Lead Grid and Transmission Engineer

Ocean Winds (OW) is an international company dedicated to offshore wind energy and was created as a 50:50 joint venture, owned by EDP Renewables and Engie. Ocean Winds is currently operating one of the UK’s largest offshore wind farms, Moray East (950MW), is in the final stages of constructing Moray West (882MW) and its UK portfolio also includes Caledonia (2GW) and Arven (a 2.3GW floating offshore wind development) being developed through a 50:50 partnership with Mainstream Renewable Power.

Caledonia submitted its planning consent applications in late 2024. Caledonia now requires a Lead Grid and Transmission Engineer to manage the Project’s electrical design from concept stage through to detailed design, procurement, manufacture, installation, testing and to manage the process to connect the Project to the national electricity transmission network (NETS) including engagement with the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and Transmission Owner (TO) and demonstrate Grid Code compliance. The Lead Grid and Transmission Engineer shall also provide expert advice to the other projects in the OW UK portfolio. This expert advice will be in relation to any Grid Code compliance issues that arise during the operation of any OW projects and to the design, installation, testing and operation of transmission assets.

This presents an exciting opportunity for an individual who wishes to contribute to the UK’s net-zero targets by being a key player in the successful delivery of the Caledonia project. Reporting to the Head of Engineering, the Lead Grid and Transmission Engineer is a key member of the Caledonia engineering team, leading the overall electrical system design for the Caledonia project (the wind farm and associated transmission assets) and connection of the Project to the NETS. The Lead Grid and Transmission Engineer is responsible for developing the overall electrical system design for the Project that complies with all relevant industry codes, such as the Grid Code and the Security and Quality of Supply Standards (SQSS).

The Lead Grid and Transmission Engineer will use the overall electrical system design to produce the electrical specifications for the inter-array/export cables, on/offshore substations and SCADA system to be implemented in the Project. The Lead Grid and Transmission Engineer is also responsible for managing the Bilateral Connection Agreement and Construction Agreement for the Project and leading discussions with NESO) and the TO.

Main Accountabilities

Other accountabilities not covered under the general description:

• Overall accountability for the connection of the Project to the NETS. Ensure the Project complies with the terms of its Bilateral Connection Agreement and Construction Agreement; that the electrical system (taking account of the electrical characteristics of the wind turbines) shall meet all checks and tests to be considered compliant with the requirements of the Grid Code and Security and Quality of Supply Standards (SQSS); and that the Project fulfils the necessary compliance requirements to connect to and export onto the NETS.
• Ensuring that justifications for the design and delivery of the transmission assets in terms of efficiency and cost effectiveness has been documented within an appropriately configured document management structure to support the sale of the assets to an offshore transmission owner under the UK’s Generator Build model.
• Identify the need for specialist internal and external technical support.
• Provide technical support to other areas of the technical department including wind turbines, health and safety and other departments as necessary.
• Line manager for an electrical engineer.
• Support the technical development of this engineer and other transmission and electrical engineers within the OW Grid Connection and Transmission functional family.

Academic Background

• A degree in electrical / mechanical engineering or equivalent is preferred, however individuals with other qualifications will be considered if they can demonstrate the required knowledge.

Languages

English fluent

Experience

• Experience within the power / energy sector with experience of working on electrical systems up to 400kV is essential.
• Direct experience in undertaking or managing electrical system design of offshore wind farms and/or transmission assets is essential.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of electrical system design/study/analysis processes and techniques is essential.
• Working knowledge of key aspects of the GB regulatory regime such as the Grid Code, SQSS and associated approach to electrical system design.

Skills

• Dynamic, team-oriented person, who thrives on a variety of challenges and willing to learn.
• Ability and credibility for interacting with different types of high-level stakeholders and for training, coaching and supporting more junior team members.

At Ocean Winds we welcome candidates from all diverse backgrounds and strive for diversity and inclusion. We are dedicated to making our recruitment process as inclusive as possible by making reasonable adjustments to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates.

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