Control Room Operator HVDC

National Grid; Ashford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in Ashford is looking for a Control Room Operator, HVDC to manage high voltage operations of interconnectors. Responsibilities include monitoring, enforcing safety protocols, and responding to alarms in a dynamic control room environment. Ideal candidates should possess strong problem-solving skills and a background in engineering or operational control systems. Competitive salary is complemented by various benefits, including annual leave and a contributory pension scheme.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus 8 statutory days

Generous pension scheme

Annual bonus based on performance

Financial support for professional development

Flexible benefits and health support

Qualifications

• Ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Experience in control room or engineering background preferred.
• Capacity to interpret operational data.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control operation of the HVDC interconnectors.
• Perform HV switching on equipment and ensure safety.
• Evaluate and react to equipment alarms and faults.

Skills

Problem solving

Fault diagnosis

Effective communication

Tools

SCADA systems

Control systems

Job description

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 in order to ensure that we are able to meet the UK’s future demands for greener energy solutions.

As our Control Room Operator, HVDC you'll be part of a dedicated shift team who are responsible for monitoring and controlling the operation of the IFA1 and IFA2 high voltage direct current (HVDC) Interconnectors, that connect Great Britain to France.

This role is based at the IFA1 Control Room in Sellindge, Ashford and due to the nature of the role, there will be a rotating shift pattern, 24/7, 365 days a year, including weekends and holiday periods.

What you'll do

• Controlling the operation of our interconnectors, always prioritising safety. Monitoring and dispatching power orders from our commercial systems into our control systems.
• Authorised to perform HV switching on equipment, ensuring all control operations are undertaken in accordance with policies, procedures and safety rules, while also contributing to the continuous improvement of them.
• React and taking appropriate action to equipment alarms and faults presented. Coordinating with on-site colleagues who undertake maintenance, investigation and resolution of asset faults.
• Understand and promptly respond to all safety warnings and concerns.
• Work closely and collaboratively with our partners, RTE and the Electricity System Operator.
• Enact emergency procedures including fire marshal duties and site evacuations, make physical interventions according to procedure outside of business hours and initial liaison with emergency services/responders, pending standby resource attendance.

What you'll need

• Confidence in your own ability and can make decisions under pressure, with an aptitude for problem solving and fault diagnosis, within a time-critical process environment.
• The ability to interpret a range of operational data and draw conclusions on the action to be taken.
• The ability to perform duties safely on your own, using procedures and without direct supervision and look for continuous improvements in processes.
• A proactive approach and use taught operating principles to anticipate abnormal and critical conditions not necessarily identified by an alarm.
• Experience of working within a control room environment or an engineering background would be an advantage, with knowledge of complex systems (SCADA, AC DC control systems, dispatch systems).
• Strong communicator and take personal ownership of operations.

What you'll get

A competitive salary of £47,442.00 per annum - dependent on capability + an additional 26% shift allowance (after initial training).

• Market supplement of £3,000 per annum.
• An annual bonus based on personal and company performance.
• 26 days annual leave plus eight statutory days.
• The option to buy additional or sell holiday days.
• Generous contributory pension scheme - we will double-match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
• Financial support to help cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, course fees, books, exam fees and time off for study leave - so long as it's relevant to your role.
• Access to flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
• Family care benefits including a back-up care service for when your usual care arrangements fall through (six paid days each year as standard with the option to purchase further days).
• Access to apps that support health, fitness and wellbeing.

About us

National Grid Ventures is at the forefront of the energy transition. We operate across the UK, Europe and US, developing, operating, and investing in large-scale clean energy infrastructure. We’re helping to accelerate society’s drive towards net zero while maintaining security of supply today.

We’re an international business, which means our people are diverse in their backgrounds, expertise, and experiences. And to make the most of that know-how, we’re forging a collaborative culture where everyone’s voice is valued and people feel empowered to make decisions.

More Information

This role closes on 26th January 2026 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need. We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.