Engineer (Electric Control and Instrumentation), Electrical Engineering

National Grid is hiring an Electrical Engineer for its engineering team at the Sandy Pond HVDC Converter Station in Ayer, MA.

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live.

The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry. To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

This engineer will be responsible for providing engineering support for projects involving the operation, modification and maintenance of the HVDC control and protection system, with a heavy focus on digital substation control systems and data networks.

ELECTRICAL HVDC CONVERTER STATION CONTROL:

• Review, approve and develop control software via block coding application (HiDraw). Interpret, troubleshoot and modify control system hardware using tools such as CAD (Microstation)

• Analyze and troubleshoot an operating HVDC converter station control system for proper continuous operation. Develop and implement solutions to correct problems, utilizing Microstation and HiDraw.
• Analyze control system for proper operation following system disturbances and determine causes of any improper operations. Develop and implement corrective actions.
• Develop design briefs for control system projects detailing various aspects of the project including the philosophy, design, equipment details, RTU/annunciator point lists etc.
• Investigate, evaluate, and propose new/replacement cubicle wiring and control equipment.
• Review, approve, and develop electrical schematics for control equipment including computers, breaker controls, protective relays, networks and equipment power.
• Participate in the review and development of control and protection specifications.
• Develop standard guidelines for control system.
• Document software and hardware modifications, utilizing vendor-specific specialized engineering change order procedures.
• Evaluate new control technologies.

ELECTRICAL HVDC CONVERTER STATION DATA INTEGRATION

• Design and configure communications systems within the HVDC converter station that transport digital data between intelligent electronic devices and entrance devices.
• Develop standards, guidelines and procedures for the selection, installation, configuring and commissioning of station network components.
• Support HVDC Converter station integration testing during project construction and commissioning.
• Evaluate new HVDC converter station network communications technologies, requirements, and procedures.

• • Meet the qualifications for a Associate Engineer according to National Grid's Technical Progression Series - Engineer standard including:
  • • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited engineering school with knowledge of high voltage power systems. (ABET accreditation may be waived should an individual have an ABET accredited master's degree in Engineering) and 2 years of relevent work experience.
  • Knowledge of basic control system design (knowledge of digital control systems desirable).
  • Ability to read electrical schematics and a working knowledge of the devices represented on typical utility substation schematics with a focus on control systems.
  • Understanding of basic HVDC converter station operation.
  • Knowledge of substation automation, digital communications techniques, and protocols desirable.
  • Knowledge of digital control tools desirable.
  • Proficient with MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
  • Demonstrate a high level of personal initiative and ability to interact with company personnel, contractors, and others in a positive, team building manner.
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
  • Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Ability to develop and deliver technical presentations.
  • Strong leadership skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks.
  • Ability to physically navigate in and around an electrical substation (experience working in energized substations and knowledge of substation testing, troubleshooting, construction and maintenance practices desirable)
  • Valid driver's license required with acceptable driving record that meets National Grid's Safe Driver Policy.
  • Ability to report to work on site in Ayer, Ma, 5 days/week.
  • Willingness to support occasional off-hours emergency work.
  • Valid driver's license with a safe driving history that meets National Grid's Safe Driver policy required.