Innovation Manager
BH-302072
Posted: 25/04/2025
- Competitive
- Netherlands Provincie Gelderland Arnhem
- Contract
-
Power Generation, T&D
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T&D
Innovation Manager – European Offshore Wind & HVDC Interoperability
Introduction
Europe’s energy transition is one of the most ambitious challenges of our time. A key milestone: making the continent climate-neutral by 2050. To support this, countries like the Netherlands and Germany have set targets to rapidly scale offshore wind capacity—30 GW and 22.2 GW respectively by 2030. The North Sea, with its strategic location and wind potential, plays a central role in this transformation.
To meet these goals efficiently and sustainably, a leading European transmission system operator has launched a pioneering 2GW program. This initiative promotes a transnational approach to grid development and integration—enhancing both the speed and effectiveness of the energy transition.
About the Project: InterOPERA
As part of Horizon Europe, the “Enabling Interoperability of Multi-Vendor HVDC Grids” (InterOPERA) project brings together 21 partners across Europe to unlock the potential of multi-terminal, multi-vendor high-voltage direct current (HVDC) networks. The project aims to create common standards and technical frameworks that support seamless integration of HVDC systems from different manufacturers—critical for scaling up renewable energy and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
The Role
This position focuses on leadership within Work Package 2 (WP2), which covers the specification and assessment of interoperability for HVDC systems. Responsibilities include defining core functional requirements and evaluating how subsystems interact across various configurations and vendor solutions.
One key task under WP2 involves coordinating and conducting interaction studies. These studies assess how components—such as converters, cables, transformers, and protection systems—interact at both AC and DC connection points. Studies will be based on both offline EMT simulations and real-time HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) simulations, with results feeding into the broader simulation platforms developed across the project.
Profile Requirements
We are seeking a highly skilled project manager with substantial technical knowledge in HVDC systems. The role is part-time (3 days per week) through the end of 2026.
Key Responsibilities:
With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.
Introduction
Europe’s energy transition is one of the most ambitious challenges of our time. A key milestone: making the continent climate-neutral by 2050. To support this, countries like the Netherlands and Germany have set targets to rapidly scale offshore wind capacity—30 GW and 22.2 GW respectively by 2030. The North Sea, with its strategic location and wind potential, plays a central role in this transformation.
To meet these goals efficiently and sustainably, a leading European transmission system operator has launched a pioneering 2GW program. This initiative promotes a transnational approach to grid development and integration—enhancing both the speed and effectiveness of the energy transition.
About the Project: InterOPERA
As part of Horizon Europe, the “Enabling Interoperability of Multi-Vendor HVDC Grids” (InterOPERA) project brings together 21 partners across Europe to unlock the potential of multi-terminal, multi-vendor high-voltage direct current (HVDC) networks. The project aims to create common standards and technical frameworks that support seamless integration of HVDC systems from different manufacturers—critical for scaling up renewable energy and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
The Role
This position focuses on leadership within Work Package 2 (WP2), which covers the specification and assessment of interoperability for HVDC systems. Responsibilities include defining core functional requirements and evaluating how subsystems interact across various configurations and vendor solutions.
One key task under WP2 involves coordinating and conducting interaction studies. These studies assess how components—such as converters, cables, transformers, and protection systems—interact at both AC and DC connection points. Studies will be based on both offline EMT simulations and real-time HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) simulations, with results feeding into the broader simulation platforms developed across the project.
Profile Requirements
We are seeking a highly skilled project manager with substantial technical knowledge in HVDC systems. The role is part-time (3 days per week) through the end of 2026.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide expert project management support for Task 2.2 of the InterOPERA project
- Maintain issue tracking and reporting procedures for integration tests
- Coordinate with OEM partners to ensure milestones are met
- Ensure transparent communication and timely updates to WP2 leads and project coordinators
- Monitor and report on execution risks
- Facilitate cross-stakeholder collaboration in a multi-vendor environment
- Support the validation and integration of simulation results
- Strong understanding of HVDC technology, preferably with a background sufficient to engage with PhD-level engineers
- Experience managing or conducting HIL testing is a plus
- Excellent communication in English (Dutch not required)
- Familiarity with large-scale, EU-funded R&D initiatives is a bonus
- Office location: Arnhem Rijnpoort (onsite Monday & Tuesday), other days hybrid
- Travel: Occasional trips to Delft (biweekly) and Lyon (quarterly)
- Collaboration with academic institutions, particularly TU Delft, is essential
- Assignment runs until November 2026, with an initial one-year contract
- A pre-employment screening (including a VOG certificate) is mandatory before start
- Candidates must be available for the full duration of the project
With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.