Electrical Engineer

ACWA Operations:

At Acwa Operations, we make essential services dependable and efficient for the millions of people who rely on them every day. Formerly NOMAC (The First National Operations & Maintenance Company), we are the operations and maintenance arm of ACWA, focused on keeping power generation and water desalination assets running safely, reliably and cost-effectively across their full lifecycle. Since 2005, we have partnered with clients across the Middle East, Africa and Asia to support complex infrastructure that powers communities and sustains economies.

Hassyan IPP:

Hassyan power plant is one of the largest power plants in GCC located in Dubai, UAE. The plant is designed to be “best in class” in terms of efficiency thus minimizing fuel consumption and fuel gas emissions and will adhere to the most stringent environmental regulations. The plant, which is at a complex site within sight of the World Expo 2020 venue at this ultramodern urban metropolis of Dubai, comprises 4 units each of GE/Alstom 600 MW net of ultra-super critical boilers, steam turbines and generators. The plant was originally designed to operate on coal as main fuel but subsequently, based on a decision by DEWA, the offtaker, with the blessing of the Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy on 2nd February 2022, it was switched to operate on natural gas.

The specification also requires the plant to be constructed carbon capture ready; meaning that the installation of carbon capture equipment in the future should be without the need for any modification to the plant or hinder the plant availability.

Job Summary:

The Electrical Engineer is responsible for supervising and managing electrical maintenance activities within the plant, ensuring the reliability of all electrical systems. The role focuses on high availability, safety, compliance with applicable standards, and optimization of plant electrical assets throughout their lifecycle—from design review and commissioning to stable operation and major outages.

Key areas of expertise include:

• Generator (600 MW class or higher)
• Generator Transformers (GT) & auxiliaries
• EHV switchyards and grid synchronization
• Protection & control systems
• Electrical commissioning and outage management
• Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) excitation systems
• Unit Auxiliary Transformers (UAT) and Station Transformers
• Transmission lines (400 kV OHTL)
• MV/LV switchgear, MCCs, VSDs
• DC systems, UPS, battery banks, emergency power systems

Key Responsibilities :

1. Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Lead electrical engineering activities for power plant equipment (BTG/BoP) across HV, EHV, and LV systems.
• Review and approve electrical designs, load lists, SLDs, protection philosophies, and calculations.
• Provide technical leadership for ultra-supercritical unit requirements, including high-capacity generators and auxiliaries.

2. Protection, Control & Power Quality

• Lead design review, settings approval, and troubleshooting of:
• Generator, transformer, feeder, busbar, and motor protection
• Numerical protection relays
• Synchronization schemes
• Ensure coordination studies, relay discrimination, arc flash studies, and grounding systems are maintained.
• Monitor and resolve power quality issues (harmonics, voltage dips, transients).

3. Operations & Maintenance (O&M)

• Develop and implement preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance strategies.
• Lead electrical maintenance during major and minor outages, including forced shutdowns.
• Ensure system reliability to meet plant KPIs (PLF, MTTR, MTBF).
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions.

4. Commissioning, Testing & Modifications

• Lead commissioning, energization, and system handover activities.
• Witness FAT, SAT, pre-commissioning, and performance testing.
• Implement system modifications, revamps, and retrofits.
• Support life extension and digitalization initiatives.

5. HSE & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with HSE policies and electrical safety standards.
• Follow IEC, IEEE, ANSI, NFPA, and local grid code requirements.
• Act as Authorized Electrical Person (HV/EHV systems).
• Lead safety audits and risk assessments.

6. Vendor & Stakeholder Coordination

• Act as technical focal point for OEMs, EPC contractors, and regulators.
• Manage warranties, defect liability, and long-term service agreements (LTSAs).
• Evaluate technical proposals, spares, and service contracts.

7. Asset Management & Documentation

• Maintain updated drawings, protection settings, and maintenance records.
• Develop long-term asset management plans.
• Support budgeting, CAPEX planning, and lifecycle cost optimization.
• Prepare material and spare parts requirements aligned with maintenance plans.
• Conduct technical evaluations with procurement teams.

8. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor engineers, technicians, and shift teams.
• Ensure training, competency development, and knowledge transfer.
• Promote a strong safety culture and technical excellence.

9. Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to improvement initiatives aligned with organizational standards.

10. Policies & Procedures

• Adhere to all organizational policies, procedures, and standards.

Related Assignments:

• Perform any additional duties assigned by the line manager.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Experience

• 12–18+ years in thermal power plants (preferably 600 MW and above)
• Minimum 10+ years in ultra-supercritical or supercritical coal-fired plants

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of:
• Power system design and analysis
• Electrical protection and coordination
• HV/EHV equipment O&M
• Hands-on experience with OEMs such as GE, Siemens, ABB, Hitachi, Schneider
• Familiarity with CMMS and tools like ETAP, CYME, or DIgSILENT.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

Soft Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• High safety awareness and risk-based thinking
• Ability to work under high-pressure plant conditions