At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HV grid design assurance and manage DNO interfaces for innovative projects.
- Company: Established engineering firm with a commitment to excellence and people development.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, early finish Fridays, private medical, bonus, pension, and remote work options.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor graduate engineers and shape the future of HV engineering.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in utility-scale Solar PV/BESS projects.
- Qualifications: Strong HV engineering expertise and experience in grid connections required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € 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: 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’re looking for:
- 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.
- 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
- Pension
- Work from home
- Plus, many more
Dowds is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
HV Technical Engineer in Ballymena employer: J.F. & H. DOWDS LTD t/a DOWDS
At Dowds, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the engineering sector, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, our team enjoys generous benefits such as 41 days of holiday, early finish Fridays, and private medical insurance, all while working in the vibrant community of Ballymena. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values your expertise and fosters a collaborative environment for meaningful contributions to complex built environments.
Contact Detail:
J.F. & H. DOWDS LTD t/a DOWDS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HV Technical Engineer in Ballymena
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Dowds on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on HV engineering topics relevant to the role. We recommend creating a list of potential questions and practising your answers. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise during the interview. Bring examples of past projects where you’ve led technical discussions or managed grid connections. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Dowds team.
We think you need these skills to ace HV Technical Engineer in Ballymena
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HV Technical Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in HV engineering, grid connections, and any specific projects you've worked on that align 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 passionate about HV engineering and how your skills can contribute to Dowds. Don't forget to mention your experience with utility-scale Solar PV or BESS projects if you have it!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical expertise in HV systems, DNO approvals, and design deliverables. We want to see how you can lead technical discussions and ensure compliance, so don't hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the latest updates about your application status. Plus, it's super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at J.F. & H. DOWDS LTD t/a DOWDS
✨Know Your HV Engineering Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your HV engineering expertise, especially around 11–66kV systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with grid connections and protection philosophies, as this will show that you understand the technical requirements of the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with DNO Processes
Since the role involves managing DNO interfaces, it’s crucial to know the compliance processes inside out. Prepare to talk about your past experiences with DNO approvals and how you've navigated technical discussions to avoid delays.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This position requires a strong leader who can mentor and develop junior engineers. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or projects, and be ready to share how you’ve contributed to building engineering capabilities in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Expect to face some technical challenges during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach reviewing and directing HV/ICP design deliverables, and think about how you can demonstrate your assertiveness in driving high standards.
