Job Description
Senior Power System Planning Engineer
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Remote Work Option: Hybrid
Category: Engineering
Location: Belfast, County Antrim, United Kingdom
Our client is the System Operator for Northern Ireland, are the people behind Northern Ireland’s electricity transmission grid. They operate the Power System with world leading levels of variable asynchronous Renewable Generation, ensuring that everyone has power when they need it. But that’s not all, they are now transforming the Power System for future generations.
And that’s just the beginning of their story. They have a critical purpose. That purpose is to transform the Power System to enable our society to reduce our carbon emissions and meet our climate change and net zero ambitions. Be part of the transformation!
The Opportunity:
Our client embodies a culture that is driven by performance, knowledge and continual development.
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:
Essential;
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 such as NIE Networks and the Utility Regulator 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.
Your Role:
You will be part of the team that continues to keep the lights on while pushing the boundaries of safe system operation during the energy transition to our decarbonised future.
They require 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.
Collaborate closely with NIE Networks to deliver complete and robust solutions for Future Power System needs and customer connections.
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.