Principal Power System Engineer

Location/s: Madrid, ES
Recruiter contact: Maria Cervantes

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices.

We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. With countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual.

Whether you want to grow as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience with roles across our international community, you’re surrounded by global specialists who want to combine their expertise and champion you to be your best. As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating the right space for everyone to feel empowered, included, and valued. Whatever your ambition, Mott MacDonald is where people come to be brilliant.

About the business unit
The Energy unit delivers services to clients globally across several sectors including hydropower, nuclear, waste, renewable generation and transmission & distribution networks. Together we provide integrated engineering and project management services across the project lifecycle – from concept and design to construction and operations, to decommissioning or repowering and life extension. Together with our clients, we’re helping to deliver the energy transition globally.

Overview of the role

The Energy Unit's Transmission & Distribution division is seeking a Principal Power system engineer specialising in PSCAD to play a leading role in the delivery of complex power system studies for renewable generation, HVDC, FACTS, battery storage, transmission, and grid integration projects across the globe.

This is a specialist technical role focused on advanced electromagnetic transient (EMT) modelling and simulation using PSCAD. The successful candidate will act as a subject matter expert, supporting project delivery, technical assurance, client engagement, and the development of junior engineers within a growing power systems team.You will have the opportunity to work on some of the world's most challenging energy transition projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across our UK and international offices.

Key Responsibilities and duties include:

• Lead and undertake advanced PSCAD-based electromagnetic transient studies for transmission and distribution networks.
• Develop, validate and maintain PSCAD models for:
  • Renewable energy plants (wind, solar and hybrid systems)
  • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
  • HVDC and FACTS technologies
  • Grid-connected power electronic converters
  • Transmission and distribution networks
• Perform studies including:
  • Electromagnetic transient (EMT) analysis
  • Converter interaction studies
  • Fault ride-through assessments
  • Insulation coordination
  • Switching transient studies
  • Harmonic and resonance assessments
  • Grid code compliance studies
• Interface with OEMs, network operators, project developers and contractors to obtain and validate technical data.
• Analyse and interpret simulation results and provide practical engineering recommendations.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports and present findings to clients and stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring and quality assurance for PSCAD-related project work.
• Support business development activities and contribute to proposals for specialist power system studies.

Candidate Specification

Essential:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering (BEng/BSc minimum); MSc, MEng or PhD specialising in Power Systems highly desirable.
• Extensive experience in PSCAD modelling and electromagnetic transient studies.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Power electronic converter technologies
  • Renewable energy integration
  • HVDC and FACTS systems
  • Grid compliance requirements
  • EMT and dynamic system behaviour
• Demonstrable experience developing and validating detailed PSCAD models.
• Experience interpreting EMT simulation results and translating them into practical engineering solutions.
• Strong technical report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead technical workstreams and mentor junior engineers.
• Commercial awareness and ability to support business growth through specialist power system consultancy services.
• Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within multidisciplinary project teams.

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of ETAP, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSS®E and other power system analysis tools.
• Experience supporting Grid Connection Applications and Grid Code Compliance Studies.
• Experience with transmission utilities, renewable developers, OEMs or EPC contractors.
• Chartered Engineer status, or progress towards professional accreditation.

We are actively recruiting a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve. We recognise that differences in ability, skills and experience are a strength and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• Competitive annual leave
• Pension scheme
• Life insurance
• An annual professional institution subscription
• Private medical insurance
• Optional benefits via salary sacrifice (restaurant voucher/transport card/day care voucher)
• Continuous development opportunities – because we want you to thrive
• Agile/flexible working – because life isn’t 9-5
• Annual bonus scheme
• Wellbeing support including access to an independent Employer Assistance Scheme, wellbeing champions and access to learning and support resources
• Access to our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability and parents/carers communities
• The opportunity to make a difference; learn more about our social outcomes

Employee Ownership

• Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success.
• Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.
• As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution.
• Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future.
• For our senior roles you will have a direct pathway towards ownership from day one.

Agile working

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

AI Usage

At Mott MacDonald, we see the value AI can bring, but we take a people-first approach to hiring. While AI tools can help candidates prepare and build confidence, every application and hiring decision is reviewed by our recruitment and hiring teams. We encourage the responsible use of AI while ensuring we get to know the real person behind the application.

Accessibility

We want you to feel supported and able to perform at your best throughout our recruitment process. If there is anything we can do to make applying or interviewing with us more accessible, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we'll be happy to discuss how we can help.

Apply now, or for more information about our application process, click here.