Job Description
Senior Power System Planning Engineer
Location: Belfast
Contract: Permanent
Our client is the electric power transmission operator in Northern Ireland that is at the forefront of innovations in the energy industry, enabling economies to move towards a low-carbon, technology-enabled smart future.
They are on a mission to transform the energy system to enable society to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate change and net zero ambitions.
The Opportunity
As a Senior Power System Planning Engineer, you will have the opportunity to challenge yourself in a highly collaborative team responsible for planning the development of the power system in an efficient manner. This includes incorporating new ways of working to support the facilitation of renewable generation and other new infrastructure while maintaining operational standards.
About You
Their essential purpose is to deliver a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity, now, and for the future. That’s why they value experts with a passion for what they do, and who continuously seek out personal and professional development by challenging themselves to deliver their full potential in a purpose driven environment.
Knowledge, Skills And Experience
- An engineering degree with typically with 4+ years relevant experience and knowledge of the power system.
- Ambition to support the development of the transmission system to realise renewable targets and demand growth, integration of new technologies on the power system and, EU/UK energy policy framework.
- Ability to solve complex problems in a fast collaborative environment, demonstrating strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Competent in power system analysis such as steady state load flow, voltage, short circuit analysis and transient stability using power system simulation tools such as PSS/E, PowerFactory, DSA tools, Matlab or Plexos.
- Practical understanding of electrical infrastructure development with working understanding of the development of overhead lines and cables, HV plant and apparatus.
- Ability to work well within a team with flexibility in approach, including a strong ability to work under own initiative to tight deadlines to bring projects to completion.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on high quality report writing and ability to communicate technical matters clearly and effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Experience mentoring junior team members in power system analysis and planning.
- Ability to work collaboratively across the organisation and with external stakeholders to drive broader engagement as we strive to transform the power system for future generations.
- Competent in Microsoft Office systems.
- Clear and keen interest in continuous professional development.
Desirable
- An electrical engineering degree.
- Competent in scripting and using Python to support power system analysis.
- An appreciation of Cost Benefit Analysis.
- An understanding of consenting processes for electricity infrastructure and an appreciation of the impact of electricity infrastructure on local communities and the environment.
- Experience working in a regulated industry and preparing regulatory submissions for cost recovery.
- Membership of relevant professional body.
They Need People Who Can
- Identify future power system needs and possible solutions by carrying out power system analysis such as steady state load flow, voltage short circuit and transient stability.
- Develop and appraise system reinforcement options across multiple criteria including technical, cost and environment, recommending the optimal solution.
- Carry out conduct cost benefit assessments.
- Determine optimal methods for connecting generation and demand customers to the transmission system and identifying associated transmission reinforcements.
- Liaise with customers seeking a grid connection, communicating technical information clearly and effectively.
- Apply the Transmission System Security and Planning Standards.
- Apply knowledge and experience in power system modelling and simulation using PSS/E, Plexos or DIgSILENT Power Factory.
- Mentor junior team members and contributing to a team culture that is solution focused.
- Write robust technical reports and communicate these clearly and succinctly to internal and external stakeholders.
- Prepare papers with the purpose of securing internal governance and external regulatory approval for Transmission Network Pre-construction Projects.
- Identify and implement innovative solutions that can improve how the future power system is planned and delivered