Role Title: Grid Control Engineer (Switching) Reports to: System Operations Manager Location: Castlereagh House, Belfast 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 We are seeking a Grid Control Engineer to join our System Operations team in the Control Room in Belfast. You will ensure that the Northern Ireland Transmission system is being operated safely to agreed security standards. You will be responsible for a range of functions in real time grid operations: including system operations, security of supply, management of generation and transmission performance, outage management, supporting incident analysis, monitoring and testing to ensure efficient performance of grid operations, project management, provision of system support services and grid planning functions, and provision of information used in settlement of the all-island market. Key Responsibilities Managing Northern Ireland System security under intact, outage and fault conditions. Working with NIE Networks to ensure safe operation under all conditions. Carry out system studies for outage planning and real time system security analysis including the use of LSAT. Assistance with generation and transmission outage planning, long term, short term and day ahead. Checking Interconnector and cross border schedules. Responsible for voltage control of the Northern Ireland system to meet security standards. Instruct load shedding, cycling and restoration to agreed procedures. Review of Dispatch and Scheduling Engineer recommendations for scheduling and dispatch decisions under I-SEM and approval for Northern Ireland. This can include ensuring transmission outages are in relevant I-SEM systems. Incident investigation and analysis including Balancing Market abnormalities. Development of system support tools such as renewable forecasting and load forecasting. Support and maintenance of data provision to the I-SEM, DSOs and internally as required e.g. Electronic Logs. Liaising with third party providers and developing pro-active working relationships with EirGrid, Power Stations, DSOs, Interconnectors, Other TSOs and Regulators. Support with the development and achievement of departmental KPIs and performance targets. Liaise with other SONI/EirGrid departments regarding provision of data required in non-real time activities. Assist with the introduction and development of new technologies to the Northern Ireland system. Point of contact for Regional/ European Control Centres e.g. GB/CORESO. Update future European IS systems as required e.g. ENTSOe Awareness System, ICMP. Review and issue of operations instructions, operating guidelines and policies etc. as may be required from time to time. Assist in the preparation and delivery of training for Control Room staff. Participation in simulation exercises and development of these exercises as necessary. Review and monitoring of plant margins, system demand forecast, renewable forecasts and generation to ensure security standards are maintained in real time for Northern Ireland. Coordination with other TSOs (EirGrid and National Grid) under emergency conditions. Project management when required. Any other reasonable tasks as may be requested. It should be recognised that the nature of this post will change over time as the needs of the business change. It is a requirement of the job that the holder will contribute to this development. What You’ll Need Joining SONI as a Grid Control Engineer, you’ll need: Essential: A degree in a relevant subject; or an HNC in a relevant subject combined with relevant experience. Experience in more than one of the following areas: Transmission systems Power Stations Power Systems Operations Generation, transmission system development planning Power system (including generators) protection maintenance or commissioning. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Ability to work and commit to shift work, including night shift, for which a shift allowance will be paid. Operational knowledge of Energy Management Systems (EMS) and other real time applications required to monitor system security. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines using analytical skills that are both detailed and commercially oriented. Effective decision making and problem-solving skills. Ability to work on own initiative with minimum supervision. A strong team ethic as it is essential to work closely with the System Operations team in a 24/7 environment and to support other SONI/EirGrid departments. Ability to multi-task successfully. Effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills when required. Fully flexible approach to job role and the changing business environment. Competency in the role and will be required to undertake continual development in line with changes to European Legislation. Desirable: Detailed knowledge of the Northern Ireland Transmission System. Experience of loading/switching operations in a real time control environment. Experience of unit commitment software. Experience of European Network Codes and European power systems. 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 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). Closing date for applications is 10 January 2025. SONI is an equal opportunities employer.