Job Roles

OFFSHORE WIND HIGH VOLTAGE TECHNICIAN

Maintaining the high-voltage systems that transmit offshore wind power safely and efficiently.

OVERVIEW
Offshore Wind High Voltage (HV) Technicians are responsible for maintaining and operating the high-voltage electrical systems that connect offshore wind turbines, substations, and export cables to the electricity grid.
These systems carry electricity generated by turbines at very high voltages across offshore networks and back to shore. HV technicians ensure these systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently by inspecting, testing, and maintaining critical electrical equipment.
This is a highly specialised technical role suited to individuals with experience in electrical engineering, power systems, or industrial electrical maintenance, particularly those who enjoy hands-on work in offshore environments.

More details

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  • Operate and maintain high-voltage electrical systems on offshore wind farms.
  • Inspect and test electrical equipment including transformers, switchgear, and cables.
  • Carry out planned maintenance and repairs on HV infrastructure.
  • Support safe switching operations within offshore substations.
  • Diagnose electrical faults and coordinate repairs.
  • Ensure compliance with electrical safety procedures and HV regulations.
  • Work with electrical engineers and turbine technicians.
  • Maintain accurate maintenance records and safety documentation.

  • Location:

    • Offshore wind turbines
    • Offshore substations
    • Offshore wind farm operations and maintenance (O&M) bases
    • Occasionally onshore substations and electrical infrastructure
  • Work Pattern:

    • Offshore rotational work patterns are common (e.g., 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off)
    • Work carried out as part of offshore maintenance teams
    • Scheduled maintenance campaigns and emergency repair work

  • Conditions:

    • Working at height within wind turbines
    • Operating in offshore marine environments
    • Working with high-voltage electrical equipment in safety-critical conditions

  • Team Structure:

    You will work alongside:

    • Electrical engineers
    • Wind turbine technicians
    • SCADA technicians
    • Offshore operations teams
    • Marine logistics teams

Essential Skills

  • High-voltage electrical systems knowledge
  • Electrical fault finding and diagnostics
  • Electrical safety procedures
  • Equipment inspection and testing
  • Technical documentation and reporting
  • Strong attention to safety

Useful Skills

  • Offshore wind turbine electrical systems knowledge
  • Substation operations experience
  • Electrical switching procedures
  • SCADA system familiarity
  • Teamworking and communication skills

Apprenticeships

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Power Engineering
  • Industrial electrical maintenance

College/Technical Qualifications 

  • HNC / HND in Electrical Engineering
  • Electrical technician training programmes

Industry Transition Routes

  • Electricity transmission and distribution
  • Power stations
  • Industrial electrical maintenance
  • Oil and gas electrical technician roles

Typically Required

  • Electrical engineering qualification (apprenticeship, HNC, or equivalent)
  • Experience working with high-voltage electrical systems

Offshore & Safety Certifications

  • GWO Basic Safety Training
  • Offshore medical
  • Sea Survival
  • Working at Height
  • High Voltage Authorised Person training (project specific)

Salary and progression

Typical Salary Range in Scotland

  • HV Technician: £45,000 – £65,000
  • Senior HV Technician / Authorised Technician: £60,000 – £75,000+

Career Progression

  • Senior HV Technician
  • HV Authorised Engineer
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Offshore Operations Supervisor
  • Electrical Maintenance Manager

 

Offshore Wind - Electrical Infrastructure

Relevant Training Courses

Use the links below to find out more about the various courses on offer from a number of providers

·         HNC/HND Electrical Engineering – find out more here

·         Electrical Energy Systems – find out more here

·         High Voltage Training – find out more here

·         HV Switching and System Control - find out more here

·         Electrical Power Engineering – find out more here


The video on the right is part of a series on offshore wind by Oliver (Olly) Epsom, currently an Offshore Wind Interface Manager with ScottishPower. In this video Olly covers the offshore electrical infrastructure that a HV Technician would deal with offshore. The video is 57 minutes in length but well worth the effort for the detailed overview of this subject.