Electrical Commissioning Lead (High Voltage) - ( 194747 )

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We are seeking an experienced Electrical Commissioning Lead – High Voltage to take ownership of the high-voltage commissioning scope across one or more data centre projects. This role is responsible for leading HV commissioning strategy from early design review through energisation, Level 4 functional testing, Level 5 Integrated Systems Testing, and final handover. The successful candidate will act as the senior HV technical authority during commissioning and testing, controlling HV risk, sequencing, switching, safety, and system integrity throughout the project lifecycle. This is a senior, hands‑on authority role for someone who has led real HV energisation, switching programmes, protection testing, and fault simulation activities. Candidates who have only observed HV commissioning or who have not led energisation and switching activities will not be suitable.

Key Responsibilities

Own the HV commissioning scope across one or more data centre projects.
Act as the senior HV technical authority during commissioning, testing, energisation, and IST.
Lead the HV commissioning strategy from early design through Level 5 IST and operational handover.
Control HV risk, sequencing, and safety during all commissioning activities.
Make final go / no-go decisions for HV testing and energisation activities.
Challenge programme pressure where HV safety, system integrity, or operational readiness is at risk.

Design and Early-Stage Review

Review HV and MV designs from a commissioning, testing, operational, and maintainability perspective.
Support or review HV system architecture, protection philosophy, coordination studies, earthing strategy, and utility interface arrangements.
Identify single points of failure, untestable designs, HV/LV interface risks, and operational constraints.
Provide clear, practical input into the Owner’s Project Requirements and Basis of Design.
Own HV commissioning documentation across Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 activities.
Produce and own HV pre-functional and functional checklists.
Define acceptance criteria for HV plant, protection systems, switching systems, and control interfaces.
Review contractor test plans, inspection records, and test evidence.
Produce or own HV-related Level 4 functional test scripts covering switching, interlocking, protection, control testing, end-to-end trip testing, and failure behaviour.
Lead HV input into the Level 5 IST script, including HV fault scenarios, loss-of-supply events, restoration sequences, and black-start logic where applicable.

HV Commissioning, Energisation and Testing

Lead HV energisation and switching programmes.
Lead primary and secondary injection testing.
Oversee protection relay testing, settings validation, and end-to-end trip testing.
Act as the senior authority during live HV works, fault simulation, recovery testing, and restoration activities.
Coordinate closely with utilities, HV contractors, protection engineers, the Electrical Lead CxA, and project stakeholders.
Ensure all HV commissioning activities are executed safely, correctly, and in line with approved procedures.

Safety, Control and Authorisation

Own HV safety within the commissioning scope.
Ensure strict compliance with HV safety rules, permit‑to‑work systems, isolation procedures, earthing procedures, and switching protocols.
Clearly define roles and responsibilities during HV switching and live testing activities.
Stop work immediately where safety, control, or system integrity is compromised.
Maintain calm, controlled leadership during high‑risk commissioning and switching activities.

Integrated Systems Testing

Lead all HV‑related Level 5 IST activities.
Manage HV trip events, utility failure simulations, HV equipment failures, and restoration scenarios.
Ensure HV system behaviour supports overall site resilience, uptime, and operational readiness.
Work closely with Electrical and Mechanical Leads during IST execution to validate whole‑site performance.

Handover and Operational Readiness

Sign off HV systems as safe, fully tested, and ready for live operation.
Review protection settings, test results, commissioning records, and HV O & M documentation.
Support training and handover to site operations teams.
Confirm HV readiness for steady‑state operation and long‑term maintainability.

Required Experience

Minimum 12–15 years’ experience working with HV and MV electrical systems.
At least 7–8 years’ direct experience in HV commissioning.
Minimum 5 years leading or controlling HV energisation, switching programmes, protection testing, and fault testing.
Proven experience holding real HV authority, not observer or support‑only roles.
Strong data centre or mission‑critical project experience preferred.
Utility, generation, or heavy industrial HV experience may be considered where directly relevant.
Demonstrable experience acting as a Senior Authorised Person, HV System Controller, or equivalent.

Technical Expertise

HV and MV switchgear, including AIS and GIS systems.
Transformers.
Protection relays and protection schemes.
HV/LV interfaces in data centre or mission‑critical environments.
Utility connections and operational boundaries.
Earthing systems.
HV switching, energisation, isolation, and restoration procedures.
The impact of HV faults on overall facility resilience and uptime.

Qualifications and Authorisations

Electrical engineering background.
Appropriate HV authorisation for the relevant region, such as SAP, AP, Senior Authorised Person, or equivalent.
Proven authority to control HV switching, energisation, testing, and live HV work.
Relevant health and safety, electrical safety, or commissioning qualifications are advantageous.

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees. #LI-MW4

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Required Qualifications

Associate's degree in a related fieldor equivalent experience
Experience with Microsoft Office
An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
Sponsorship (visa) for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.
We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Primary Location

PT-Sines

Other Locations

Portugal, PT-Sines-Sines

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Electrical Commissioning Lead (High Voltage)

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