Who We Are:
At Northland, we’re enablers of change, united by our journey to transform the energy sector into the foundation for a sustainable future.
Since our inception, we’ve been early movers in the energy industry, adopting new initiatives that pave the way for communities across the globe and helping forge their path towards a carbon-neutral landscape.
We’re a different kind of independent power producer. As developers, owners and operators who are at the forefront of the energy transition, we’re uniquely positioned to leave a lasting impact in the regions where we operate. We’ve expanded our business across Canada, the United States, Latin America, Europe and Asia to become a global leader, all by bringing together industry experts to find solutions with an entrepreneurial mindset.
While our work powers communities across the globe, Northland is powered by our people.
The Senior Electrical Engineer / Project Engineer will support the development and delivery of BESS projects (standalone and hybrid, typically €50M–€300M+) across Northland's Spanish, European portfolios. Reporting to the Head of Engineering, you will provide electrical engineering leadership from origination and feasibility through commissioning and market entry — including HV substation design, selection of key components, line diagrams design, layout, protection & control systems, grid code compliance, and electrical interconnection with transmission and distribution operators.
The Spanish and Dutch markets in particular present distinct grid-integration challenges: Spain's post-blackout regulatory overhaul (RD 997/2025) has introduced new voltage-control obligations, a redefined installed-capacity methodology, and mandatory telemetry/remote-control for BESS ≥5 MW. The Netherlands' severe grid congestion and new Energy Act (Energiewet 2026) require mastery of TenneT's Grid Code Compliance (GCC) certification process, grid-forming inverter requirements, and Alternative Transmission Rights (ATR) frameworks.
Travel to project sites and offices across Spain, the Netherlands and Europe is required.
Key Responsibilities
Grid Connection & Interconnection
- Manage electrical interconnection processes with REE and DSOs (Spain), TenneT and regional DSOs (Netherlands), and their equivalents in other European markets, from feasibility through market entry.
- Lead grid code compliance activities: NTS 631 compliance studies (Spain); TenneT GCC certification — EON, ION, FON — including reactive power capability, power quality, insulation coordination, and dynamic studies (Netherlands).
- Design and specify HV substations (up to 400 kV), grid connection parameters, protection & control systems, SCADA/telemetry, and metering infrastructure in compliance with market-specific grid codes and RD 997/2025 operational obligations.
- Coordinate market entry processes including equipment registration, compliance testing, and system operator acceptance in both jurisdictions.
Engineering & Design Management
- Manage and direct project engineering firms; review electrical studies and designs for BESS plant layout, inverter configurations, MV/HV switchgear, transformers, and balance-of-plant.
- Prepare and review technical scope documents and procurement specifications for major electrical equipment (battery systems, cables, inverters, transformers, HV switchgear).
- Ensure electrical components are optimized for cost and constructability and comply with local and international standards.
- Collaborate with civil, structural, and mechanical engineers to ensure successful integration of electrical systems into BESS plant designs.
- Coordinate interfaces between battery management systems (BMS), power conversion systems (PCS), SCADA, and grid protection systems.
Construction Support & Commissioning
- Develop inspection plans for electrical infrastructure; direct field engineers to conduct inspections during construction.
- Coordinate equipment supply, electrical installation, testing, and commissioning by EPC contractors, substation contractors, and equipment suppliers.
- Provide engineering support during installation of cable and other critical equipment.
- Review acceptance testing (FAT/SAT) and inspection procedures for compliance with contract requirements and industry standards (IEC, UNE, NEN).
- Manage punch-list closeout and coordinate substation/transmission line handover to REE (Spain), TenneT & DSOs (Netherlands) and their equivalents in other EU markets.
Project Support
- Assist in developing capital and operating cost estimates for project pro-formas in consultation with Northland's project finance team.
- Assist project teams in preparing and evaluating EPC contractor and engineering proposals.
- Support due diligence for BESS acquisitions — electrical infrastructure assessment, grid-connection risk, and compliance gap analysis.
- Assist the documentation control team with project turnover to operations.
- Collaborate with HSE department and the project manager in the development of emergency response plans, electrical safety standards, audits and risk assessments.
- Support the procurement function in negotiating contracts for key equipment, ensuring technical compliance and supplier performance.
Who You Are
- Methodical and organized: You effectively priorities tasks in a deadline-driven environment and maintain comprehensive project documentation across two jurisdictions.
- Strong communicator: You influence internal and external stakeholders from varied cultural backgrounds with excellent written and spoken communication.
- Proactive problem solver: You anticipate technical challenges — grid code non-compliance, interface mismatches, commissioning risks — and resolve them before they impact schedules.
- Flexible: You thrive in a dynamic environment where regulatory frameworks (post-blackout Spain, post-Energiewet Netherlands, etc) are evolving in real time.
- An influencing leader: You work effectively with cross-functional teams and motivate contractors, suppliers, and engineering firms without direct authority.
Qualifications and Experience
- Electrical Engineering degree and professional engineering designation (Colegiado/chartered status preferred).
- Minimum 10 years of experience in power engineering, with a strong emphasis on HV substation design and construction, protection & control systems, and SCADA. Experience with BESS or energy storage systems is a strong asset.
- Knowledge of grid code compliance processes in at least one target market: Spain (NTS 631, REE technical procedures) or Netherlands (TenneT GCC — EON/ION/FON certification, Dutch Electricity Grid Code, EU RfG/DCC).
- Familiarity with BESS-specific electrical design: inverter/PCS configurations, battery rack architecture, DC systems, BMS-SCADA integration, and fire-safety electrical provisions (PGS 37-1 in Netherlands).
- Understanding technical interconnection requirements and processes for European TSOs/DSOs.
Our employees are the driving force behind our achievements. We are unwavering in our commitment to not only recognize your contributions but also to empower you to excel in every aspect of your life. Here's a glimpse of why Northland is the place where you'll truly thrive:
Thoughtful benefits – You will have access to a range of benefits including paid parental leave, country specific and paid benefits that will cover you and your family just to name a few.
Wellbeing first – Staying true to our taking care of ourselves and each other value, you will have access to our global Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program, including access to mental health resources.
Birthdays off – You will get your birthday off work so you can celebrate however you choose. This is a paid day off to do what is important to you!
Please note, our benefits do vary depending on location so if you are applying for a role that’s advertised in multiple locations, each country will have specific benefits.
We hire talented and passionate people from different backgrounds. If you’re excited about a role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with this job description, we still encourage you to apply. Learn more about our diversity, inclusion and belonging commitments.
#LI-SM1 #LI-ONSITE
This document is a guide. The duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the jobs as described herein are not inclusive and are subject to change.
Northland Power is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and accessible environment. As part of our commitment we work to ensure our application process is accessible to all candidates. If you require special assistance or accommodation during the hiring process, please notify a member of the HR Department.
We use AI‑enabled tools to help identify applications that meet job‑related criteria. All applications are reviewed and decisions are made by people.
