High Voltage Electrical Engineer

Company Overview:

Our client is a leading engineering solutions provider in the UK, specializing in power generation, electrical infrastructure, and energy transmission. With decades of experience in the industry, the company is known for delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to complex electrical projects. They work across various sectors including utilities, construction, and industrial projects, ensuring the highest standards in quality, safety, and performance.

The company is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment, offering career development opportunities and a strong focus on employee well-being.

Position: High Voltage Electrical Engineer

Location: Various locations across the UK (project-based and site work)

Reports To: Senior Electrical Engineer / Project Manager

Role and Responsibilities:

As a High Voltage Electrical Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of high-voltage electrical systems and equipment across a range of projects. You will work closely with other engineering teams and contractors to ensure the successful delivery of electrical infrastructure projects.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design & Development: Design high-voltage electrical systems for substations, power generation facilities, and transmission networks.
• Project Oversight: Lead the electrical engineering aspects of high-voltage projects, ensuring they meet client requirements, budgets, and timelines.
• Site Inspections & Testing: Oversee installation and commissioning of high-voltage systems. Perform site inspections to ensure all work meets quality and safety standards.
• Troubleshooting & Maintenance: Identify issues with high-voltage equipment, conduct fault finding, and lead maintenance activities to ensure the reliability and safety of electrical systems.
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure all electrical designs and systems comply with UK regulations, industry standards (BS, IEC, IEEE), and client specifications.
• Collaboration: Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical engineers, project managers, and site teams, to deliver projects effectively.
• Health and Safety: Maintain a strong focus on health, safety, and environmental standards on-site, conducting risk assessments and ensuring safe working practices.
• Reporting: Provide detailed reports and project updates to senior engineers and management, including progress, issues, and any required actions.
• Client Liaison: Engage with clients on technical issues, delivering expert advice on system design, commissioning, and operational improvements.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent) with a strong understanding of high-voltage systems and electrical design.
• Professional Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience working with high-voltage electrical systems, including designing, installing, and maintaining HV equipment (11kV, 33kV, 132kV, etc.).
• Specialized Knowledge: Proven experience in electrical engineering for power transmission, substations, or renewable energy projects.
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of UK electrical standards, including BS 7671, and compliance with industry regulations such as Health & Safety and Environmental Management.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiar with electrical design software and systems used in high-voltage electrical engineering (e.g., AutoCAD, ETAP, etc.).
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with clients, contractors, and project teams.
• Problem Solving: Ability to quickly identify and resolve issues related to high-voltage electrical systems.
• Certifications: Relevant electrical certifications, such as HV Authorised Person, would be a distinct advantage.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with renewable energy projects (wind, solar, etc.).
• Project management experience or certification (e.g., Prince2, PMP).
• Experience with power system protection and control systems.
• Knowledge of power systems analysis and simulation software.

Package:

• Salary: £40,000 - £60,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
• Bonus: Performance-related annual bonus
• Benefits:
• Company car or car allowance
• Pension scheme (up to 8% employer contribution)
• Private health insurance
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Life insurance and critical illness cover
• Career development and training opportunities
• Flexible working options

Types of Projects:

1. Substation Upgrades and Installations:

• Designing, upgrading, and maintaining electrical substations for power distribution.
• Projects may include the replacement or enhancement of transformers, circuit breakers, and switchgear, ensuring the infrastructure can handle higher capacity or more reliable transmission.

1. Power Transmission and Distribution:

• Working on the installation and maintenance of high-voltage transmission lines.
• Ensuring power reaches customers safely and efficiently, often involving the design of overhead lines or underground cables at voltages from 33kV to 400kV.

1. Renewable Energy Projects:

• Supporting the electrical integration of renewable energy systems like wind farms, solar parks, and battery storage.
• Engaging in projects where renewable energy is fed into the national grid, requiring robust high-voltage systems for safe and efficient distribution.

1. Electrical Grid Modernization:

• Involvement in projects to modernize existing electrical grids, upgrading infrastructure to incorporate smart grid technology, renewable integration, and improve system reliability and capacity.

1. Industrial and Commercial Installations:

• Designing and implementing high-voltage electrical systems for large industrial sites, manufacturing plants, and commercial buildings that require specialized, high-capacity electrical systems.

1. Utility and Energy Management:

• Working on projects for utilities companies focused on improving energy efficiency, reducing downtime, and increasing grid stability.
• Implementing control systems and automation to monitor and manage energy distribution.

1. High-Voltage Equipment Installation and Commissioning:

• Installing and commissioning high-voltage equipment such as circuit breakers, transformers, and voltage regulators on-site.
• Ensuring all electrical systems are tested for safety and functionality prior to being integrated into larger electrical networks.

1. Emergency and Reactive Maintenance:

• Providing reactive engineering support during emergencies or breakdowns in the electrical network.
• This may involve quick-response maintenance of high-voltage equipment to ensure minimal disruption in power distribution.

Types of Clients:

1. Utilities Companies:

• National Grid, regional electricity providers, and other major players in the power transmission and distribution sector.
• They require high-voltage engineers to maintain and upgrade their infrastructure, as well as integrate renewable energy sources.

1. Renewable Energy Providers:

• Companies involved in large-scale wind, solar, and hydroelectric projects.
• Engineers are involved in ensuring the electrical systems from these renewable energy plants are safely integrated into the national grid.

1. Construction Firms:

• Large construction companies working on projects such as new developments, industrial plants, or commercial facilities that require high-voltage power installations.

1. Energy and Power Generation Companies:

• Companies that generate electricity, including those involved in nuclear, gas, coal, and renewable energy production.
• Engineers may be involved in maintaining or upgrading the high-voltage equipment used for generating and transmitting power.

1. Government and Regulatory Bodies:

• Engineers may work on government-funded projects or infrastructure upgrades, especially in the utilities and energy sectors.
• These clients typically have strict regulatory and compliance requirements that must be met.

1. Industrial and Manufacturing Clients:

• Large-scale manufacturers and industrial operators who require high-voltage electrical systems for their plants.
• These may include engineering companies, data centers, and chemical plants that need reliable and safe high-voltage power supplies.

1. Infrastructure Developers:

• Clients involved in large infrastructure projects like transportation, airports, or major public facilities where high-voltage systems are needed for operations.

1. Private Sector Energy Consultants and Contractors:

• Engineering firms or contractors that specialize in delivering electrical solutions for clients across various industries.
• These companies often outsource high-voltage engineering expertise for project-specific work.

Example Response:

"The High Voltage Electrical Engineer will be working on a range of exciting projects, including upgrading and maintaining electrical substations, high-voltage transmission and distribution systems, and supporting renewable energy integration into the national grid. These projects will involve large utility companies, power generation firms, and industrial clients across the UK. You will also have the opportunity to work on the modernization of existing infrastructure, helping to improve grid stability and capacity while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The role will offer exposure to cutting-edge energy projects that are crucial to the country’s energy transition."