Assistant Grid Control Engineer

Your new company
Our client is an independent electricity systems operator for Northern Ireland who is at the forefront of innovation in the energy industry, enabling the transition towards a low-carbon, technology-enabled smart future. Applications are invited for an Assistant Grid Control Engineer (Loading Desk) to support the operation of the NI and Ireland power system in the context of the all-island wholesale electricity market.

Your new role
You will be responsible for a range of functions in real-time system operations.
These will include but not be limited to system operations; security of supply; management of generation and transmission performance; outage management; supporting incident analysis; monitoring and testing to ensure efficient performance of grid operations; project management; provision of system support services and grid planning functions; and provision of information used in settlement of the all-island market.

Key responsibilities include:

• Instructing the loading of the generating plant on the N.I. and Ireland System.
• Taking the market position as starting point, develop a secure schedule that minimises the deviation from market running. Monitor changes in the market and advice being presented to develop a secure schedule that takes this into account:
• Consideration of plant margins and generation security and the actions to be taken in a shortfall.
• Consideration of system security under outage/fault conditions.
• Safe operation under planned and emergency working conditions.
• Gas schedules.
• Annual DBC budget.
• All forecasts required for market and internal systems e.g. demand, renewables, etc.
• Managing / troubleshooting network model (Outage Database, EMS and MMS).
• Ensuring compliance with any audit requirements and ensure publication of required information to the market e.g. updated constraints.
• Carrying out studies for system security analysis using tools available e.g. LSAT, EMS, RMT etc.
• Managing Interconnector trip process.
• Incident investigation and support of disputes / audits / reporting / manifest errors.
• Assisting the preparation and delivery of training for Control Room team members.

What you'll need to succeed
Essential Criteria:

• Relevant degree; or relevant HNC combined with relevant experience.
• Detailed knowledge of the Northern Ireland Transmission system.
• Extensive experience of more than one of the following areas:
• Transmission Systems
• Power Stations
• Power Systems Operations
• Generation, transmission system development planning
• Power system (including generators) protection maintenance or commissioning
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work and commit to shift work (incl. night shift) for which a shift allowance will be paid.
• Operational knowledge of Energy Management System (EMS) and other real time applications required to monitor system security.
• Ability to work under pressure, multi-task and meet tight deadlines using analytical skills that are both detailed and commercially oriented.
• Effective decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative with minimum supervision.
• Effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• A strong team ethic as it is essential to work closely with the System Operations team in a 24/7 environment
• Fully flexible approach to job role and the changing business environment.

Desirable:

• Experience of loading desk operations, unit commitment software, European Network Codes and European power systems.

Please note, all successful candidates need to be cleared for security purposes as this role involves use of the TETRA system. They must also be able to travel if required (including travel to Ireland) and may be required to work for extended periods in Ireland.

What you'll get in return
This is an opportunity to lead and contribute to the advancement of a critical component of the energy infrastructure. The rewards package includes a competitive salary commensurate with experience, shift allowance, competitive pension with employer matching arrangements, a variety of salary sacrifice schemes (e.g. pension and cycle to work) competitive holidays and complimentary car parking with electric charging point on site.
Further details can be provided on request.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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