Lead Engineer, Electrical Planning and Design

Superpowered. Meaningful work. Human impact. A story we're proud to tell. This is what matters to us at National Grid. In a world of complexity and unanswered questions, there is one thing we're certain about: The power of our people.

National Grid is hiring a Lead Engineer (Electrical Planning and Design), Electrical Engineering for Massachusetts. This is a Hybrid Role - Must live within a commutable distance to Northboro, MA.

Perform engineering functions within the Substation Control and Integration group responsible for New England. Participate in project teams tasked with building or modifying electrical utility substations focusing on engineering and design of control, SCADA, metering, dc system and protection circuits & data networks within substations.

ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION CONTROL:

• Create Scope Documents detailing the philosophy, design, equipment details, RTU and annunciator point lists and deviations from standards for control and integration equipment required for a substation project.
• Review, approve, and develop electrical schematics for RTU control, breaker control, protective relays, annunciators, networks, equipment power, load transfer/shedding and capacitor control schemes.
• Provide engineering support during electrical switchboard design, construction and commissioning.
• Develop standard designs and guidelines for substation control systems.
• Provide conceptual front view sketches to locate placement of major switchboard equipment. Review front view drawings and associated material lists.
• Investigate, evaluate and propose new or replacement substation panel, wiring or control equipment.
• Participate in the review and development of control and switchboard specifications.
• Provide assistance in analyzing the operation of substation control systems for proper operation following system disturbances. Determine causes of improper operation and carry out corrective action.
• Evaluate new control technologies.

ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION DATA INTEGRATION

• Design and configure communications systems within substations that transport digital data between Intelligent Electronic Devices and entrance devices.
• Develop and maintain software points list for new substation digital network commissioning and ongoing maintenance.
• Determine settings, connections and configurations and participate in the commissioning of complex digital substation network components such as communications processors, PLCs, HMIs and smart annunciators.
• Develop standards, guidelines and procedures for the selection, installation, configuring and commissioning of digital substation network components.
• Support substation integration testing during project construction and commissioning.
• Provide engineering support for digital substation network field problems.
• Evaluate new substation network communications technologies, requirements and procedures.
• Provide training to technicians and operators on digital communications devices.

Knowledge and Experience Required:

• A Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an accredited engineering school with knowledge of high voltage electrical power systems.
• 10+ years of related experience
• Ability to read electrical schematics and a working knowledge of the devices represented on typical utility substation schematics.
• Knowledge of 3 phase electrical utility high and low voltage AC circuits.
• Knowledge of electric utility DC systems and their protection.
• Knowledge of substation practices, testing, construction and maintenance techniques.
• Knowledge of substation automation, digital communications techniques and protocols.
• Knowledge of protective relay and relay communication schemes.
• Background of working in energized substations.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with PC, abilities include Microsoft Office suite or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license.

Capability Requirements:

• Demonstrate effective time management, organizational skills and task prioritization on projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Work in a Project Management team environment.
• Ability to lead team members for projects of moderate to high complexity
• Develop documentation to assist in knowledge transfer. Mentorship of engineers and interns
• Participate in technical presentation for internal and external audiences.
• Work on special projects and additional duties as directed.