network for the future. The team identifies and develops the network investment needed to support Northern Ireland's energy and climate ambitions and assesses new generation, demand and technology connecting to the transmission system.
As Senior Lead Engineer, you will play a leading technical role within the team. You will lead detailed power system analysis that informs important network and connection decisions.
You will also oversee key transmission network datasets, models and analysis tools used by the wider Networks team. Working with colleagues and external stakeholders, you will turn complex technical analysis into clear evidence and recommendations that support the development of Northern Ireland's electricity system.
This is an opportunity to apply specialist engineering expertise to work with a direct impact on the future of Northern Ireland's power system, while supporting colleagues and contributing to the development of technical capability across the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the delivery of studies such as transient stability analysis and harmonic assessments to support the connections of new generation, demand and enabling technologies to the transmission system.

• Develop and maintain transmission network models in collaboration with NIE Networks, EirGrid and other relevant stakeholders.

• Lead the technical contribution to key statutory and regulatory publications, including the Transmission Development Plan Northern Ireland (TDP NI), Transmission Forecast Statement (TFS) and Transmission Investment Plan (TIP), working in collaboration with NIE Networks.

• Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency, quality and consistency of network analysis processes and associated policies.

• Develop and maintain automation scripts and tools that make network analysis more efficient and repeatable.

• Build constructive working relationships with stakeholders including NIE Networks, EirGrid, the Utility Regulator and relevant government departments.

• Prepare clear, evidence-based technical reports, recommendations and governance papers for technical and non-technical audiences.

• Explain complex engineering analysis and its implications clearly to colleagues and external stakeholders.

• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to colleagues, supporting knowledge sharing and an inclusive, collaborative team environment.

• Support the Head of Networks with the planning and delivery of operational activities, technical workstreams and projects.

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential:

• A degree in engineering or another relevant discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.

• At least 5 years relevant post graduate experience in power systems engineering, network or connections planning, or a closely related area, with evidence of operating at the level required for this senior role.

• Strong technical knowledge of power systems, including transmission networks, connections planning and transmission equipment.

• Experience undertaking relevant power system studies, which may include dynamic, harmonic or techno-economic analysis.

• Experience using power system modelling or analysis software such as PSSE, PowerFactory or comparable tools.

• Experience analysing engineering data and using appropriate analytical or automation tools. Experience may include Excel, Python, macros or comparable technologies.

• Experience preparing clear, evidence-based technical reports and communicating findings to internal or external stakeholders.

• Ability to explain complex technical information clearly and appropriately to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple workstreams effectively in a changing environment.

• Ability to collaborate effectively, build constructive working relationships and contribute positively to a team.

Desirable:

• Understanding of Northern Ireland's electricity transmission system and the wider energy sector.

• Knowledge of the Transmission Interface Arrangements and relevant Utility Regulator approval processes.

• A relevant postgraduate qualification, such as a Master's or PhD.

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, or progress towards an appropriate professional qualification.

• Experience applying project management principles to technical or engineering work.

• Knowledge of relevant regulations, licences, technical standards, codes and policies relating to transmission systems or connections planning.

• Experience applying structured problem-solving and analytical approaches to complex engineering issues.

Why join us?

• Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.

• Enjoy a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover, and pension matching.

• Benefit from flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options (3 days office / 2 days home).

• Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave and wellbeing days.

• Benefit from our award-winning wellbeing programme, designed to support your physical and mental wellbeing.

• A one-off payment of up to £5,000 is available to support employees undergoing fertility treatment.

• Employees are entitled to two weeks' paid bereavement leave following a miscarriage, reflecting our commitment to supporting colleagues through significant life events with compassion and care.

• Access salary sacrifice schemes (such as cycle to work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch.

• Access professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways.

• We offer an inclusive culture that values diversity, supports flexible working and empowers you to grow. We know flexible working means different things to different people. Contact us if youd like to talk about how this role could work for you.

If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the energy sector, wed love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future of SONI and delivering a cleaner and more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.
Closing date for applications is 16 October 2026
SONI reserves the right to extend this deadline where necessary to maximise the applicant pool.
Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).
SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone can thrive. As a STEM organisation, we are continuing to strengthen gender diversity across our engineering and technology roles and welcome applications from women who want to build and apply their expertise to Northern Irelands energy system.
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.

Skills:
Power Systems Engineering Transmission Network Planning Network Modelling

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