Engineer Testing & Commissioning

Job description:

Job Location : Saudi Arabia

🔹Job Title

Testing & Commissioning Engineer – HV / EHV Substations
(Substation Maintenance Engineers with strong testing exposure are encouraged to apply)

🔹 Job Purpose

To lead and execute testing and commissioning activities for HV/EHV substations (220 kV / 380 kV / 400 kV), covering primary yard equipment, secondary protection & control systems, substation automation, and grid interface, ensuring safe energization in compliance with utility standards, IEC/IEEE codes, and project specifications.

The role requires strong hands-on site experience across complete substation systems, not limited to individual equipment.

🔹 Key Responsibilities

1) HV / EHV Substation Testing & Commissioning

Execute and lead testing activities across complete substation installations , including:

Primary Equipment (HV / EHV Yard & Switchgear)

• AIS / GIS systems at 220 kV, 380 kV, and 400 kV
• HV/EHV Circuit breakers, isolators, earthing switches
• CTs and VTs (ratio, polarity, burden, functional checks)
• Busbars, feeders, earthing systems etc…
• Power transformers (testing limited to integration, protection interface, and energization readiness)

Ensure correct phasing, interlocking, clearances, earthing continuity , and readiness for first energization of the HV/EHV substation.

2) EHV Protection, Control & Secondary Systems

Testing and commissioning of EHV protection and control schemes , including:

• Distance protection (multiple zones)
• Line differential protection (PLCC / fiber-based)
• Transformer differential protection
• Busbar protection schemes
• Overcurrent and earth fault protection
• Bay control units (BCU) and control panels

Perform:

• Primary and secondary injection testing
• End-to-end protection testing
• Trip circuit supervision and interlocking verification
• Relay setting verification and coordination

Experience with ABB, Siemens, GE, Schneider, SEL or equivalent EHV protection platforms is mandatory.

3) Substation Automation, SCADA & Communication

• Commissioning of EHV substation automation systems (SAS)
• SCADA, RTU, and bay-level communication testing
• Signal validation between yard, control room, and remote control centers
• Time synchronization (GPS/IRIG-B, SNTP)
• Event, disturbance recorder, and SOE verification

4) Energization & Grid Interface (Critical Scope)

• Lead and support EHV energization activities in coordination with grid authorities
• Prepare energization sequences, checklists, and safety clearances
• Coordinate live-grid switching, shutdowns, and re-energization
• Troubleshoot protection trips, alarms, and communication issues during first energization and trial operation

5) Supervision & Stakeholder Coordination

• Lead teams of commissioning engineers and technicians
• Coordinate with:
• EPC engineering teams
• OEM specialists
• Utility / transmission operator representatives
• Consultants and third-party inspectors
• Participate in technical, energization, and HSE meetings
• Support utility inspections and final handover activities

6) Documentation & Commissioning Deliverables

• Prepare and review:
• EHV-specific method statements and risk assessments
• Commissioning and energization procedures
• Compile:
• Detailed EHV test reports
• Punch lists and clearance certificates
• Final commissioning and energization dossiers
• Support red-line and as-built documentation

7) Compliance, Quality & Safety

• Ensure compliance with:
• IEC, IEEE, NEC standards
• Transmission utility specifications
• Enforce strict EHV safety and permit-to-work systems
• Promote safe working practices during live-grid operations

🔹 Candidate Profile

Mandatory

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
• Minimum 5 years of experience in EHV (220 kV / 380 kV / 400 kV) substation testing & commissioning or maintenance
• Proven hands-on experience with HV/EHV protection schemes and grid energization
• Strong understanding of transmission-level substations and live-grid environments
• Familiarity with IEC standards and utility procedures

Preferred / Added Advantage

• Experience working directly with transmission utilities or major EPC contractors
• Prior involvement in first energization of EHV substations or transmission bays
• Electrical safety / commissioning certifications (NEBOSH or equivalent)
• Experience in OHTL–substation interface commissioning

This role is not suitable for LV/MV-only or plant-based engineers . Candidates must have direct experience on 220 kV and above HV/EHV substations .

Profile description: