National Grid
Control Room Operator - HVDC
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About The Role
National Grid Interconnectors is at the heart of UK’s transition to our net zero energy future. We operate a number of HVDC interconnectors that connect the UK’s energy system to some of our closest neighbours, allowing energy to be imported to and exported from the UK. As well as already owning a portfolio of HVDC Interconnectors, we’re working on developing new projects in order to ensure that we are able to meet the UK’s future demands for greener energy solutions.
We're currently recruiting for x 2 Control Room Operators, HVDC based at our IFA1 Interconnector.
As our Control Room Operator, HVDC you'll be part of a dedicated shift team who are responsible for monitoring and controlling the operation of the IFA1 and IFA2 high voltage direct current (HVDC) Interconnectors, that connect Great Britain to France.
This role is based at the IFA1 Control Room in Sellindge, Ashford and due to the nature of the role, there will be a rotating shift pattern, 24/7, 365 days a year, including weekends and holiday periods.
What you'll do
- Controlling the operation of our interconnectors, always prioritising safety.
- Monitoring and dispatching power orders from our commercial systems into our control systems.
- Authorised to perform HV switching on equipment, ensuring all control operations are undertaken in accordance with policies, procedures and safety rules, while also contributing to the continuous improvement of them.
- React and taking appropriate action to equipment alarms and faults presented.
- Coordinating with on-site colleagues who undertake maintenance, investigation and resolution of asset faults.
- Understand and promptly respond to all safety warnings and concerns.
- Work closely and collaboratively with our partners, RTE and the Electricity System Operator.
- Enact emergency procedures including fire marshal duties and site evacuations, make physical interventions according to procedure outside of business hours and initial liaison with emergency services/responders, pending standby resource attendance.
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What you'll need
- Confidence in your own ability and can make decisions under pressure, with an aptitude for problem solving and fault diagnosis, within a time-critical process environment.
- The ability to interpret a range of operational data and draw conclusions on the action to be taken.
- The ability to perform duties safely on your own, using procedures and without direct supervision and look for continuous improvements in processes.
- A proactive approach and use taught operating principles to anticipate abnormal and critical conditions not necessarily identified by an alarm.
- Experience of working within a control room environment or an engineering background would be an advantage, with knowledge of complex systems (SCADA, AC DC control systems, dispatch systems).
- Strong communicator and take personal ownership of operations.
What you'll get
- A competitive salary of £47,442.00 per annum – dependent on capability + an additional 26% shift allowance (after initial training).
- Market supplement of £3,000 per annum.
- An annual bonus based on personal and company performance.
- 26 days annual leave plus eight statutory days.
- The option to buy additional or sell holiday days.
- Generous contributory pension scheme - we will double-match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
- Financial support to help cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, course fees, books, exam fees and time off for study leave - so long as it's relevant to your role.
- Access to flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
- Family care benefits including a back-up care service for when your usual care arrangements fall through (six paid days each year as standard with the option to purchase further days).
- Access to apps that support health, fitness and wellbeing.
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More Information
This role closes on 9th October 2026 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates – we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.
Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.
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