At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HV grid design assurance and manage DNO interfaces for innovative energy projects.
- Company: Established engineering firm with a commitment to excellence and people development.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, early finish Fridays, private medical, bonuses, and remote work options.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor graduate engineers and shape the future of HV engineering.
- Why this job: Join a team driving impactful utility-scale Solar PV and BESS projects.
- Qualifications: Strong HV engineering expertise and experience in grid connections required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Dowds is a long established, multidisciplinary engineering and construction Building Services Engineering company headquartered in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1978, our expertise spans the full lifecycle of complex-built environments from initial design and systems integration through to installation, commissioning, and handover. Across specific sectors: life science, commercial, education and healthcare. Operating at a gold standard for best managed company and investors in people, our vision is to set the standard for excellence, driving progress, responsibility, and lasting impact.
We are seeking a HV Technical Engineer to strengthen our in-house capability in HV grid design assurance, DNO interface management, and technical oversight of ICP design packages - a critical requirement as we scale into utility-scale Solar PV/BESS EPC-M delivery where grid readiness and HV engineering quality drive programme certainty, commercial outcomes, and compliance. This is a senior technical role providing authoritative HV leadership across grid connection design and delivery, reducing reliance on external engineering, strengthening QA/QC discipline, and supporting predictable, lender-aligned EPC-M outcomes. You will also play a key part in capability-building - helping develop Dowds' long-term HV engineering function through mentoring and structured knowledge transfer.
What you'll be responsible for:
- Provide technical assurance of HV grid connection designs (typically 11-66kV), ensuring designs are compliant, buildable, and aligned to programme and commercial needs.
- Lead and manage the DNO interface, including technical submissions, clarifications, reviews, and steering approvals to avoid delays and rework.
- Review, challenge, and direct ICP design deliverables, including: Single line diagrams (SLDs), Protection philosophies/settings intent, Earthing studies and designs, HV cabling and routing approaches, Interface risks and constructability.
- Own technical oversight of contestable vs non-contestable scope, ensuring clear demarcation, robust planning, and integrated delivery.
- Support energisation planning, sequencing, and readiness assurance (including supplier performance, documentation quality, and handover completeness).
- Strengthen HV QA/QC and governance, setting expectations for design package quality and technical sign-off.
- Act as an internal subject matter expert, challenging suppliers where required and ensuring best-practice engineering decisions are taken.
- Contribute to building Dowds' HV capability by mentoring NI-based graduate engineers and embedding structured learning and standards.
What we are looking for:
Essential:
- Strong HV engineering expertise (11-66kV), ideally from an ICP or DNO background.
- Proven experience delivering grid connections, including protection philosophies and grid readiness requirements.
- Strong understanding of DNO approvals and compliance processes, with the confidence to lead technical discussions.
- Demonstrable competence reviewing and directing HV/ICP design deliverables (SLDs, protection, earthing, cabling).
- Experience managing contestable/non-contestable works and supporting energisation planning.
- A technically assertive, structured, delivery-driven approach with the ability to challenge suppliers and drive high standards.
Desirable:
- Experience supporting utility-scale Solar PV and/or BESS projects (EPC/EPC-M context).
- Familiarity with lender/technical advisor expectations for grid readiness, design assurance, and documentation quality.
- Chartered or working towards chartership (or equivalent demonstrable technical authority).
- Experience creating or improving engineering standards, templates, and reviewing checklists to improve consistency and quality.
- Coaching/mentoring experience (or clear motivation to develop early-career engineers).
Why Join Dowds:
- 41 Days Holiday
- Early Finish Fridays
- Private Medical
- Bonus
- Wellbeing Initiatives
- Pension
- Work from home
- Plus, many more
Dowds is an Equal Opportunities Employer. To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.
HV Technical Engineer employer: Dowds Group
At Dowds Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while you lead impactful HV design projects in the renewable energy sector, with ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions in a rapidly evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HV Technical Engineer
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We think you need these skills to ace HV Technical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Dowds Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dowds Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Dowds Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Dowds Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
