Design Engineer (Electric)
The role supports the technical assessment and safe integration of generation connections onto ESP’s LV and HV networks. Ensuring that generation connections do not adversely impact ESP networks or upstream DNO networks in terms of system stability, voltage control, and network capacity.
Role Purpose
ESP is seeking an ambitious, forward-thinking, and innovative individual with strong electric engineering design knowledge who can bring solutions to the needs of our customers and developers. Working for the Design Manager but with the ability to lead team members and take the lead on strategic projects, the individual will have strong knowledge of HV (and preferably) EHV networks.
The interaction and collaboration within the direct team and wider functions within ESP’s Operations department is another key aspect of the role. Additionally, effective liaison with other ESP departments and external stakeholders.
- This role will be part of a focused team that is committed to ensuring the safe adoption of electric, gas and water networks and who strive to fulfil their wider responsibilities to the highest possible standard, in line with ESPUG’s Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Undertaking technical assessments of distributed generation connections including solar PV, wind and CHP connected to ESP LV and HV networks.
- Performing network impact assessments and system studies to evaluate effects of generation connections.
- Supporting compliance with ENA Engineering Recommendations such as G99 and G100 for generation connections.
Assessing key technical parameters including:
- Voltage rise
- Earth Loop Impedance (ELI)
- Thermal loading of network assets
- Fault level contribution
- Protection and network coordination considerations
Use of UK industry-standard power system analysis software such as:
- WinDebut
- VisNet
- IPSA
- or other equivalent tools used by UK DNOs/IDNOs.
The following key responsibilities apply to the role:
- Ensuring compliance with design, construction, and safety standards as appropriate.
- Liaison with customers over network design issues to ensure compliance with ESP design and construction policies and standards.
- Management of applications for connections on to the upstream operator’s network associated with ESP managed networks.
- Verification of applications for connections on to the upstream operator’s network made by customers associated with asset adoption works.
- Manage applications made by other network operator’s or customers for connections on to ESP networks including evaluation of any network reinforcement requirements.
- Manage the relationship between ESP and all upstream parties for capacity and demand negotiations.
- Development of safety and risk assessment requirements required at the design and adoption stages of a project.
- Participation in reviews and updates of the current operational procedures and technical standards.
- Assessing the need for land rights on projects and collaborating with customers to identify solutions to minimise need to initiate legal proceedings.
- Offering consistently high customer service in interactions with customers via all communication channels; phone, email and occasionally face-to-face.
- Being accountable for your personal development by collaborating with your manager to ensure relevant objectives are in place, and that every effort is made to ensure these are achieved, in addition to attending all relevant training required to fulfil responsibilities.
- Contributing performance data in daily team meetings to help keep track of KPIs against the SLAs that are in place and offer feedback on what needs to be done to maintain or improve performance as needed.
- Accurately recording & tracking projects across all electric workstreams using team trackers and systems.
- Undertaking technical assessments for generation connections (solar PV, wind, CHP and other distributed energy resources) to ESP LV and HV networks.
- Ensuring compliance with G99 / G100 requirements and relevant DNO/IDNO connection standards.
Carrying out network impact studies using power system modelling tools including:
- Voltage rise assessment
- Earth loop impedance (ELI) verification
- Thermal loading analysis of cables and transformers
- Fault level contribution analysis
- Identification of network reinforcement requirements where applicable.
- Supporting grid connection applications and technical submissions to upstream DNOs.
- Supporting the technical evaluation of generation export capability and available network capacity.
- Ensuring that generation connections do not exceed network limits or compromise system performance.
- Liaising with DNOs, ICPs and developers regarding distributed generation connections and associated network design considerations.
Person Specification
- Electricity network design experience with the ability to use IT based design software i.e., WinDebut, IPSA
- Good understanding of 2D CAD drawing.
- Excellent verbal & written communications skills across variety of channels.
- Full working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Understanding of distributed generation connections to LV and HV electricity networks.
- Knowledge of grid connection requirements including ENA Engineering Recommendations G99 and G100.
- Ability to undertake network impact assessments including voltage rise, ELI, thermal loading and fault level analysis.
- Experience with power system analysis tools such as WinDebut, IPSA, VisNet or equivalent.
- Desirable experience working with solar PV, wind generation, CHP or other distributed energy resources.
- Desirable experience within DNO, IDNO, ICP or utility network environments.