HVDC/ HVAC Lead

HVDC/HVAC Lead Who we are Elia Grid International (EGI) is a global power systems consultancy driving innovation and excellence across the global energy sector. Building on the expertise of Elia Group (Belgium) and 50Hertz (Germany), EGI delivers strategic, technical, and regulatory advisory services to tackle complex challenges of the energy transition. With offices in Belgium, Germany, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Canada, and the USA, EGI partners with clients across the globe to deliver high-impact projects in power system planning, smart grids design & digitalization, asset management, HVDC, FACTS, and renewable integration. As we continue to scale up and expand internationally, our ambition is to become a global leader in power systems consultancy, helping build resilient and sustainable energy systems worldwide. Your function EGI is reinforcing its U.S.-based infrastructure team to support major transmission, interconnection and project development opportunities. We are looking for an experienced HVDC/HVAC Lead to guide the technical development of AC substations, HVDC converter stations and related transmission infrastructure. This is both a technical leadership and development-support role. The HVDC/HVAC Lead will help shape technical solutions for U.S. transmission opportunities, support competitive proposals, review and challenge work performed by OEMs and external consultants, and translate technical choices into clear implications for cost, schedule, permitting, interconnection, and commercial positioning. You will work closely with project developers, transmission owners, utilities, ISOs/RTOs, OEMs, engineering contractors and internal EGI teams to ensure that technical solutions are reliable, constructible, compliant and aligned with project objectives. Responsibilities Lead the technical development of AC substations, HVDC converter stations and related transmission infrastructure. Support U.S. transmission development opportunities, including ISO/RTO solicitations, FERC Order 1000 processes, utility RFPs and other project development initiatives. Define and review technical architectures, equipment strategies, design basis documents, specifications, single-line diagrams, protection and control concepts, and interface requirements. Review and challenge technical work performed by OEMs, engineering contractors and external consultants, ensuring that assumptions, deliverables, cost inputs, schedules and risks remain aligned with project strategy. Ensure proper integration between new project facilities and incumbent transmission owner substations, including protection coordination, control and communication interfaces, outage constraints and grid connection requirements. Evaluate alternative technical solutions in terms of reliability, constructability, cost-effectiveness, schedule impact, permitting risk and competitive positioning. Support procurement and tendering activities, including technical scope definition, bid evaluation, clarifications, design reviews and contract negotiations. Translate system studies, interconnection requirements and regulatory constraints into practical engineering requirements. Identify and manage technical risks related to design maturity, equipment strategy, integration, commissioning, operational readiness, schedule, cost and compliance. Contribute to the development of EGI’s HVDC/HVAC expertise, technical partnerships and U.S. market positioning. Required qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline. Typically 8+ years of experience in HVDC, HVAC substations, transmission engineering, power systems engineering or related infrastructure projects. Strong knowledge of HVDC converter stations, HVAC substations, transmission facilities and grid interconnection infrastructure. Demonstrated experience with HVDC VSC technology; LCC experience is considered an advantage. Experience with the design, specification, procurement, design review, construction support, testing, commissioning or operation of HVDC converter stations and/or high-voltage AC substations. Strong understanding of primary equipment, protection and control systems, station layouts, grid connection requirements, technical interfaces, reliability standards and operational constraints. Experience working with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, transmission owners, OEMs, engineering contractors, developers or regulatory stakeholders. Ability to translate project strategy, interconnection requirements, system study outcomes, regulatory constraints and cost/schedule considerations into practical engineering solutions. Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical topics to commercial, legal, financial and executive stakeholders. Fluency in English and willingness to travel within the U.S. and internationally as required. Preferred qualifications Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering or a related discipline. Experience with U.S. transmission owner requirements, utility interconnection practices, NERC reliability expectations and ISO/RTO processes, including CAISO, PJM, SPP, MISO, NYISO or ISO-NE. Familiarity with FERC requirements and relevant IEEE, IEC and CIGRÉ guidance applicable to HVDC, HVAC substations and high-voltage transmission systems. Experience with offshore wind, long-distance transmission, converter station development, FACTS, multi-terminal HVDC or complex grid integration projects. Professional Engineer registration, or progress toward PE registration, is considered an asset. Location & Work Arrangement U.S.-based role (preferably California or East Coast, New York area) Hybrid or remote, with regular travel to client sites, projects, and EGI offices. Typically 25–40%, depending on projects and business development Work Authorization Candidates must be authorised to work in the U.S. Visa sponsorship may be considered depending on profile and business needs. Compensation and benefits Final compensation will depend on location, experience, qualifications, and seniority. EGI offers a competitive benefits package, which includes health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, professional development opportunities, international project exposure and performance-based incentives, subject to applicable company policies and local employment arrangements. What we offer Permanent or freelance employment in a fast-growing international power systems consultancy; Attractive salary package and an extensive array of fringe benefits; Exposure to major U.S. and international transmission, interconnection and energy transition projects; Opportunity to contribute directly to the development of EGI’s U.S. platform and international infrastructure business; Unique training, personal development and growth opportunities; At EGI, we value diversity and inclusion. We are firmly committed to promoting gender equality in all aspects of our organization, from recruitment to professional development. We believe that diverse teams are more creative, innovative, and high-performing. Join us to contribute to an environment where everyone has equal opportunities for growth and fulfilment. Choose EGI and help us guide the worldwide power sector into a future of clean and sustainable energy, smarter and more flexible grids, decentralized production and HVDC systems that span across seas and land to interconnect countries, regions, and different energy markets for the benefit of generations to come. Want to know more about us? Check our website and our LinkedIn page for last news and updates.