High Voltage Control Engineer
High Voltage Control Engineer
Ventus Energy is recruiting experienced High Voltage Control Engineers to join our 24/7 High Voltage Control Centre (HVCC) in Belfast. We are looking for engineers with demonstrable operational control experience on high voltage networks up to and including 400 kV, sound technical judgement and a disciplined approach to electrical safety.
Our HVCC supports the safe operation of renewable energy and electrical infrastructure assets. You will work with an authorised control team, coordinating network operations and maintaining clear communication with site personnel, clients and network operators. Demonstrable experience in transmission networks, Offshore Transmission Owner (OFTO) assets or comparable high voltage infrastructure would be particularly advantageous.
About this role
Reporting to the HVCC Manager, you will take operational responsibility for assets within your defined control boundaries and authorisation, applying the relevant client safety rules, operating procedures and interface arrangements.
· Monitor high voltage networks through SCADA, assess alarms and abnormal conditions, and coordinate a timely operational response.
· Plan, review and coordinate switching schedules and carry out or direct authorised switching, including planned outages, fault response and restoration.
· Coordinate electrical safety arrangements, including isolation, earthing and safety document interfaces, within the scope of your appointment.
· Manage operational interfaces and control boundaries with site Senior Authorised Persons (SAPs), other control centres and relevant network operators.
· Maintain accurate operational logs, equipment status records and shift handovers, including details of outages, restrictions and outstanding actions.
· Support emergency response procedures, escalate incidents and coordinate the mobilisation of authorised personnel when required.
· Contribute to switching reviews, incident learning, procedure development and the maintenance of competence and authorisation records.
What you will need
Required criteria
- Proven experience as a High Voltage Control Engineer or in an equivalent operational control role, with direct responsibility for high voltage networks up to and including 400 kV.
- Practical experience of high voltage switching coordination, outage management and the management of abnormal or fault conditions.
- A strong working knowledge of electrical safety rules, operational safety coordination, control boundaries and the interface between control engineers and site authorised personnel.
- Ability to interpret single line diagrams, switching schedules, plant indications and SCADA information, and make reasoned decisions under pressure.
- Clear, precise operational communication, with the confidence to challenge unsafe instructions, resolve uncertainty and escalate concerns.
- Clear, precise operational communication, with the confidence to challenge unsafe instructions, resolve uncertainty and escalate concerns.
- Accurate record keeping, effective shift handovers and proficiency with operational IT systems and Microsoft Office.
- Willingness and ability to work a 24/7 shift rota, including nights, weekends and public holidays, based at our Belfast HVCC.
Desired criteria
- Demonstrable experience with transmission networks, OFTO assets, offshore substations or 275 kV and 400 kV infrastructure.
- Current or previous Control Engineer, Control Person or SAP authorisation with a transmission owner, OFTO, DNO, renewable energy operator or comparable organisation.
- Experience of offshore or onshore wind, battery energy storage systems, or the operational interfaces between generation assets and transmission or distribution networks.
- Experience liaising with system operators and network control centres, including outage coordination and operational safety interfaces.
- A relevant electrical engineering qualification, or equivalent technical training and operational experience.
