Lead C&I Engineer

Main Function & Scope

As a member of the Operational Technology Team under the Asset Excellence department, the Lead C&I Engineer will lead C&I resources to provide engineering solutions and support to contribute to the safe delivery of upper quartile performance for wind and solar PV generation assets.

As an expert in Control and Instrumentation and SCADA systems, with particular experience in the control and automation of electrical infrastructure, the Lead C&I Engineer will be responsible for the safe maintenance of control and instrumentation system hardware and software, and the development and integration of new solutions to deliver remote asset supervision and control.

Location

This role can be based in Portugal or Spain. We operate an Agile Working policy which allows employees to work flexibly near our office locations. You must have the right to work in the UK/European Union.

Key Responsibilities

System Maintenance and Reliability

Working closely with the Electrical Reliability and Asset Management teams, lead C&I resources to support delivery of upper quartile asset performance by providing engineering support and maintenance management:

• Manage and organise regular maintenance of electrical infrastructure monitoring and control systems
• Ensure SCADA system configuration control through accurate documentation and periodic back-up of control system software and parameters, and by assessing all proposed technical changes under the business Engineering Change Process
• Troubleshoot and repair defective systems, utilising and managing trusted contractors where required
• Determine suitability of replacement components and where required, third-party refurbishment works
• Support maintenance and troubleshooting of SCADA data interfaces connected to company second level SCADA system and other data retrieval systems
• Support maintenance of site communication networks

System Development

Working with key internal stakeholders and external support provider, lead and inspire direct reports to develop innovative solutions:

• Develop, implement, and test solutions to provide remote visibility and control of assets
• Deliver solutions to enhance asset control capability and support delivery of ancillary services

Grid Code and Cyber Security Compliance

Working closely with the Electrical Reliability and IT teams to ensure continued compliance:

• Support Grid Code compliance through monitoring and maintenance of critical control systems, interfaces, and TNO/DNO data provision systems
• Maintain compliance with company cybersecurity standards by regularly assessing SCADA systems for vulnerabilities, applying security updates, and coordinating with IT and cybersecurity teams to implement robust security measures and conduct periodic audits

Engineering Optimisation Support

Working with closely with Asset Optimisation team and the wider Operational Technology team support asset performance improvement and lifetime extension:

• Provide engineering support on control systems to Asset Optimisation team in the development and validation of performance upgrades
• Extend asset life through SCADA component obsolescence management
• Specify the C&I / SCADA system requirements for new renewable energy projects (i.e. wind, solar PV, BESS) ensuring that operational requirements are captured in EPC and supply agreements
• Act as operational authority to sign off commissioning and testing for newly constructed projects

Team Management

Lead and develop C&I engineering resources to support delivery of Operational Technology strategy:

• Lead and develop a team of C&I engineers, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and skill development
• Align team activities with the broader Operational Technology strategy, ensuring effective resource allocation and project prioritisation
• Conduct performance reviews and provide continuous feedback and mentorship to enhance team capabilities and achieve strategic objectives

Competencies & Behaviours

Essential

• Leadership
• Decision making
• Organised and methodical mindset
• Safety orientated
• Results focussed
• Drive and persistence
• Confident and articulate communicator
• Excellent level of written communication
• Teamwork
• Directing others
• Developing relationships
• Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity
  

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Expert knowledge of PLC operation, programming, and management
• Expert knowledge of a broad range of communication protocols used in SCADA systems in the electricity generation industry
• Knowledge of wind farm internal network topology, design and maintenance
• Knowledge of latest industry specific cyber security requirements
• Working knowledge of safety legislation specific to electricity generation industry in the UK
• Understanding of O&M contracts and specifically being able to understand technical scope
• Confident and articulate communicator who can explain complex engineering problems in non-technical language
• Proficient in creating comprehensive technical documentation
  

Desirable

• Knowledge of wind turbine SCADA systems
• Knowledge of different communication systems (e.g. fibre optics, GSM, satellite)

Relevant Experience

Essential

• Hands on experience of electrical/control cabinets and associated components, their configuration, testing, maintenance and associated fault finding
• Strong understanding and demonstrable experience of working with C&I / SCADA hardware and software in the electricity generation industry
• Experience of managing contractors and delivering multiple projects simultaneously, to schedule and budget
• Effective team member who can support in the delivery of cross functional work scopes
• High level of computing literacy
• Strong interpersonal including both verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail, methodical mind with the ability to combine innovative thinking with a solutions-orientated approach
• Ability to make effective decisions in pressured situations
• Worked across several jurisdictions to deliver projects and workscopes
  

Desirable

• Line management experience
• Hands on experience of Server operating hardware, software and components
• Knowledge of virtual machine environments
  

Education & Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering discipline or Information Technology
  

Language Skills

• Fluent in English (essential);
• Additional Portuguese, French, Spanish, languages would be advantageous
  

Software Programmes

• Microsoft Office Suite
• PLC programming environments
• First and Second Level SCADA Software Platforms
  
• Network Configuration and Security Tools
• Database Management Systems
• Project Management Software

Travel Requirements 

Frequent travel across to sites and offices in Europe will be required.