Senior Lead HVDC Engineer

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 sustainable development and responsible operation of facilities with respect for the environment, communities, and cultures where we have a presence. Our approach emphasizes trust, accountability, and transparency, driven by company values of creative spirit, pride of ownership, follow-through, and a team-first attitude.

About the Role

The Senior Lead HVDC Engineer will oversee engineering design and construction of HVDC transmission systems through planning, design, construction, and commissioning phases, ensuring a smooth handoff to the Operations Team. The role involves supporting Pattern Energy transmission projects by performing conceptual and front-end engineering design, developing technical specifications, evaluating tenders, reviewing vendor submissions, witnessing factory tests, monitoring construction, and supporting commissioning activities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate engineering design activities for HVDC facilities from conceptual phase through final close-out and handoff to the Operations Team.
• Provide technical expertise in HVDC transmission system design to stakeholders, including the Operations Team.
• Prepare conceptual designs identifying technology, architecture, and requirements for HVDC systems, including main circuit equipment, controls, protection, and auxiliary equipment.
• Liaise and coordinate with internal teams, external consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors.
• Prepare scope and cost estimates for capital project justifications related to HVDC transmission systems.
• Review and accept designs and reports from consultants and vendors to ensure compliance with project specifications and standards.
• Oversee design, interface coordination, and commissioning of HVDC transmission facilities, including interconnections to generation and utilities.
• Review study reports, design drawings, equipment specifications, test plans, and commissioning reports from vendors and contractors.
• Lead and direct Pattern staff and Owner’s Engineer for project deliverables, ensuring adherence to schedules and budgets.
• Ensure proper construction and commissioning of HVDC facilities.
• Perform performance and root cause analysis for troubleshooting issues during the construction phase.
• Develop specialized commissioning and acceptance test procedures for HVDC transmission systems, considering overall generation integration.

Requirements

• A Master’s or bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field with demonstrated HVDC work experience.
• 12+ years of experience in electrical engineering, with at least 8 years in study, design, specification, construction, testing, and commissioning of HVDC transmission systems.
• Strong technical capabilities and a creative, self-driven work ethic.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects with minimal supervision.
• Experience working in or leading cross-functional teams with little oversight.
• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel frequently (up to 30%).

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of HVDC technology application and operation.
• Expertise in HVDC system design, including converter valves, valve cooling, converter transformers, reactors/capacitors, auxiliary systems, and control/protection systems.
• Experience preparing technical specifications and tender documents for HVDC converter stations, evaluating bids, performing design reviews, witnessing factory tests, monitoring construction, and on-site commissioning.
• Knowledge of reviewing studies related to HVDC systems.
• Experience witnessing and reviewing results from factory and on-site testing.
• Familiarity with applicable codes and standards for HVDC transmission.
• Field experience with installation, commissioning, and maintenance of HVDC systems (preferred).
• Working knowledge of construction and/or maintenance of HVDC facilities (preferred).
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct specialized engineering work.
• Strong problem-solving skills to assess technical outages and implement action plans.

Pay

The expected starting pay range for this role is $149,000 - $186,000 USD. Base pay may vary based on factors such as location, experience, certifications, and education. In addition to base pay, Pattern offers a bonus structure for full-time employees.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance and voluntary benefits.
• Family care benefits, including paid time off, bonding leave, and holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 401(k)/RRSP retirement savings plan with employer contribution.
• Employee referral bonuses.