HVDC Project Lead

Hunter Philips Executive Search; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in HVDC technology located in Liverpool is seeking a Project Lead to oversee the software development process. You will manage a team to develop HVDC Control and Protection systems and ensure customer requirements are met. Ideal candidates should have an engineering degree, substantial hands-on experience in C&P systems, and knowledge of tools like MATLAB and PSCAD. This role is pivotal for leading projects that contribute to the company's success in the HVDC market.

Qualifications

• Several years of hands-on experience in C&P systems for large industrial converter applications.
• Good knowledge of power system modelling and analysis tools.
• Experience in leading engineering or commissioning teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage the software development process from start-up to final acceptance tests.
• Coordinate acceptance tests and relationship with customers.
• Track software development and test progress and report regularly.

Skills

Hands-on experience in C&P systems

Knowledge of MATLAB/Simulink

GIT version control

Leadership experience

Education

University degree in Engineering

Master's or PhD in HVDC controls

Tools

MATLAB

PSCAD

RSCAD

Job description

Company: A global leader in HVDC technology, delivering cutting-edge solutions to customers worldwide. The global engineering team includes approximately 500+ experts dedicated specifically to HVDC Control & Protection. Since 2010, the team has consistently delivered 2 HVDC projects per year, occasionally handling 3 in parallel. Operating on a typical 4-year project cycle, the business secures new HVDC projects every 2 years.

Over the past 5 years, the team has more than doubled in size, growing from 350 to over 700.

In the UK market, this company holds a commanding 50% share in HVDC systems and around 25% in the substation sector.

About the job.

As a Project Lead, you will be the driving force behind the complete software development process during the project execution phase. You will manage a team of software engineers to develop and integrate HVDC Control and Protection systems. You will ensure customer requirements are met and effective testing strategies are developed.

Responsibilities.

• Manage the software development process from project start-up to the final customer acceptance tests, ensuring compliance with all relevant system requirements.
• Set up and drive consistent requirements engineering, define acceptance tests in close collaboration with our customers and internal partners.
• Coordinate the execution of offsite and on-site acceptance tests, create test reports, and track open points.
• Track software development and test progress and report to project management regularly.
• Promote a model-based engineering approach and support the efficient use of Xin-the-loop environments to achieve project goals in terms of time and quality.
• Support tender teams in bid projects by planning and calculating integration and testing tasks.

Background.

• University degree in Engineering (e.g., Electrical or Automation Engineering) or relevant technical field. Master's or PhD in HVDC controls, AC/DC Power systems, Power electronics, or Wind power converters is a plus.
• Several years of hands‑on experience in C&P systems for large industrial converter applications (engineering/commissioning in HVDC or similar electrical converter systems).
• Good knowledge of MATLAB/Simulink and GIT version control in Software-in-the-loop or Hardware-in-the-loop test environments or a solid working knowledge of power system modelling and analysis tools like PSCAD/EMTDC or RSCAD.
• Experience in leading small to large engineering or commissioning teams is a plus, proactivity in driving topics and resolving issues