Lead HVDC & HVAC Transmission Architect

Elia Grid International; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Elia Grid International (EGI) is expanding its U.S. infrastructure team. We seek an experienced HVDC/HVAC Lead to guide technical development of AC substations, HVDC converter stations, and associated transmission assets.

You will shape technical solutions, review OEM work, and translate insights into cost, schedule, permitting, and commercial positioning for U.S. transmission opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Typically 8+ years of experience in HVDC, HVAC substations, transmission engineering, power systems engineering or related infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of HVDC converter stations, HVAC substations, transmission facilities and grid interconnection infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience with HVDC VSC technology; LCC experience is considered an advantage.
• Experience with the design, specification, procurement, design review, construction support, testing, commissioning or operation of HVDC converter stations and/or high-voltage AC substations.
• Strong understanding of primary equipment, protection and control systems, station layouts, grid connection requirements, technical interfaces, reliability standards and operational constraints.
• Experience working with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, transmission owners, OEMs, engineering contractors, developers or regulatory stakeholders.
• Ability to translate project strategy, interconnection requirements, system study outcomes, regulatory constraints and cost/schedule considerations into practical engineering solutions.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical topics to commercial, legal, financial and executive stakeholders.
• Fluency in English and willingness to travel within the U.S. and internationally as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical development of AC substations, HVDC converter stations and related transmission infrastructure.
• Support U.S. transmission development opportunities, including ISO/RTO solicitations, FERC Order 1000 processes, utility RFPs and other project development initiatives.
• Define and review technical architectures, equipment strategies, design basis documents, specifications, single-line diagrams, protection and control concepts, and interface requirements.
• Review and challenge technical work performed by OEMs, engineering contractors and external consultants, ensuring that assumptions, deliverables, cost inputs, schedules and risks remain aligned with project strategy.
• Ensure proper integration between new project facilities and incumbent transmission owner substations, including protection coordination, control and communication interfaces, outage constraints and grid connection requirements.
• Evaluate alternative technical solutions in terms of reliability, constructability, cost-effectiveness, schedule impact, permitting risk and competitive positioning.
• Support procurement and tendering activities, including technical scope definition, bid evaluation, clarifications, design reviews and contract negotiations.
• Translate system studies, interconnection requirements and regulatory constraints into practical engineering requirements.
• Identify and manage technical risks related to design maturity, equipment strategy, integration, commissioning, operational readiness, schedule, cost and compliance.
• Contribute to the development of EGI's HVDC/HVAC expertise, technical partnerships and U.S. market positioning.

Skills

HVDC Substations

HVAC Substations

Transmission Engineering

Power Systems

VSC HVDC

Protection & Control

Regulatory Stakeholders

Technical Leadership

Interconnection Studies

English Fluency

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Master's in Electrical Engineering (preferred)

Job description

Elia Grid International (EGI) is expanding its U.S. infrastructure team. We seek an experienced HVDC/HVAC Lead to guide technical development of AC substations, HVDC converter stations, and associated transmission assets.

You will shape technical solutions, review OEM work, and translate insights into cost, schedule, permitting, and commercial positioning for U.S. transmission opportunities.