Electrical Design Engineer in Leatherhead, Surrey

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.

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. The individual will have strong knowledge of HV (and preferably) EHV networks and will work for the Design Manager while having the ability to lead team members and take the lead on strategic projects.

Key aspects of the role include interaction and collaboration within the direct team and wider functions within ESP’s Operations department, as well as effective liaison with other ESP departments and external stakeholders. This role will be part of a focused team committed to ensuring the safe adoption of electric, gas, and water networks, striving to fulfil their wider responsibilities to the highest possible standard, in line with ESPUG’s Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Responsibilities include:

• 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, and protection and network coordination considerations.
• Using UK industry-standard power system analysis software such as WinDebut, VisNet, IPSA, or other equivalent tools used by UK DNOs/IDNOs.
• 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 onto the upstream operator’s network associated with ESP managed networks.
• Verification of applications for connections onto the upstream operator’s network made by customers associated with asset adoption works.
• Managing applications made by other network operators or customers for connections onto ESP networks, including evaluation of any network reinforcement requirements.
• Managing 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 the 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 personal development by collaborating with the manager to ensure relevant objectives are in place and that every effort is made to achieve these, 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 offering feedback on what needs to be done to maintain or improve performance as needed.
• Accurately recording and tracking projects across all electric workstreams using team trackers and systems.
• 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, and 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 and written communication skills across a 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.