At a Glance
- Tasks: Test and validate cutting-edge grid automation products in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join a top engineering firm focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on teamwork and customer satisfaction.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while developing your technical skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in embedded firmware testing with strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
One of our top Engineering Clients is looking for a Validation Engineer (Protection & Control) to join their team in Stafford on a 6 month+ contract basis.
Role Purpose: The Engineer for Grid Automation will be responsible for testing protection functions, such as distance protection and line differential, and control modules in embedded firmware for grid solution products. This involves planning, executing, and documenting a variety of tests, focusing on protection schemes and algorithms in both utility and industrial settings. The candidate must have good hands-on experience in testing protection & control schemes, sound knowledge of various protection and control algorithms used in utility and industrial environments, user configurations, and programmable logic. Experience in using different test equipment and their associated software, such as secondary injection kits from different manufacturers, is a must.
Job Role Responsibilities:
- Test Planning & Execution: Develop and review test plans and validation reports based on product requirements and specifications. Estimate, plan, and execute tests including unit, integration, regression, and system-level tests. Ensure test procedures and reporting meet quality standards and timelines.
- Test Setup & Equipment: Create test setups using IEDs, Power System Simulators (Omicron, Megger, Doble), and secondary injection kits. Work with protection relays, SCADA systems, and Data Acquisition Systems to fully understand and test them.
- Manual & Automated Testing: Perform both manual and automated testing depending on business requirements. Execute performance and breakpoint testing, and support test automation framework development.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with firmware development and testing teams for requirements gathering, test planning, and issue resolution. Identify, report, and troubleshoot issues in firmware, hardware, and software dependencies.
- Documentation & Reporting: Produce validation and verification reports, and maintain test documentation. Utilize defect tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Bugzilla) to document and manage identified issues.
Experience / Skills / Knowledge / Qualifications:
- Distance Protection Testing: Understanding and testing protection systems for electrical grid components, possibly in virtualized environments to simulate real-time scenarios. This could involve automated testing tools and techniques to ensure stability and reliability.
- IEC61850 Experience (Nice to Have): IEC61850 is a communication standard for electrical substations. If applicable, this could involve testing virtualized control systems or simulators for substation automation.
- Omicron CMC2/356 Device Familiarity (Strongly recommended): The CMC356 is a testing device used for commissioning and maintaining protection relays. Familiarity with such a device is important if your project involves virtualized testing of protection systems.
Qualifications:
- Experience: Minimum of 5+ years in embedded firmware testing, with experience in protection and control schemes and relays.
- Skills: Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills; ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- Desired Characteristics: Previous work experience as a field engineer; proactive & result-oriented; collaborative team player; customer-centric.
At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Validation Engineer looking for new employment. We strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce.
Validation Engineer employer: First Recruitment Group
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering Quality Engineers the opportunity to work on significant High Voltage Infrastructure Projects in the vibrant locations of Middleton and Chelmsford. With a strong emphasis on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement, team members are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to impactful projects. The company values innovation and teamwork, making it a rewarding place for professionals seeking meaningful careers in engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Validation Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who’s already in the field. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with specific tools like Omicron or Doble, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Bring examples of your work or projects to discuss during interviews. It’s all about proving you can walk the walk!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply smart! Use our website to find roles that match your skills and interests. Tailor your approach for each application, focusing on how your experience aligns with the job description. We’re here to help you land that dream role!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Validation Engineer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Validation Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Validation Engineer role. Highlight your experience with protection and control schemes, as well as any hands-on testing you've done. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the job description, and don't forget to show your enthusiasm for joining our team at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of technical work, make sure to showcase your familiarity with test equipment and software. If you've worked with devices like Omicron CMC2/356 or have experience in IEC61850, let us know! We love seeing those details.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it's super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Protection Schemes
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of protection and control algorithms. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tested these systems in the past, especially in utility and industrial settings. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the Validation Engineer role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Test Equipment
Get comfortable with the test equipment mentioned in the job description, like secondary injection kits and Power System Simulators. If you have experience with devices like the Omicron CMC356, be prepared to talk about it. Showing familiarity with these tools can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples where you've worked with firmware development or testing teams. Be ready to discuss how you gathered requirements, planned tests, and resolved issues together. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team environment.
✨Document Your Achievements
Have a few examples ready of how you've produced validation and verification reports in the past. Discuss your experience with defect tracking tools like Jira or Bugzilla, as this shows your attention to detail and commitment to quality standards, which are crucial for this position.
