At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of cutting-edge HVDC control systems.
- Company: Join Solve IT Consultant, a global leader in talent solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive contract with hybrid work flexibility and professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for leadership and cross-functional teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electronics/Electrical Engineering and 7+ years in HVDC systems.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About us
Solve IT Consultant is a global talent solutions partner supporting clients across the USA, UK, Europe, Singapore, GCC, Malaysia, and India. We specialize in recruitment, staffing, and workforce solutions across diverse industries and business domains. With a proven track record of delivering quality talent and reliable hiring support, we help organizations meet their evolving workforce needs efficiently and cost-effectively. Our commitment to excellence, agility, and long-term partnerships has enabled us to successfully serve clients worldwide.
Role: Lead Control & Protection System Application Engineer
Location: Stafford - UK - Hybrid
Type of employment: 6+ Months Contract [Inside IR35]
Job Description
The lead Control & Protection System Application Engineer is responsible for the requirement definition, design, studies, validation, and commissioning of Control & Protection Systems for VSC based HVDC transmission schemes, including MMC converter technology. This role provides technical leadership across the full project lifecycle, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and delivering reliable, safe, and high-performance HVDC systems.
Key responsibilities include Team development, engineering governance, technical oversight, implementation of lessons learned, and strong adherence to Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) principles.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership
- Oversee the overall technical solution, ensuring customer requirements are met based on reference solutions.
- Lead requirements gathering, system design, implementation, and development of HVDC Control & Protection systems.
- Lead the HVDC control and protection system design for LCC and/or VSC HVDC schemes.
- Act as the technical authority for controls and protection within the project team.
- Review and approve technical documents, including control/protection settings, control philosophies, protection logic, and system architecture, test plans, and test procedures.
- Serve as the primary customer interface for technical discussions, training, and requirement clarification.
- Control System & Protection Design
- Define control philosophies, protection and interlocking logics, and data exchange configurations.
- Lead and participate in engineering design processes, including design reviews and approval cycles.
- Ensure that all design outputs comply with industry standards, system requirements, and quality procedures.
- Advanced Modelling & Simulation
- Conduct Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) studies using PSCAD, EMTP-RV, and model control/protection functions in MATLAB/Simulink.
- Perform network conversion, modelling, tuning, and verification using PSSE, PSCAD, MATLAB and RSCAD.
- Develop full plant/system models and lead end-to-end validation across multiple simulation platforms.
- Lead Control System Studies & Testing, including Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Dynamic performance studies, Protection coordination, Overall system integration.
- System Testing & Commissioning
- Conduct Integration System Test (IST), Functional System Test (FST), Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and system commissioning at customer sites.
- Lead root cause analysis and troubleshooting of complex VSC control and protection issues.
- Process Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Identify and implement improvements in engineering tools, processes, systems, and technical solutions to enhance customer value and operational efficiency.
- Make informed decisions regarding work processes, schedules, priorities, and operational plans to achieve departmental objectives.
- Uphold and promote SQDC principles across teams.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Education: Degree in Electronics/Electrical Engineering or equivalent proven experience in HVDC systems.
- Experience: Minimum 7 years in HVDC control and protection system design.
- Technical Expertise: HVDC Control, Protection, and Sequencing strategies. Dynamic performance studies and system modelling for VSC-HVDC schemes. Proficiency in PSCAD and MATLAB/Simulink.
- Leadership & Communication: Strong technical leadership experience. Ownership of technical discussions and ability to develop strong client relationships.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Active participation in cross-functional leadership teams. Makes independent decisions while engaging subject-matter experts as needed.
Application System Engineer employer: Solve IT Consultant
At Solve IT Consultant, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Stafford location provides a hybrid working environment, allowing for flexibility while engaging in cutting-edge HVDC projects. We are committed to employee growth, providing opportunities for professional development and technical leadership, ensuring our team members thrive in their careers while contributing to impactful solutions in the energy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Application System Engineer
✨Get Involved in Control Systems Meetups
Engage with local control systems engineering groups or attend industry-specific meetups. It's a great way to connect with professionals in the field, learn about new projects, and even hear about short-term roles before they're advertised!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a portfolio that highlights your projects and expertise in control systems engineering. Whether it's through GitHub for code projects or a personal website detailing your experience, showcasing your work makes you more visible to those seeking temporary hires like us at Solve IT Consultant.
✨Utilise Professional Communities
Join online forums and communities specifically focused on control systems engineering. Engaging with others in the industry can lead to knowledge sharing and potential job leads, especially for temporary roles that often rely on word-of-mouth.
✨Keep an Eye on Short-Term Projects
Look for companies that frequently take on temporary projects or contract work. Many organisations bring in engineers for specific projects, so being proactive in identifying those opportunities can give you a leg up. And of course, check our website for any openings at Solve IT Consultant!
We think you need these skills to ace Application System Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:For a control systems engineering role, make sure your CV showcases your expertise in areas like automation, PLC programming, and system modelling. Include any relevant software tools you've used, such as MATLAB or Simulink, and don't forget to mention specific projects where you applied these skills!
Showcase Relevant Certifications:Temporary roles in control systems engineering often require specific certifications, like your ISO 9001 or a Smart Manufacturing certification. Mention these in your application – they can really set you apart and show that you're not just book-smart but industry-savvy too!
Emphasise Adaptability in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a temporary position, we want to see that you can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, talk about your ability to quickly adapt to new environments and work efficiently under tight deadlines. Share an example where you’ve successfully navigated a fast-paced project before!
Apply Directly Through Our Website:We love when applicants take the time to apply directly through our website. It shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Solve IT Consultant. Plus, it's a lot easier for us to keep track of your application that way, so don’t hesitate to get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solve IT Consultant
✨Brush Up on Your Control Theory
Make sure you're well-versed in control theory concepts and principles since they are likely to come up during the interview. We often see temp roles ask candidates to demonstrate their understanding of PID controllers and feedback loops, so be ready to discuss these in depth.
✨Showcase Your Past Projects
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll likely want to see how quickly you can adapt and contribute. Bring a portfolio of your previous work, especially any projects involving simulation tools or programming languages like MATLAB or Simulink, to showcase your skills and experience.
✨Expect Technical Scenarios
Prepare for some technical questions or case studies related to control systems. You might be asked how you would approach a specific problem or optimising a control system under certain constraints, so think through some real-life scenarios you can walk them through.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
Since you'll be stepping into a temporary role, it's crucial to communicate your adaptability and how you work under pressure. Talk about past experiences where you had to learn quickly or adjust your methods on the fly—this will show them you're up for the challenge!
