HVDC Engineer Manager/Director (All Levels)

The Organization

Grid United is a mission-driven company aiming to solve the largest barrier to a more reliable, resilient and affordable grid by developing new long haul electric transmission lines in the United States. Established in 2021 by proven industry leaders, Grid United is developing utility-scale electric multi-state transmission projects that will provide long-term economic benefits to communities across the country, provide Americans with improved grid resiliency for our homes and businesses, and cost savings for electricity consumers.

More information about the company can be found at www.gridunited.com

The Position

Grid United has numerous large-scale transmissions projects under development and is currently identifying and studying additional prospective projects across North America. As these projects progress, the Company continues to build its internal capabilities and is expanding its internal HVDC team, which is seeking to add an HVDC specialist to lead various HVDC efforts. This role will report to the VP of Engineering and will be located in Houston, TX or remote.

Please apply if you possess 70% or more of the required skills described below.

Key Responsibilities & Outcomes:

HVDC engineering management

• Manage and coordinate owner’s engineer and HVDC OEMs during front end engineering design and execution stages to ensure an optimal and feasible system design.
• Review detailed design submittals and studies to ensure robust technical standards, compliance with permitting and land requirements, customer/financing requirements, and needs of execution team, proposing optimization opportunities when possible
• Develop conceptual system designs and help drive HVDC configuration selection.
• Prepare specifications, scopes of work, and technical contractual documents.
• Coordinate with RTO and utility staff on grid integration of Grid United’s HVDC projects.
• Participate in field visits to assess converter station site suitability and constructability.
• Utilize internal tools and market outreach to prepare and update project converter station CAPEX estimates.
• Provide technical due diligence support such as fatal flaw analyses for early-stage development prospects and potential acquisition opportunities.

Sales and marketing support

• Represent GU in various HVDC-related working groups to advance industry understanding of HVDC and advance GU portfolio.
• Prepare materials and present on HVDC topics to support commercialization and sales efforts on GU projects.

Structuring, contracting, & financing

• Complete commercial analysis of HVDC proposals and identify tactical or strategic optimization opportunities.
• Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and project execution to negotiate HVDC contracts.
• Support financing process by responding to lender and independent engineer due diligence questions.

General project development support

• Provide technical support on project development activities such as permitting, stakeholder engagement, and scheduling.
• Provide engineering support to other disciplines as needed for project development and risk mitigation.
• Engage with landowners, community members, and other stakeholders to convey technical components of projects.

Other responsibilities

• Collaborate with team to develop big picture HVDC strategy for GU
• Stay informed about technical capabilities and advances in HVDC and transmission industry, sharing knowledge throughout the organization.
• Determine and regularly evaluate appropriate balance of internal versus external HVDC resourcing
• Propose and implement lessons learned to support continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Be exemplars of the Grid United values of humility, tenacity, ingenuity and grace
• Build, maintain, and value broad and deep stakeholder relationships and have a personal commitment to making a difference in the community
• Proactively work with stakeholders to solve problems in a calm and no blame way

Behaviors – which are essential to success of this team

Desired Experience and Skills:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college program is required. Advanced degrees are helpful but not required.
• 5 /10 /15 years’ experience in HVDC engineering, preferably with experience working for an OEM.
• Knowledge of overall design, contracting, and construction processes for HVDC projects
• Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task efficiently with constant regard for accuracy and quality.
• Articulate speaker with the ability to lead public presentations.
• Strong writing skills, including both technical and persuasive writing.
• Ability to read and digest large amounts of information rapidly.
• Deep curiosity for all functional areas of development including commercialization, engineering, land acquisition, public outreach, and US state and federal regulations.
• Adaptability and flexibility to manage deadline pressure, ambiguity and uncertainty, and project changes.
• Strong computer and data management skills, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small, nonhierarchical organization.
• Proactive and open to embracing new challenges.
• Positive, professional, and energetic team-oriented attitude.
• Embodies Grid United's core values of ingenuity, tenacity, humility, and grace.

What the Right Candidate Will Love about this Opportunity:

• An organization dedicated to solving the ever-changing Rubik’s cube of high voltage transmission development in a fast paced, dynamic and innovative culture
• Working with a core group of dedicated and thoughtful colleagues.
• Working on a day-to-day basis with highly experienced and proven industry leaders
• Being empowered to play a leading role in delivering a large-scale project that will materially change the energy future of America
• Working in an organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and having a positive social impact
• Excellent financial backing from leading energy investor with long term commitment, passion for energy, and an understanding and appetite to tackle the challenges of transmission development

Grid United is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, or any basis prohibited by applicable law.