HVDC Technician

About the role

National Grid Interconnectors is at the heart of UK’s transition to our 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 that we are able to meet the UK’s future demands for greener energy solutions.

We are currently recruiting for a HVDC Technician within our Viking Link Operations team at our site in Lincolnshire.

As our HVDC technician, you will have a critical role ensuring that interconnector assets (Converter Station, Cables Systems, Substation & associated Operational Technology) maintain the highest level of operational performance.

You’ll carry out various maintenance and inspection works within the Interconnector High Voltage electricity Converter Station, working within a team following safe systems of work, sharing and gaining knowledge and expertise to ensure completion of maintenance, refurbishment or replacement works on a variety of plant and equipment across interconnector Operations.

As this role is based on site at our Viking Link site in Lincolnshire, you must be able to drive and live within an hours commute with a full UK drivers licence to be considered for this role.

• Carry out installation, refurbishment, maintenance, fault investigation/repair and condition monitoring across all converter station plant and equipment. These include;
• Routine site inspections, daily/weekly/monthly/annual.
• Perform asset condition-based monitoring via means of electrical testing e.g. forms of partial discharge testing.
• Oil sampling, oil testing and general oil handling duties.
• Gas handling SF6 and Nitrogen systems.
• Thermographic imaging of the interconnector Assets.
• Perform both reactive and proactive maintenance on HV and LV assets.
• Aim to carry out all work on time and in full, as per the work programme.
• Proactively work towards eliminating all accidents by adopting risk assessment techniques, method statements and being aware of potential hazards and reporting all near misses.
• Provide mentoring and/or training to less experienced staff, regardless of grade.
• Utilise all relevant systems, including Asset Management Platform (Maximo), email and paper-based, to record and access data in an accurate and timely manner
• Carry out roles as defined in National Grid Interconnectors’ Safety Rules of ‘Competent Person’.
• Carry out a lead role within the team i.e. Lifting Equipment management
• Give early escalation to the Senior Site Engineer/Line Manager of variances to the plan.
• Drive safe collaborative working practices and accurate data.
• Participation in a site call-out rota on a periodic basis.
• Manage the interfaces with 3rd parties undertaking planned and unplanned works safely and efficiently.
• Deliver works and services across the Interconnectors Portfolio of IFA, IFA2, NSL and Viking Link sites.
• Delivery of works to time, quality and within SHE policies and procedures and safety rules
• NGV SHE Tier 1 Health and Safety Policies
• NGV Interconnector Operations Tier 2 Policies

• Good knowledge, experience and technical understanding of work and/or failures on HV & LV systems, encompassing both electrical and mechanical systems.
• Full UK drivers licence
• A NVQ level 3 Qualification in engineering or equivalent. Or an equivalent recognised apprenticeship
• Ability to work unsupervised on a wide range of interconnector equipment as part of a fully integrated team but with occasional lone working
• Ability to understand relevant National Grid Ventures operational policies, procedures, and processes.
• Demonstrate a self-help approach to common work-related problems, using IS systems to resolve them.
• Computer literacy on Microsoft Office Suite including excel, word and outlook.
• Foundation knowledge and experience of key Health, Safety and Environmental and Occupier legislation applicable within an operational environment and premises (i.e. Health and Safety at Work Act, Management of Health and Safety at work Regulations, CDM Regulations,…