Role Title: Power System Planning Engineers
Reports to: Head of Networks
Location: Belfast (Hybrid – 2 days remote/3 days office)
Who We Are
SONI is Northern Ireland’s Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Ireland’s electricity grid. We make sure that every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm has power - when and where they need it.
And that’s 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 Ireland’s 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
SONI is seeking to recruit both a Power System Planning Engineer and a Senior Power System Planning Engineer to join our Networks team. These roles will play a key part in shaping Northern Ireland's electricity network and supporting the transition to a low-carbon energy future.
Working within the Power System Planning team, you will contribute to the development of the transmission system, ensuring it can safely and efficiently accommodate increasing volumes of renewable generation, demand growth, and emerging technologies while maintaining security of supply.
Depending on your skills, qualifications and experience, successful candidates will be appointed at either Engineer or Senior Engineer level.
Key Responsibilities
As a Power System Planning Engineer or Senior Power System Planning Engineer, you will:
- Conduct power system studies and analysis to identify risks and opportunities across the transmission network.
- Develop and assess transmission network reinforcement solutions.
- Support long-term strategic and spatial energy planning initiatives in Northern Ireland.
- Evaluate connection options for new generation, demand and enabling technologies.
- Develop technical reports, standards and documentation used across the electricity industry.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with regulators, industry participants and key stakeholders.
- Identify and implement improvements to planning processes, methodologies and policies.
- Collaborate with the Transmission Owner and other stakeholders to develop and maintain transmission network models.
Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Power System Planning Engineer:
Essential:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering or an equivalent relevant discipline.
- Minimum of 2 years' relevant engineering or industry experience.
- A strong interest in supporting the transition to a net zero power system.
- Understanding of power system analysis and a desire to further develop technical expertise.
Desirable:
- Understanding of transmission system operation and planning.
- Ability to solve complex technical problems.
- Strong collaborative and team-working skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to analyse large datasets and an interest in Python programming.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Senior Power System Planning Engineer:
Essential:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering or an equivalent relevant discipline.
- Minimum of 4 years' relevant engineering or industry experience.
- Strong technical knowledge of power systems, transmission planning and transmission equipment.
- Experience conducting power system studies, including load flow and transient stability analysis.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs to challenging timescales.
- Experience analysing large datasets using Python programming.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Desirable:
- Commitment to supporting the transition to a net zero power system.
- Understanding of the Northern Ireland transmission system.
- Experience with power system analysis tools such as PSS®E and PowerFactory.
- Experience working within the electricity or energy sector.
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.
- 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 you’d like to talk about how this role could work for you.
If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the energy sector, we’d 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 20 August 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 Ireland’s 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. 