Operational Technology Senior Engineer

About the role

National Grid Interconnectors is at the heart of the UK’s transition to a net zero energy future. We operate a number of HVDC interconnectors that connect the UK’s energy system to some of our closest neighbours, allowing energy to be imported to and exported from the UK. As well as already owning a portfolio of HVDC interconnectors, we’re working on developing new projects to ensure we can meet the UK’s future demands for greener energy solutions.

We are currently recruiting for a Senior Operational Technology Engineer for our Bedlington site. In this role you will ensure that interconnector OT system, networking and cyber assets maintain the highest level of operational performance and cyber security.

• Carry out installation, refurbishment, maintenance, fault investigation/repair and condition monitoring across OT system, networking and cyber assets.
• Initiate and manage the design of new systems, networking or cyber implementations.
• Take part in tender, procurement and design activities associated with new initiatives.
• Ensure routine activities are fit for purpose and run on time – including system and patch updates, AV updates, backups and permission reviews on various frequencies (daily/weekly/monthly/annual).
• Perform asset condition‑based monitoring and system performance monitoring.
• Perform both reactive and proactive maintenance on associated assets and systems.
• Proactively eliminate all accidents by adopting risk assessment techniques, method statements and reporting all near‑misses.
• Carry out roles as defined in National Grid Ventures’ Safety Rules of ‘Competent Person’ or higher.
• Participate in a site call‑out rota on a periodic basis and support live incidents if they occur.
• Assist in managing 3rd parties undertaking planned and unplanned works safely and efficiently, ensuring risk assessment and method statements are in place.
• Occasionally support the delivery of works and services across the Interconnectors Portfolio of IFA, IFA2, NSL and Viking Link sites.
• Interpret and consult on central policy from the Cyber, Engineering, Assurance and Policy team and implement it in your assigned interconnector and control rooms.
• Ensure systems are managed in accordance with change and asset management lifecycle.
• Support the management of spares and ensure they are tested, configured and deployable as required.
• Play a crucial role in the Backup and Restoration process – managing backups and recovery.
• Support and install hardware & networking changes including testing.
• Act as superuser for hardened privileged devices – manage for onsite teams including use cases, software builds, device management.
• Assist in managing hardware services – air conditioning, power/supplies etcli>
• Ensure the suitable management of physical and logical security controls relating to the cyber security of critical systems – for instance user permissions, port blocking, security system logic, CCTV coverage of core areas.
• Lead on assurance, audit and inspection activities when undertaken.
• Undertake compliance activities to key regulatory requirements, including compliance reporting in collaboration with other Subject Matter Experts.

• Experience working with and/or knowledge of Operational Technology (including OT system, networking and cyber assets) such as control, protection, monitoring systems, HVAC, building management etc – highly desirable.
• Ability to work unsupervised on a wide range of interconnector equipment as part of a fully integrated team, with occasional lone working.
• Demonstrate a self‑help approach to common work‑related problems.
• Computer literate.
• Foundation knowledge and experience of key Health, Safety and Environmental and Occupier legislation applicable within an operational environment and premises (e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, CDM Regulations, Electricity at Work Regulations, Occupier Liability Act, Temporary Work).
• Competent Person authorisation or working towards it.
• Good communication skills with a “can do” attitude.
• Ability to use an asset work management system like Ellipse/Maximo/Ultimo/IFS/etc – desirable.
• Networkin…