Description:
Join SP Energy Networks as a Lead QA Engineer and play a key role in transforming how we manage and operate our electricity transmission network. Working within our Advanced Energy Management System (AEMS) team, you'll provide expertise in testing, validation, and performance of central systems that keep electricity flowing to millions of homes and businesses across Scotland, North Wales, and North West England. This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects including REPOWER, Circuit Rating Management Systems, Dynamic Line Rating, and System Restoration Services—all critical to Scotland's goal to reach Net Zero by 2044. You'll work with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure our systems meet the highest standards of reliability and performance.
What you'll be doing
- You'll coordinate the end-to-end testing strategy for our AEMS centralized systems, working closely with project teams and external vendors to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance. Your role will involve gathering testing requirements from subject matter experts, producing technical documentation, and mapping scenarios to enable comprehensive test execution.
- Your accountabilities will span the full lifecycle—from Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) in development environments, through User Acceptance Testing (UAT) in pre-production, to Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) with operational control teams. You'll verify system performance under expected workloads, test integration with Real Time Systems including PowerOn and Eterra, and conduct reliability and failover testing to ensure system resilience between primary and secondary sites.
- Working with cross-functional teams of engineers, technicians, and project managers, you'll identify and resolve issues, document test procedures and findings, and communicate recommendations to key stakeholders. You'll maintain accurate records of system configurations across development and UAT environments, ensure the availability of test infrastructure, and provide guidance and knowledge exchange to junior engineers.
What you'll bring
- You'll have experience with electricity transmission networks and control systems, along with familiarity with relevant industry standards such as IEC104, Modbus/TCP, IEC 61850, and IEEE standards. Your background includes end-to-end testing across IED, SCADA, server, and network infrastructure, backed by an HND or degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline.
- You possess the ability to create detailed technical test specifications and documentation, with experience in gathering and documenting technical environments. Your knowledge extends to testing methodologies and tools, communication protocols, and network technologies. Familiarity with OT security practices and best practices will serve you well in this role.
- Your problem-solving abilities and methodical approach are excellent, matched by your communication skills and ability to work effectively with others. You're highly organized, detail-oriented, and quality-focused, with strong presentational and verbal communication capabilities. Experience with IED test equipment such as Omicron would be beneficial, though not essential.
- Above all, you demonstrate strong safety awareness, professional behaviour, and integrity, bringing a positive, flexible approach and strong self-discipline to everything you do. You're willing to work across teams and contribute to additional projects and initiatives that advance departmental and company goals.