Senior Grid Connections Consultant

Smarter Grid Solutions (SGS) is a pioneering software technology company working at the intersection of clean energy, power systems, and advanced digital technology. We are a team of power system engineers, software developers, grid analytics & consulting experts working on the transformation of tomorrow’s electric grid – to become cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable.

In addition to our DER Management System (DERMS) software products, SGS delivers specialized consultancy studies to Network Operators and DER Developers, helping these customers navigate the grid digitalization and connections landscape. SGS is seeking to recruit an experienced Grid Connections Consultant to join an existing team of power system consultants. This is an exciting role that will provide exposure to some of the most pioneering smart grid implementation projects across the globe and the opportunity to work with the DER developers that are driving that net-zero transition.

Overview of the Role

The Grid Connections Consultant will be responsible for leading a range of exciting power systems analysis and consultancy activities in customer projects. The role will focus on leading the development and delivery of consultancy services for our DER Developer & DER Operator customers.

The Grid Connections Consultant will take a leading role in the delivery of projects, responsible for ensuring deliverables are met on-time, on-budget and to customer satisfaction and quality expectations. Assignments involve close collaboration with network operators and DER developer stakeholders as Smarter Grid Solutions supports the connection, design and operation of low-carbon distributed energy assets.

The role will involve close working and collaboration within our team of experienced consultants, supporting the development and mentoring of junior colleagues. The Grid Connections Consultant will take a leading role in the development and refinement of consultancy service offerings, particularly those delivered to the DER Developer and DER Operator community.

The role requires a high degree of adaptability in what is a fast-paced and dynamic working environment, reflecting the varied portfolio of novel and challenging activities undertaken by SGS at the leading edge of smart grid innovation in the power sector. The role will be based in Glasgow, with an occasional requirement for travel to customer sites within the UK. Remote or Hybrid working arrangements can be explored.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be an experienced grid engineer or consultant with relevant commercial experience and a track record in delivering technical analysis, qualitative assessments, and high-quality reporting. They will be a competent communicator and initiative taker who achieves high quality outcomes from their own work.

The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge of the electrical power industry, with specific experience in the development of generation connections. Familiarity with industry standards and regulation relating to generation connections is required, with experience with the grid connection application and network connection design process strongly desired.

Skilled report writing and reviewing skills are essential. Successful candidates will have a strong commitment to personal development and will make and take opportunities to advance their own skills and knowledge, as well as supporting best-practice and growth of others within the team.

The position will be suited to those with experience in the renewable energy development or consultancy sector, looking for a new challenge and the opportunity to work on global projects demonstrating and delivering novel smart grid technologies.

The Role

Leading the delivery of consultancy projects for DER Developer customers, including: grid origination and capacity screening studies; grid connection application support; grid constraint and curtailment studies; site grid connection assessments and business case evaluation.

Leading the delivery of consultancy projects in the distributed energy, Fleet DER and flexibility market domain, including: specification of distributed energy use cases, specification of flexibiltiy and market interfaces, service stacking and coordination assessments, distributed energy cost-benefit analysis.

Business Development: Taking a leading role in development of new consultancy leads and opportunities through market engagement, creating and capturing opportunities and supporting the preparation of fully-costed proposals.

Leading the preparation of, and contributing to clear, articulate and impactful documents for customers and leading engagement with customers in analysis, consultancy and other projects. Peer reviewing the analytical and written work of team members and other colleagues.
Market Engagement and Advocacy – Supporting market growth of Fleet DERMS and Virtual Power Plant solutions, accelerating the role of distributed energy assets in the net zero transition, participating in domain/industry working groups.

What we are looking for

• MSc/MEng or equivalent in Environmental, Energy, Electrical Engineering or similar disciplines (or relevant experience to this level).
• At least 5 years’ experience delivering projects in electrical network design/planning, DER/generation development, the electricity networks sector or other highly relevant project delivery.
• A strong understanding of the grid connections landscape in Britain, including recent developments and demonstrations of smart, flexible grid technologies and the regulatory context of electricity transmission and distribution.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.

It would be great if you have:

• Experience delivering commercial consultancy projects in the electrical networks domain, preferably for generation/DER developers.
• Understanding of emerging industry trends such as the Distribution System Operator transition, grid flexibility services, net zero carbon developments and the Open Networks initiative.
• Techno-Economic modelling of DER development and operation.
• Detailed understanding of wholesale and ancillary market participation requirements: registration/eligibility, data exchange, settlement and emerging trends. Development of business models for energy asset participation in energy markets.
• Good working knowledge and experience in a variety of power systems modelling, simulation and analysis tools and techniques including uses of commercial software packages (at least one from PSSE, IPSA, PowerFactory or CYME).