Senior HVDC Construction Engineer

Overview

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Pattern Energy is a leading renewable energy company that develops, constructs, owns, and operates high-quality wind and solar generation, transmission, and energy storage facilities. Our mission is to transition the world to renewable energy through the sustainable development and responsible operation of facilities with respect for the environment, communities, and cultures where we have a presence. Our approach begins and ends with establishing trust, accountability, and transparency. Our company values of creative spirit, pride of ownership, follow-through, and a team-first attitude drive us to pursue our mission every day. Our culture supports our values by fostering innovative and critical thinking and a deep belief in living up to our promises. Headquartered in the United States, Pattern has a global portfolio of more than 30 power facilities and transmission assets, serving various customers that provide low-cost clean energy to millions of consumers.

Responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE

The purpose of the role is to lead, oversee, coordinate and manage the technical aspect of construction activities to ensure alignment with the engineering design. Ensure that the project is constructed safely, efficiently, and according to the approved designs, specifications and regulations. Ensure compliance with safety regulation, building codes, project specification and stakeholder expectations. Coordinate with contractors, suppliers and stakeholders to ensure deliverables are clearly defended and expectations are being met to keep the project on schedule and within budget. Use technical knowledge and practical experience to address technical related issues with pragmatic and timely solutions, balancing contractual commitments with technical compliance while maintaining a positive working relationship with all stakeholders. Monitor quality control and ensure the project aligns with the approved design. Lead and coordinate all project commissioning actives to ensure the constructed project performs as intended. Lead the coordination of technical stakeholders both internal and external to ensure alignment with project objectives. Ensures successful handoff to operations on project completions.

Key Accountabilities

• Work closely with project managers, design engineers, Owner's Engineer, Contractors, equipment vendor & suppliers and Engineer's of other Stakeholder during project planning and execution to coordinate technical support and ensure seamless integration of HVDC, electrical and structural components. Communicate progress updates, challenges, and needs of project stakeholders through regular reports or meetings.
• Provide daily technical support to construction activities, including the installation of converter stations, interfacing utilities, interfacing transmission lines, interfacing generation and related equipment. Support the supervision of the construction management team, an provide guidance to subcontractors to ensure tasks are performed correctly and on schedule. Monitor progress to ensure alignment with project timelines and milestones.
• Ensure that construction work adheres to detailed engineering designs and technical specifications provided by design engineers and stakeholders. Verify that the installation of HVDC components (e.g., converters, transformers, main circuit equipment) matches the intended design and functional requirements. Coordinate with design teams to clarify ambiguities or address discrepancies in plans during construction.
• Conduct regular inspections of materials, workmanship, and installed equipment to ensure compliance with project standards, manufacturer specifications, and industry regulations (e.g., IEC, IEEE). Oversee or assist in testing procedures during construction, such as insulation resistance tests or high-voltage checks, to validate component integrity before commissioning. Identify and support rectification of any defects or non-conformities in construction processes or materials.
• Enforce strict safety protocols specific to high-voltage systems to protect workers, equipment, and the public during construction. Ensure compliance with safety standards such as OSHA (or equivalent local regulations) and HVDC-specific safety guidelines, including proper grounding, isolation, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Conduct safety briefings, risk assessments, and hazard identification for tasks involving high-voltage equipment or challenging site conditions.
• Support the develop and preparation of specialized commissioning plans and acceptance criteria for the installation of HVDC transmission systems considering overall generation integration. Review commissioning results and accept or reject based on preestablishes criteria. Coordinate all commissioning activities across all affected stakeholders.
• Support construction contractors in addressing on-site challenges promptly, such as design gaps and interfacing issues, unexpected ground conditions, equipment malfunctions or damage, material delays, or adverse weather, to minimize disruptions. Support the implementation of practical solutions to technical or logistical issues, such as adjusting construction methods for civil work, structural work, or resolving equipment alignment problems. Collaborate with project managers and engineers to escalate and resolve complex issues that impact project scope or timelines.
• Support the development and preconstruction team in the planning and assessment of potential new projects. Support the creation of conceptual design and front-end engineering design activities, developing technical specifications, and evaluating proposals.

Qualifications

Experience/Qualifications/Education Required

• A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with experience in HVDC design, construction, and operation.
• 10 years or more of experience as a Professional Engineer with experience in high voltage substation and transmission.
• At least 10 years’ experience with HVDC design, construction, commissioning, and operations.

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, strong technical capabilities and a creative, curious, self-driven work ethic.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in carrying out complex projects and tasks with minimum supervision.
• Ability to work well in and/or lead cross functional teams with no supervision or oversight
• Strong oral, written and presentations skills.
• Ability to travel frequently (Up to 50% travel)

Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of application and operation of HVDC technology.
• Knowledge of HVDC system design including experience with converter valves, valve cooling, converter transformers, reactors/capacitors, and control and protection systems.
• Experience in preparing technical specifications and tender documents for HVDC converter stations, evaluating bid documents, performing design reviews, witnessing factory tests, construction monitoring and on-site commissioning.
• Knowledge in review of studies related to HVDC systems including witnessing and reviewing results from factory and on-site testing.
• Knowledge of applicable codes and standards related to HVDC transmission
• Field experience with installation, commissioning, and maintenance of HVDC transmission systems.
• Demonstrated ability in planning, organizing and directing engineering work involving a high degree of specialization.
• Ability to quickly assess technical issues and evaluate requirements with the ability to develop and implement appropriate action plans
• Ability to oversee the installation and integration of HVDC systems with existing AC grids or renewable energy sources like wind or solar farms.
• Expertise in the installation of high-voltage AC and DC cables, both underground and submarine, including trenching, jointing, and termination techniques.
• Skills in managing the assembly and installation of converter station equipment, including cooling systems, control systems, and high-voltage insulation.
• Ability to oversee civil works such as site grading, foundation construction for towers and converter stations, and ensuring stability for heavy equipment.
• Understanding of soil and ground conditions to support cable laying or tower foundations, especially in challenging terrains.
• Knowledge of structural requirements for supporting high-voltage equipment and ensuring durability against environmental factors like wind or seismic activity.
• Basic proficiency in AutoCAD or similar software to interpret and review design drawings for converter stations and transmission lines.
• Understanding of safety protocols specific to high-voltage environments, including electrical isolation, grounding, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Familiarity with international standards for HVDC systems, such as IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) guidelines, as well as local electrical codes.

The expected starting pay range for this role is $128,000 - $173,000 USD. This range is an estimate and base pay may be above or below the ranges based on several factors including but not limited to location, work experience, certifications, and education. In addition to base pay, Pattern’s compensation program includes a bonus structure for full-time employees of all levels. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, voluntary benefits, family care benefits, employee assistance program, paid time off and bonding leave, paid holidays, 401(k)/RRSP retirement savings plan with employer contribution, and employee referral bonuses.

Pattern Energy Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.#LI-Hybrid #LI-JH1 #LI-Remote