Senior Lead HVDC Engineer

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Pattern Energy is a leading renewable energy company that develops, constructs, owns, and operates high-quality wind and solar generation, transmission, and energy storage facilities. Our mission is to transition the world to renewable energy through the sustainable development and responsible operation of facilities with respect for the environment, communities, and cultures where we have a presence.

Our approach begins and ends with establishing trust, accountability, and transparency. Our company values of creative spirit, pride of ownership, follow-through, and a team-first attitude drive us to pursue our mission every day. Our culture supports our values by fostering innovative and critical thinking and a deep belief in living up to our promises.

Headquartered in the United States, Pattern has a global portfolio of more than 35 power facilities and transmission assets, serving various customers that provide low-cost clean energy to millions of consumers.

JOB PURPOSE

The purpose of the Senior Lead HVDC Engineer role is to oversee engineering design and construction of HVDC transmission systems through the planning, design, construction, and commissioning phases, and to provide successful hand off including necessary training to Operations Team to ensure ease of transition. The successful candidate will support Pattern Energy transmission projects by performing conceptual design and front-end engineering design activities, developing technical specifications, evaluating tenders, reviewing vendor design submissions, witnessing factory tests, monitoring construction activities, and supporting commissioning activities. 

 Key Accountabilities

The key responsibilities will include the following:

• Coordinate engineering design activities related to HVDC facilities from conceptual phase through final close-out and hand off to Operations Team.
• Provide technical expertise in the design of HVDC transmission systems to all stakeholders including Operations Team.
• Prepare conceptual designs that identifies concepts, technology, architecture, and requirements for HVDC transmission systems including main circuit equipment, controls and protection and auxiliary equipment.
• Liaise and coordinate with other groups within the Corporation, external consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors.
• Prepare scope and cost estimates for input into capital project justifications associated with HVDC transmission systems.
• Review and accept designs and reports by consultants and vendors ensuring compliance with project specifications and standards.
• Oversee the design, interface coordination and commissioning of HVDC transmission facilities including interconnections to generation and utilities.
• Review study reports, design drawings, equipment specifications, factory and field test plans, factory and field commissioning test reports and any other vendor and contractor deliverables associated with HVDC transmission facilities.
• Lead and direct Pattern staff and Owner’s Engineer for project deliverables and maintain accountability in terms of meeting committed schedules and budgets.
• Ensure proper construction and commissioning of HVDC facilities.
• Performance analysis and root cause analysis for troubleshooting any issues encountered in HVDC transmission facilities during construction phase.
• Develop and prepare specialized commissioning and acceptance test procedures for the installation of HVDC transmission systems considering overall generation integration.

EDUCATION/Experience/Qualifications Required

Educational Experience

A Masters or bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related degree with interest in power systems with demonstrated HVDC work experience is required as a minimum.

Work Experience

12 years or more experience in electrical engineering with at least 8 years of relevant experience in study, design, specification, construction, testing and commissioning of HVDC transmission systems.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong technical capabilities and a creative, curious, self-driven work ethic
• Demonstrated effectiveness in carrying out complex projects and tasks with minimum supervision.
• Ability to work well in and/or lead cross functional teams with little supervision or oversight
• Strong oral, written and presentations skills.
• Ability to travel frequently (up to 30% travel)

Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of application and operation HVDC technology.
• Advanced knowledge of HVDC system design including experience with converter valves, valve cooling, converter transformers, reactors/capacitors, auxiliary systems and control and protection systems.
• Experience in preparing technical specifications and tender documents for HVDC converter stations, evaluating bid documents, performing design reviews, witnessing factory tests, construction monitoring and on-site commissioning.
• Knowledge in review of studies related to HVDC systems.
• Experience in witnessing and reviewing results from factory and on-site testing.
• Knowledge of applicable codes and standards related to HVDC transmission.
• Field experience with installation, commissioning, and maintenance of HVDC transmission systems would be an asset.
• Working knowledge in construction and/or maintenance of HVDC facilities would be an asset.
• Demonstrated ability in planning, organizing and directing engineering work involving a high degree of specialization.
• Ability to quickly assess technical outages and requirements with the ability to develop and implement appropriate action plans

The expected starting pay range for this role is $149,000 - $186,000 USD. This range is an estimate and base pay may be above or below the ranges based on several factors including but not limited to location, work experience, certifications, and education. In addition to base pay, Pattern’s compensation program includes a bonus structure for full-time employees of all levels. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, voluntary benefits, family care benefits, employee assistance program, paid time off and bonding leave, paid holidays, 401(k)/RRSP retirement savings plan with employer contribution, and employee referral bonuses.

Pattern Energy Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.