HV Electrical Engineer

At METLEN Energy & Metals, we are catalysts for a sustainable future, positioned at the forefront of the energy transition while being a reference point for competitive green metallurgy at both the European and global levels. We are a global industrial and energy company operating across two highly interconnected and complementary sectors: Energy and Metals. With a consolidated turnover of €5,683 million and an EBITDA of €1,080 million, along with a workforce of over 7,627 dedicated individuals, we drive success through cutting-edge technology and diverse talent.

We are committed to embracing new state-of-the-art technologies and advancements, propelling us towards a cleaner, brighter tomorrow. Our positive footprint extends across five continents, creating a lasting impact. At METLEN, we foster a culture of resilience, challenge, respect, excellence, and change, empowering our diverse workforce to achieve remarkable outcomes.

We are currently looking for a HV Electrical Engineer to join our BESSConstruction team in the region of of Elhovo/Yambol, Bulgaria.

The HV Electrical Engineer is the primary technical expert on site responsible for the flawless execution, installation, and testing of the 110kV infrastructure. The scope strictly includes the 33/110kV step-up substation equipment (power transformers, surge arresters, circuit breakers, disconnectors), the layout and jointing of the 110kV underground/overhead cable line, and the expansion works within the existing ESO substation. The role ensures all HV assets meet strict international standards, local regulations, and ESO grid code requirements up to successful energization (Act 16).

Your role will encompass:

• HV Installation & Substation Supervision: Supervise the installation of all 110kV substation primary equipment (transformers, busbars, switchyard structures) and secondary systems (protection relays, control panels, SCADA). Oversee the critical processes of laying, trenching, pulling, and joining the 110kV high-voltage cable line. Monitor daily subcontractor activities within the active ESO substation bay, ensuring all specific utility safety clearances and permits-to-work are strictly respected. Verify that all high-voltage clearances, insulation distances, and grounding grids comply with the approved technical design.

• Quality Control, FAT/SAT & Pre-Commissioning: Review and approve specialized high-voltage testing protocols (e.g., VLF/hi-pot testing for 110kV cables, transformer oil testing, insulation resistance, contact resistance).Witness and sign off on Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for all critical high-voltage assets. Track, log, and resolve technical punch-list items related to the HV scope before any energization takes place. Oversee the compilation of the specialized HV technical documentation for the as-built archive (Executive Documentation).

• ESO Interconnection & Regulatory Compliance: Act as the technical liaison on site between the project team, the external Construction Supervision, and the local/national ESO (ЕCО) engineers. Ensure all high-voltage works comply with Bulgarian ordinances governing power installations and grid connections’-sign mandatory regulatory site documents (Act 12 for hidden works, cabling protocols, and high-voltage equipment commissioning certificates). Participate actively in the technical testing phases required by the State Acceptance Committee (ДПК) for securing Act 16.

What you bring to the role:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering, or Power Supply Systems.

• Minimum 5 years of dedicated experience focusing on high-voltage (110kV, 220kV, or 400kV) substation construction, overhead/underground transmission lines, or large-scale utility infrastructure.

• Must hold the highest level of electrical safety qualification group.

• Professional working proficiency in Bulgarian; good technical English (essential for reviewing international transformer test reports and protection relay settings).

• Deep expertise in primary high-voltage equipment (GIS/AIS’S switchgear, power transformers, instrument transformers, circuit breakers). Strong familiarity with HV secondary systems (protection schemes, interlocking systems, tele-control, and substation automation/SCADA). Comprehensive understanding of ESO’s technical requirements, regulations, and operational protocols for connecting new facilities to the national grid. Advanced ability to read complex single-line diagrams, substation layouts, protection logic schematics, and cable routing profiles.

• Extreme Risk Awareness & Safety Discipline: Working around 110kV systems and active ESO bays carries life-threatening risks. The candidate must be uncompromising regarding safety rules, lockout/tagout (LOTO) protocols, and operational safety boundaries. Meticulous Precision: High-voltage engineering has a zero-tolerance policy for errors. A single loose connection or minor insulation defect can cause catastrophic failure during energization. The engineer must possess an obsessive attention to technical detail.

• Assertive Technical Diplomacy: Will frequently interact with senior ESO dispatchers and inspectors who can be highly demanding. The candidate must be technically confident, articulate, and capable of defending the project’s technical execution using solid engineering logic and standards. Methodical Troubleshooting under Pressure: The energization phase is highly visible and strictly scheduled. When an insulation test fails or a protection relay trip unexpectedly, the candidate must remain calm, systematic, and focus on finding the root cause quickly.

Share the same Value Based Behaviors:

• People & Personal growth

• Results orientation & Safety excellence

• Collaboration & Trust

• Empathy & Effective communication

• Flexibility & Adaptability

Your Benefits:

• Competitive remuneration package

• Medical Insurance program

• Food vouchers

• Multi-Sport Card

• 25 days annual leave

• Cooperation, creativity and innovation: we adopt flexible cooperation models to achieve fast results and increase productivity

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At Metlen Energy & Metals we are proud to have Diversity and Inclusion at the centre of everything we do. We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity regardless of race, colour, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion.