Lead Engineer - HV Technology and Operations

The position of Lead Engineer (HV Technology & Operations) at JDR Cable Systems (JDR) commands substantial technical authority and you will be the technical lead engineer for JDR HV technology/power cables focusing on static renewable energy applications. This role encompasses the research, development, testing, design, manufacturing support, field installation and warranty support of power cable products and their associated hardware. This role provides specialist electrical engineering expertise and will provide critical support regarding high voltage testing protocols and any associated electrical safety management and may be appointed within the HV authorisation structure to undertake relevant duties.

This role demands in-depth expertise in engineering design and analysis spanning across all REC product lines with a particular focus on static power cable product lines advancement. The scope of technical involvement shall include working closely and support the other Lead/Principal Engineers to improve all of JDR’s cable designs and their associated HV technologies, with a focus on JDR’s cable thermal rating strategy and methodology. Additional activities include but are not limited to the development of designs and test methods, updating and the creation of suitable design tools/rules and their implementation within JDR.

The main responsibilities will include:

• Be the product specialist within JDR for HV technology and static power cables, enhancing JDR’s knowledge base and striving for technical excellence by actively engaging with external stakeholders to enhance JDR’s technical credibility whilst instigating advancements in technical proficiency across the organisation.
• Lead the specification, execution and delivery of JDR research and development projects and JDR qualification programmes; providing technical advice and guidance and provide a supporting role to others; take a lead on JDR’s cable thermal rating strategy, methodology and implementation.
• Identify the need for new technology and provide feedback on business risks. Establish product development and qualification testing protocols and oversee testing to support Capital Expenditure applications within JDR, specifically for static power cable products.
• Be responsible for expanding JDR’s static power cable knowledge base, contributing to the businesses desire for growth and expertise in this field. Remain current with global developments relating to power cables and represent the company on related industry forums.
• Work closely Project Engineering Team ensure technical accuracy and productivity whilst achieving high product and design confidence in live projects.
• Engage with suppliers, customers and third parties (including universities & not-for-profit research organisations), using NDAs as applicable, in bringing appropriate new technology, knowledge and suppliers into JDR, as well as assisting or assisting with new product assessments.
• Assist the other Lead/Principal Engineer’s in generating, developing, monitoring and controlling design rules the Design Manuals and creating new design rules where appropriate ensure alignment with plant capabilities and seek to ensure consistency in all output.
• Collaborate effectively with Technology, Project Engineering and Project Management teams driving to achieve on time submission of documents and on time approval from the customer and to ensure alignment in processes and procedures.
• Proactively engage in the design process of complex products, which may include new technology or innovative solutions, facilitating well-informed technical decisions.
• Enhance JDR’s reputation in technical excellence in line with the Technology roadmap, via external engagement to ensure JDR’s technical credibility and drive improvements in technical competency throughout the business.
• Support continuous improvement of the technical capability and effectiveness of high voltage operational activities, and the identification of new, equipment, tools, techniques and processes defining high voltage operational test procedures and to recommend improvements to Senior Management.
• Support the definition of high voltage testing protocols, and where appropriate, provide advice and guidance on the production of test procedures and risk assessments for high voltage test activities, which may include undertaking site assessments and recommending improvements to Senior Management.
• Research, develop and transfer new or enhanced knowledge on relevant high voltage test processes, techniques and procedures, into the wider business workflows, including Global Services, Engineering, Production, Quality, Sales and Tendering.
• Provide technical advice and guidance, as well as on-site electrical engineering support offshore, where appropriate, for high voltage test activity in the field.
• Offer support and, when requested, take the lead on any exceptional technical challenges such as warranty issues.
• Support professional development by offering advice, training and alternative solutions, where appropriate, to the wider Engineering team.

This role may have line management and day-to-day responsibility and accountability for (Senior) R&D Engineer(s), and Cable Rating Specialist, including Graduate Engineers as appropriate. Therefore, this role is responsible for the development of the technical competence of the team and ensuring technical compliance with regard to any requirements of the customer’s contract and/or customer specifications.

It is anticipated that you will be required to be heavily involved in the specification, implementation and reporting of testing in relation to Static Power Cable research, development and qualification activities and will require UK and/or overseas travel to clients, test houses and conferences.

You will collaborate closely with multiple teams including Sales, Tendering, Development, Projects, Design, Operations and Service. Furthermore, there may be a need to represent JDR in client interface meetings both domestically and internationally.  Strategic priorities and objectives will be assigned by the Chief Engineer (Power Cables).

An aspiration to become a Principal Engineer in the related product group is a must and if successful, be committed to a robust development plan to reach this level in a reasonable timeframe.

We operate a hybrid working approach where you will be required to work a minimum of three days a week in the office and the other two days a week from home if you wish.