Lead Commissioning Engineer

GE Vernova; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

International working environment

Job summary

GE Grid Solutions in the United Kingdom is seeking a Lead Commissioning Specialist to steer HVDC system testing and commissioning activities at site. You will prepare commissioning specifications, oversee real-time testing, and coordinate with System Engineering and project validation leads.

You will manage daily test schedules, review converter behaviour, and ensure proper documentation and reporting. This role demands strong English communication and willingness to travel globally.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree or equivalent including power systems and power electronics subjects or proven equivalent knowledge and experience in HVDC business.
• Vocational training with demonstrated years of proven experience in Commissioning Engineer in High Voltage field, preferably as Site Commissioning Manager.
• Knowledge of 400kV substation, HVDC system (LCC/VSC/SVC) including control and protection systems is essential.
• Knowledge of HVDC System operational behaviour and impact on equipment to lead system testing at site is essential.
• Excellent communication skills with fluency in English.
• Knowledge of MS Word and Excel is required; MS Project would be beneficial.
• Knowledge of Fault Recorder (TFR) systems is essential.
• Willingness to work both in Office and on sites worldwide for extended periods (around 60%).

Responsibilities

• Lead HVDC system tests on-site per specification.
• Prepare/test procedures with System Engineering and verification leads.
• Revise/add testing procedures as required.
• Test commissioning procedures on RTDS before site commissioning.
• Coordinate test programs and estimate durations with Customer.
• Maintain daily/weekly test schedules with Customer and Site Commissioning Manager.
• Prepare power schedules and daily/weekly profiles.
• Ensure tests follow agreed procedures and document results.
• Coordinate HV switching and power control with Customer.
• Review station/converter behaviour to ensure performance and document anomalies.
• Capture test results and maintain reports.
• Issue daily test reports to stakeholders with Site Commissioning Manager.
• Provide feedback to build end-of-project experience report.
• Regularly report progress to Commissioning Team Manager & Project Manager.
• Identify potential extra costs to avoid overspend and enable claims for changes.
• Review test schedule performance against initial targets.

Skills

HVDC systems

Power engineering

Site commissioning

English communication

MS Office

Fault Recorder (TFR)

Protection systems

Global travel

Project coordination

GE collaboration

Education

Engineering degree (power systems/power electronics)

Vocational HVDC commissioning training

Tools

Microsoft Office Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Job description

Job Description Summary

Become part of a winning team and help to deliver the Green Energy transition.

As a Lead Commissioning Specialist, you will be technically responsible for the preparation of commissioning specification and execution of the energised testing at site.

As a senior member of the test team, you will lead the system test engineers & review site test results.

Job Description

• Lead the execution of HVDC System Tests on-site in line with the requirements of the specification.
• Prepare/contributing to the generation of commissioning test procedure in coordination with System Engineering / Project Validation & verification Lead and reference to contractual requirements and international standards.
• Responsible for the preparation / revision of additional testing procedures when required.
• Performing tests of commissioning test procedure on Real Time Digital Simulators prior to commissioning at Site.
• Prepare / contributing to the test programs and anticipate test durations for preparation of test programs.
• Updating and reviewing the test schedule on a daily and weekly basis with customer to be managed by customer alongside the Site Commissioning Manager.
• Preparation of power schedules and daily and weekly power profiles.
• Ensuring that the tests are conducted in accordance with the test procedure agreed and documented.
• Responsibility for working with customer for coordination of HV switching and power control.
• Reviewing the station/converter behaviour (interaction with the AC network) to ensure that the performance is satisfactory, and that any unpredicted behaviour is documented and evaluated before tests proceed.
• Ensuring that the test results are captured and logged correctly and that the test reports are kept up to date.
• Issuing a daily report to various stakeholders at the end of each day of testing. This is joint activity with Site Commissioning Manager.
• Gathering a return of experience throughout the execution of the testing of each project, to provide a conclusive report on the return of experience at the end of the project.
• Reporting on regular basis (daily and weekly) to the Commissioning Team Manager & Project Manager the progress of system tests.
• Highlighting potential and observed additional costs to avoid overspend and permit potential claims for changes to be realised.
• Reviewing the test schedule performance versus the initial target overall testing program schedule.

Responsible for control and follow-up, in collaboration with the site manager of:

• Testing and measuring equipment (status, validity of calibration certificates).
• Safety equipment related to electrical activities.
• Explain Safety moment and test plan to all the stake holder at the beginning of the day.

Qualifications / Essential Requirements

• Engineering degree or equivalent including power systems and power electronics subjects or proven equivalent knowledge and experience in HVDC business.
• Successfully completed vocational training with demonstrated years of proven experience in the position of Commissioning Engineer in High Voltage field, preferably experience as a Site Commissioning Manager.
• Good knowledge of overall 400kV substation, HVDC system (LCC/VSC/SVC) including control and protection system is essential.
• Knowledge of Overall HVDC System Operational behaviour and impact on equipment to make decisions when leading system testing at site is essential.
• Excellent communication skills with a fluency in English language.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Word and Excel is required, and Microsoft project would be beneficial.
• Knowledge of Fault Recorder (TFR) systems is essential.
• Understanding of substation control and protection systems and HV equipment operation is beneficial.
• Experienced working alongside GE would be advantageous although non-critical.
• Must be able and willing to work both in Office and on sites worldwide for extended periods (around 60% of the time).

Grid Solutions, a GE Vernova business, serves customers globally with over 20,000 employees. We provide power utilities and industries worldwide with equipment, systems and services to bring power reliably and efficiently from the point of generation to end power consumers. Grid Solutions is focused on addressing the challenges of the energy transition by enabling the safe and reliable connection of renewable and distributed energy resources to the grid. We electrify the world with advanced grid technologies and accelerate the energy transition.

About GE Grid Solutions:

At GE Grid Solutions we are electrifying the world with advanced grid technologies. As leaders in the energy space our goal is to accelerate the transition for a more energy efficient grid to full fill the needs of tomorrow. With a focus on growth and sustainability GE Grid Solutions plays a pivotable role in integrating Renewables onto the grid to drive to carbon neutral. In Grid Solutions we help enable the transition for a greener more reliable Grid. GE Grid Solutions has the most advanced and comprehensive product and solutions portfolio within the energy sector.

Why we come to work:

At GE Renewable Energy, our engineers are always up for the challenge - and we’re always driven to find the best solution. Our projects are unique and interesting, and you’ll need to bring a solution-focused, positive approach to each one to do your best. Surrounded by committed, loyal colleagues, if you can dare to bring your ingenuity and desire to make an impact, you’ll be exposed to game-changing, diverse projects that truly allow you to play your part in the energy transition.

What we offer:

A key role in a dynamic, international working environment with a large degree of flexibility of work agreements

Competitive benefits, and great development opportunities - including private health insurance.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No