Offshore Substation Expert – LV & Electrical

The Offshore Substation LV and Electrical AUX Technical Expert acts as RTE's discipline lead for all LV and electrical auxiliary topics across multiple HVAC and HVDC offshore substation projects simultaneously. The role covers the full project lifecycle — from ERS ownership and tender evaluation through EPCIC execution, FAT attendance, and O&M preparation. The expert represents RTE's technical interests in all interactions with EPCIC contractors, equipment suppliers, and engineering partners on LV/AUX matters.

The LV/AUX discipline is intentionally broad: it encompasses not only conventional LV electrical distribution systems, but the full range of electrical auxiliary and safety-critical systems installed on an offshore substation platform. Key systems in scope include: LV switchboards and distribution panels, UPS and battery systems (AC and DC), fire detection and fire extinguishing systems, crane and lifting equipment drives, SCADA and remote monitoring systems, diesel generator sets, and associated ancillaries. The expert is also expected to maintain working knowledge of adjacent disciplines — HV/MV GIS, main power transformers, NEAT transformers (HVA/C), telecommunications, and firefighting systems — to ensure effective cross-discipline coordination.

Responsibilities

ERS ownership and pre-consultation

• Own and continuously update the Employer Requirement Specifications (ERS) for the LV and electrical auxiliary discipline — ensuring RTE's technical requirements are accurately documented, up to date, and consistent across HVAC and HVDC substation types
• Coordinate with other POSEIDON discipline experts (HV, protection, telecom, civil/structural, HVAC, etc.) to ensure LV/AUX requirements are aligned with and do not conflict with other discipline specifications
• Review and contribute to the preparation of technical tender deliverables — ensuring that LV/AUX technical requirements are correctly captured in tender packages

EPCIC and O&M tendering

• Lead the technical evaluation and scoring of LV/AUX-related submissions from EPCIC and O&M bidders — assess compliance with the ERS, identify technical gaps or non-conformances, and produce scored evaluations
• Contribute to the overall bid analysis in coordination with other RTE entities — consolidate LV/AUX findings into the overall technical recommendation

EPCIC execution — primary workload

• Review and technically approve all EPCIC contractor deliverables within the LV/AUX discipline scope — from basic design through detailed engineering, construction drawings, installation procedures, test plans, commissioning procedures, and as-built documentation
• Respond to EPCIC contractors' technical queries (TQs) on LV/AUX topics — provide technically sound, timely responses that maintain ERS compliance while accommodating legitimate engineering adaptations
• Attend Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) for LV/AUX equipment at contractor and supplier facilities — assess compliance with specifications and approved design documents, formally record findings, and track punch-list resolution
• Attend construction yard site visits on an as-needed basis — observe installation of LV/AUX systems, identify non-conformances, and coordinate with the site team on resolution
• Contribute to contractual matters during EPCIC execution on LV/AUX topics — support project management in the assessment of variation orders, claims, and technical derogations within the discipline scope
• Coordinate across the POSEIDON engineering team and with other RTE entities (asset management, O&M, protection, etc.) on all LV/AUX matters — the role requires proactive multi-stakeholder management

O&M preparation

• Provide technical engineering support to RTE's maintenance teams in preparing the O&M phases for offshore substations — from O&M tender preparation and technical requirements definition through O&M contract execution and delivery of the substations into operation

Project management tools and documentation

• Manage LV/AUX discipline deliverable tracking and document review workflows in project management systems — primarily Aconex and CRS (Comment Response Sheet workflows) — maintaining up-to-date review status across all active projects
• Produce and maintain discipline-specific technical notes, review comments, and specification updates as required throughout the project lifecycle

Requirements

Experience

• 10 years of experience in EPCIC projects or Operation & Maintenance for offshore substations (preferred) or for offshore wind farms. This is a senior specialist role — the candidate must bring a depth of LV/AUX expertise that allows them to challenge EPCIC contractor deliverables, own the ERS, and independently defend RTE's technical position with contractors and suppliers.
• Proven expertise in electrical auxiliary equipment for HVAC and/or HVDC offshore substations — specifically: LV switchboards and distribution, UPS and DC systems, fire detection and suppression, crane and hoist drives, SCADA field devices, diesel generator sets, and emergency power systems. Experience on HVDC platforms (VSC technology) in addition to HVAC is a significant plus.
• Track record with offshore substations on client/owner side (TSO or OWF developer is the strongest profile), EPCIC contractor (as discipline lead or technical authority), main OEM supplier (ABB/Hitachi Energy, Siemens Energy, GE Vernova), or offshore O&M. Owner-side or TSO-side experience is particularly valued given the nature of the role.
• Working knowledge of adjacent disciplines: HV/MV GIS, main power transformers, NEAT transformers (HVA/C), telecommunications, and firefighting systems — required for effective cross-discipline coordination within POSEIDON.

Technical skills

• Document review and technical approval: experienced in reviewing EPCIC contractor engineering deliverables — drawings, calculations, test procedures, ITPs — and producing formal technical comments/approvals within a structured document management workflow
• ERS/specification writing: able to draft, update, and manage technical specifications at Employer Requirement Specification level — translating operational and safety requirements into engineering-grade technical constraints
• FAT experience: has planned and attended FATs for LV/AUX equipment (LV switchboards, UPS, diesel generators, fire systems) and is familiar with FAT witness protocols, punch-list management, and conditional approval processes
• Familiarity with Aconex (or equivalent document management platforms such as Documentum, SharePoint project sites, or Procore) for EPCIC document tracking is a strong plus

Languages

• English: fluent — mandatory. All project deliverables, EPCIC contractor communications, technical documents, and FAT reports are in English. The expert must be able to write and review technical documents to a high standard in English.
• French: a plus for oral communication within the RTE team and with French-speaking colleagues. French fluency is not required for technical project work.

Profile

• Rigorous and technically authoritative: the LV/AUX expert sets RTE's technical standard for the discipline across multiple projects — the role requires the confidence to challenge contractor submissions and defend positions under commercial pressure
• Collaborative and multi-stakeholder capable: POSEIDON operates as a team of discipline experts working across multiple concurrent projects — the candidate must be comfortable coordinating with HV, protection, civil, marine, and operations colleagues simultaneously
• Organised and deliverable-driven: managing a large volume of concurrent document reviews across multiple projects in Aconex/CRS requires systematic organisation and reliable adherence to review deadlines
• Adaptable to hybrid working: the role is primarily office-based at RTE's La Défense headquarters with a flexible telework arrangement (~2 days/week), plus occasional travel to FAT facilities and construction yards in Europe