HVDC Senior/Principal System Design Consultant FlexGrid

DNV; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Generous Paid Leaves

Medical benefits

Pension and Insurance Policies

Additional Benefits such as Gym Memberships

Job summary

DNV is seeking a Senior HVDC System Design Consultant in Johannesburg, South Africa, to drive the development of cutting-edge HVDC transmission solutions. This role involves partnering nationally and internationally on projects concerning system studies, electrical engineering, and more.

Ideal candidates have a master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, experience in HVDC projects, and excellent communication skills. DNV offers flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits, fostering an innovative and diverse work environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in HVDC projects across different development phases.
• Solid technical knowledge of HVDC integration studies.
• Curious and solution-focused to drive innovative ideas.

Responsibilities

• Create conceptual designs for HVDC and AC systems.
• Lead simulations and system studies including dynamic modelling.
• Collaborate on technical negotiations and witness commissioning tests.

Skills

HVDC system design

Electrical engineering

Project development phases

Regulatory standards (IEC, CIGRE, IEEE)

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

PSS®E

PSCAD

PSLF

Job description

About Us

We are the independent expert in assurance and risk management. Driven by our purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, we empower our customers and their stakeholders with facts and reliable insights so that critical decisions can be made with confidence.

About Energy Systems

We help customers navigate the complex transition to a decarbonized and more sustainable energy future. We do this by assuring that energy systems work safely and effectively, using solutions that are increasingly digital. We also help industries and governments to navigate the many complex, interrelated transitions taking place globally and regionally, in the energy industry.

About The Role

Are you passionate about HVDC technology and the role it plays in advancing the energy transition? Join us at DNV as a Senior HVDC System Design Consultant – FlexGrid HV and play a key part in developing cutting‑edge HVDC transmission solutions that enhance affordability, sustainability, and reliability in electricity networks worldwide.

Why DNV?

You will join our innovative global FlexGrid HV venture, dedicated to scaling up HVDC and FACTS technologies. We work with diverse clients—utilities, system operators, developers, investors, government agencies, EPCs, and OEMs—offering services that range from Technical Advisory and Owner’s Engineering to Independent Engineering. Your expertise will directly contribute to shaping the future of high‑voltage electricity transmission.

What You Will Do

As our Senior HVDC System Design Consultant you will partner with colleagues on national and international projects, collaborating with teams across DNV in areas like system studies, electrical engineering, offshore wind, permitting, environmental impact analysis, and markets & risk. You provide your expert guidance to the customer, help design and implement HVDC systems that meet evolving industry needs. Lead and contribute to industry training courses, share insights through "lunch & learn" sessions, and represent DNV at conferences and in standards development forums.

Responsibilities You Can Expect

• Design and Feasibility Studies: Create conceptual designs for HVDC and AC systems, conduct feasibility studies, and assess CAPEX, OPEX, losses, availability and constructability to meet customers’ unique transmission needs.
• System and Equipment Design: Perform, develop and review electrical system studies, equipment design specs, and general arrangements for HVDC systems and substations.
• System Studies and Modelling: Lead or review simulations and system studies, including dynamic modelling and stability analysis for HVDC systems.
• Control and Protection Strategies: Develop and review strategies for HVDC multi-terminal projects, focusing on converter control, fault management, and grid code compliance.
• Technical Negotiations and Testing: Prepare specifications, support tender processes, and witness commissioning tests (FAT/SAT), ensuring solutions meet customer and regulatory requirements.
• Reporting and Commercial Offers: Deliver clear, high‑quality reports and proposals to customers.

Besides projects you will also collaborate on developing our service portfolio, monitoring market trends, and contributing to annual planning. You will represent DNV at conferences, publish thought leadership, and engage in standardization initiatives (e.g., IEEE, IEC, CIGRE). You will build lasting relationships through business development with new and existing customers. Finally, you will coach and mentor junior consultants, guiding their technical career growth.

What we offer

As our new joiner to our FlexGrid venture, you will collaborate with skilled, passionate colleagues in a dynamic, international setting. Each day brings exciting challenges and opportunities to work with diverse topics, projects and clients. You will have flexibility to shape your role and make a real impact in the team and on our business.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements for better work‑life balance
• Generous Paid Leaves (Public Holidays, Annual Leave, Sick Leave, Maternity Leave, Paternity Leave, Moving House, Examination Leave, Family Responsibility Leave)
• Medical benefits (Medical Examinations, Eye Tests, Audiometric Tests)
• Pension and Insurance Policies (Private Medical Insurance)
• Additional Benefits (Communication, Accommodation/Home Security, Memberships (professional/academic institutions, Gym & Sport Membership, Car Allowances))

Benefits may vary based on position, tenure/contract/grade level.

DNV is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to gender, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age or political opinion. Diversity is fundamental to our culture and we invite you to be part of this diversity.

About You

We are looking for a collaborative professional who’s excited to contribute their expertise in HVDC system design. If you’re passionate about delivering innovative solutions, thrive in diverse teams, and enjoy making a real impact, this role is for you.

Additionally, We Are Looking For

• A university degree (preferably a master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field) and have preferably 7 or more years of experience in HVDC projects, including the different project development phases.
• You have solid technical knowledge of HVDC integration studies, software tools, and regulatory standards (e.g., IEC, CIGRE, IEEE).
• You’re curious and solution‑focused, using your expertise to create innovative ideas and drive opportunities.
• You thrive in dynamic, diverse, and collaborative environments.
• You’re a clear communicator who excels at simplifying complex concepts, and you’re open to traveling (up to 20%) to connect with clients, attend conferences, and visit project sites.

Additional Beneficial Experience

• Familiarity with multi‑terminal HVDC systems, fault clearing strategies, multi‑vendor interoperability, and HVDC equipment procurement processes and strategies.

Experience using industrial simulation tools (e.g., PSS®E, PSCAD, PSLF).

Security and compliance with statutory requirements in the countries in which we operate is essential for DNV. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates as part of the offer process, in accordance with applicable country‑specific laws and practices.