Research & Development Engineer

Description:

Research & Development Engineer

Location: Hartlepool

NRL are pleased to be working alongside a world class provider of subsea technologies and services to recruit for a Project Manager based in their facility in Hartlepool.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a team as their expansion gathers momentum.

With a further facility in Blyth currently in construction, our client’s goal is to support the delivery of the energy shift system needed for governments and society to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

About the job

To develop and transfer to the rest of the business, new power cable products and technology with a specific focus on product design, the development, maintenance and implementation of cable thermal rating methodologies and other design tools across all product lines including static and dynamic power cable products.

This is a specialist role within the Technology team closely supporting the Principal/Lead Engineers on key technology research and developments encompassing cables, joints, accessories and their associated technology. The Development Engineer - Cable Rating Specialist takes technical ownership of projects, manages and delivers them on schedule with the support of the wider Technology Team as well as Graduates and Apprentices on rotation. Whilst this role has a particular focus on power cable design and the development of certain design/analysis tools, the role will have the opportunity to work towards product qualifications and other technology R&D projects, where appropriate, providing electrical engineering expertise and provide specialist support to the wider business.

The scope of technical involvement shall include working closely and support the other Engineers within Technology to improve all of the cable designs, with a focus on 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 the company.

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

Main responsibilities of the role:

Contribute to and where appropriate lead the specification, execution and delivery of the company’s research and development projects; providing technical advice and guidance and provide a supporting role to others; take a leading role implementing the cable thermal rating methodology and tool maintenance.
Generate engineering models and calculations (using Inventor/CAD, Comsol, Excel, Matlab etc); using engineering fundamentals alongside creative flair to design the best products and optimised processes. Input to the Design Manual, defining the rules and process by which projects are engineered.
Effectively transfer new products and processes into the wider business workflows, including but not limited to: Tendering, Engineering, Production/Operations, Sales, and Technology departments.
Project Management of Product Development Projects, including budgets, schedules and project management of both external and in-house functions and external test facilities to ensure that project schedules are maintained.
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. Providing technical support and expertise for the Tendering, Engineering, Production/Operations, Sales, and Technology departments.
Produce documents such as Design Reports, Design Specifications, Drawings, Technical Reports, Test Procedures, Purchasing Specifications and Qualification/Type Test Specifications and reports as appropriate, whilst ensuring a high level of accuracy is present in all documents. Checking and approval of such documents, subject to competence, is also expected as part of the daily activities.
Support continuous improvement of the technical capability and effectiveness of cable rating strategy, methodologies, tools and project activities.
Support professional development by offering advice, training and alternative solutions, where appropriate, to the wider Engineering team. 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.
Keep up to date with relevant international standards and recommendations (IEC, CIGRE etc.).In addition to the above responsibilities, the role holder is required to undertake such duties and responsibilities as may reasonably be required from time to time to suit business needs.

To comply with all Health and Safety, Quality and Environmental standards and procedures established by the company’s policies and in accordance with the requirements of relevant legislation and any regulatory bodies at all times. To have read, understood and comply with the company Health and Safety manual, policies and procedures and to implement these, at all times, to ensure both your own safety and the safety of those who may be affected by your actions or omissions.

Who are we looking for?

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Attributes:

Essential

Degree qualified in an engineering subject, preferably electrical engineering.
Prior experience in offshore cable engineering or land based underground cable systems.
Experience of the use of finite element analysis software or analytical cable rating packages, such as CYMCAP or similar, and/or the development of computer code to perform such rating calculations.
High level of competency in an area of engineering theory with a keen interest in technology, mathematical modelling and possessing a methodical approach to problem solving.
Experience in engineering, design, analysis for the delivery Renewable Energy power cables, including evidence of technical competence, delivery achievement and professional conduct.
Excellent Communication skills and experience to provide credibility to customers and other stakeholders.
Highly competent at technical report writing, checking and approving.
This role demands the understanding of engineering design and analysis spanning. Desirable

Use of multi-physics FEA packages, e.g. COMSOL.
Computer programming proficiency / experience of software engineering.
Ability to address technical issues from first principles.
Relevant experience of cable design, engineering and/or cable ratings at a TSO, DNO or consultancy.
Demonstrable appropriate expertise and experience of technology innovation, of participating and/or leading industrial R&D and qualification activities.
Proven success in a similar role and / or have relevant demonstrable experience and skills.

The NRL Group connect global engineering companies with the right people to bring their projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with their energy transition plans and working with our clients to build a cleaner, greener future.
 
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