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Elia is the operator of the Belgian high-voltage transmission grid (380 kV to 30 kV) and is responsible for developing and maintaining the grid, providing users with access to it and controlling energy flows. The Elia group is a team of 2,000 professionals who have the task of ensuring the continuity of electricity supplies in Belgium.

As owner and operator of electricity transmission networks in Belgium and Germany Elia has an important role and mission in supporting and implementing Europe's energy and climate policy.

Senior Expert Power Electronics HVDC

Expertise: Engineers

Reference ID: 4507

Context:

The electric grid is an important asset of the energy landscape that supports the social economic welfare. Elia wants to be a catalyst towards a successful energy transition by contributing to the development of a reliable, sustainable and affordable energy system. By building new interconnectors and integrating renewables in our grid we stimulate the European energy market as well as the decarbonization of our society.

The energy transition will lead to large-scale production and integration of renewable energy. The consumer will play a more and more central role in this system where they will provide extra flexibility to the grid.

Elia has commissioned two new HVDC interconnectors in the past few years: one connection with the United Kingdom (Nemo Link) and one with Germany (Alegro). Apart from this Elia plays a critical role in connecting renewable energy, produced in the North Sea. In the near future Elia will build an artificial island in the Belgian part of the North Sea, this for the connection of renewable energy production on one hand and for the connection of future HVDC interconnectors on the other (possibly extra interconnection with the United Kingdom, a connection with Denmark,…).

In this energy transition, new technologies and digitization are key. Within the department, Engineering Standards & Expertise, two new teams have been created (Power Electronics & Virtual Substations). The team working on Power Electronics will centralize the expertise around HVDC, FACTS like STATCOMs, synchronous condensers and AC filters but they will also be the technical support for the ongoing and future projects.

Function

As an ‘Expert in Power Electronics’ you will deepen and share your expertise in the field of HVDC systems. You will actively contribute to Elia’s knowledge base and ongoing projects. You will participate, learn and contribute by participating in conferences, exchange programs, working groups and on the job trainings like intervention on existing and future HVDC assets.

Responsibilities:

You actively follow the HVDC developments by using and extending your network with suppliers, universities and other stake holders
You act as single point of contact for all technical HVDC related questions, clarification and studies
You will perform feasibility studies of protection & control system replacements in existing HVDC converter stations
Develop technology notes around HVDC-integration to support conceptual decisions
You are responsible to further develop the internal knowledge base on HVDC
As content owner you will draw up and lecture trainings involving HVDC systems
You will perform feasibility studies of protection & control system replacements in existing HVDC converter stations

You will collaborate closely with the project team responsible for HVDC projects, where you will act as technical project expert. In this role, you will:

Manage the development and execution of the (detailed) studies and design concepts on HVDC systems
Develop technical specifications & concepts (with support of potential third parties)
- Control & Protection systems (C&P)
- Multi terminal DC operation and control concept
- Performance requirements
- Converter design
- DC specific equipment
- …
Follow-up the development of the HVDC system, from conceptual to basic and detailed design. Here you will draft technical notes to support decisions made during the process.
During tender phase, make technical evaluations of proposals and assist during negotiations with suppliers/contractors
Cover the design review and take responsibility over the different choices
Prepare and participate in the prequalification, type testing, factory acceptance and site acceptance
During the execution, assure follow-up and respect of design choices. You will make sure that the detailed studies and technical specification match with the quality and performance criteria of the delivered system.
Will search for opportunities that will help the project or our organization

Your Profile

•   You are a civil or industrial engineer (electronics, energy, electricity or electro mechanics)
•   A PhD in power electronics is an added value
•   You speak and write English fluently in addition to French and/or Dutch
•   Experience:

5-10 year experience in the energy sector with at least 2 years of experience in HVDC systems, or
more than 5 years experience in power electronics.

•   You are a smooth, assertive and practical communicator that is used to function in a team
•   You have a keen eye to detail, you strive for a high quality level and you always have safety on your mind
•   Considered to be an added value:

Experience in HVDC, GIS, Utilities (HVAC, diesel, fire-fighting,…)
Experience with (European) tender procedures (specification, pre-qualification, analysis of offers,…)
Experience with HVAC/HVDC offshore cable systems
Experience in operational management of assets
Knowledge of PSCAD
Steering and training of new colleagues

• Able to work in a matrix organization
• Sporadic business trips may occur

Location

Quai Léon Monnoyer 3; 1000 Brussels

What's in it for you?

More than offering you a mere job, we give you an exciting, ultra-professional environment, unique training and every opportunity to develop your career potential to the full, plus an attractive salary and fringe benefits. So choosing Elia means opting for a future full of promise!