Project Technical Lead

Department: Electricity Transmission - Operations

Job Function: Engineering

Join us and help deliver world-class HVDC projects that will shape the future of the UK's transmission system.

Our new Strategic Infrastructure (SI) business unit has been set up to deliver a programme of new major projects in the UK, as well as other strategic projects to help us deliver on our net zero ambitions and help the UK Government meet its target of roughly 50GW of renewable energy by 2030.

That's why we're looking for a Project Technical Lead to join the SI Engineering & Project Delivery team that will deliver the portfolio of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems essential to enable the connection of increasing volumes of renewable power generation.

Our project portfolio includes our Eastern Green Link projects; four HVDC links, each transferring 2GW of green energy between various locations in Scotland and England, and Sea Link, an HVDC link to reinforce the transmission network between Suffolk and Kent. Given the scale of the challenge, more great projects are currently under development.

This role welcomes applicants UK wide, and we offer hybrid working from office and home. You'll be given the flexibility you need to shape your role and will have the chance to work in a dynamic environment at the heart of the energy transition.

As a Project Technical Lead, you'll play a critical role in delivering National Grid's HVDC projects, ensuring they meet technical, safety, and regulatory standards. You will be responsible for managing the engineering aspects of HVDC projects from conception and specifications through to commissioning, working closely with internal teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes.

• Own the engineering delivery plan for the project.
• Lead and manage the engineering design, development, and integration of HVDC projects within National Grid's transmission network.
• Ensure compliance with UK transmission regulations, Grid Code, and international HVDC standards (e.g., IEC, CIGRÉ). Collaborate with regulators, stakeholders, and internal departments to ensure alignment with NGET policies and strategic objectives.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and guidance to multi-disciplinary engineering teams, including power systems, civil, cable, and electrical engineers.
• Develop the design specifications of the project with JV partners, and support the procurement and evaluation of HVDC equipment, working with vendors and technology providers.
• Manage engineering risks, ensuring project designs adhere to safety, reliability, and environmental requirements.
• Lead the review and approval of technical designs, ensuring compliance with National Grid's technical policies and procedures.
• Provide engineering expertise to support cost estimation, planning, and feasibility studies for future infrastructure projects. There will be an opportunity to influence the future standards.

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related field (Chartered Engineer is a bonus).
• Ability to distil complex technical information into simple concepts for all audiences.
• Proven experience in project engineering within a Transmission System Operator (TSO), utility, or Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) environment.
• Understanding of HVDC assets (e.g., converter stations, system design, control systems, and DC cable systems).
• Commercial acumen in dealing with the supply chain.
• Experience working with Grid Code requirements, system studies, and network integration.
• Good knowledge of relevant engineering standards.
• Ability to manage engineering teams and coordinate multidisciplinary technical workstreams.
• Ability to show good interpersonal and communication skills. You'll be capable of leading and influencing devolved teams and gaining support and commitment from a wider group of stakeholders, engaging with suppliers, regulatory bodies, and project partners.
• Experience in risk management, safety compliance, and environmental considerations for HVDC projects.

A competitive salary between £65,000 - £80,000 - dependent on capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a job requirement car, a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

The British Energy Security Strategy set out the Government's ambition to connect up to 50GW of offshore generation to the electricity network by 2030. Facilitating this ambition will require significant reinforcements to the onshore electricity transmission network. National Grid Strategic Infrastructure will make this happen.

Here at National Grid, we connect homes and businesses to power, making sure supply and demand match each other. We make sure the lights are on in schools, operating theatres, and sporting arenas; we're thousands of people working on behalf of millions of people.

Our investment in Strategic Infrastructure via the Great Grid Upgrade will mean more home grown power, greater energy security, and a cleaner future.

Whatever your role, wherever you work with us, you'll help us hit stretching targets and achieve our far-reaching goal: to secure clean energy that supports our world far into the future. Here, you will be at the heart of energy.

This role closes on 24 March 2025 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value, and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need. We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.