Operation Engineer(Solar Plant)

Job Description

Job Title: Operation Engineer – Solar Power Plant

Location: Qatar

Department: Operations & Maintenance (O&M)

Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor (Power)

Job Summary

The Operation Engineer – Solar Power Plant is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation, maintenance, and switching of MV/HV electrical systems associated with solar power plants and grid interconnections. The role includes high-voltage switching, technical supervision, planning and scheduling, coordination with Kahramaa , contract administration, commissioning support, and ensuring full compliance with technical, HSE, and QatarEnergy requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & High-Voltage Switching

• Execute and authorize high-voltage switching operations for 220 kV and 33 kV systems in line with approved technical procedures and HSE requirements.
• Exercise broad authority to plan and perform switching activities, ensuring safe isolation, energization, and restoration of electrical systems.
• Possess strong hands-on experience with 220 kV GIS systems and 33 kV AIS substations within solar power plants or utility networks.
• Coordinate switching activities with Kahramaa , control rooms, and site stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted and safe operations.

Kahramaa Authorization & Interface

• Successfully undergo and pass Kahramaa training, familiarization, and certification as a 220 kV Substation Switching Engineer within three (3) months of assignment.
• Act as the technical interface with Kahramaa for day-to-day operational coordination, system interruptions, and planned outages.
• Monitor power import and export between the solar power plant and Kahramaa grid and lead the monthly invoicing and billing process .
• Maintain full compliance with KM operational, technical, and safety standards at all times.

Technical Support & Supervision

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to all Technicians reporting to this position, ensuring they possess the required competence and authorization.
• Support skill development, on-the-job training, and safe execution of electrical works.
• Supervise Technicians during site execution to ensure timely, efficient, and high-quality completion of assigned work orders.

Planning, Scheduling & Work Execution

• Support the Maintenance Supervisor (Power) in planning and scheduling preventive and corrective maintenance activities in line with asset management policies.
• Create, manage, and close SAP work orders , ensuring proper scope definition, prioritization, and resource allocation.
• Arrange materials, tools, spare parts, and logistics to support maintenance and operational activities.

Scope of Work & Contracting

• Prepare detailed scopes of work , technical specifications, basic drawings, and bills of quantities (BOQs) for outsourced maintenance and service contracts.
• Administer maintenance contracts by creating Release Orders and Service Entry Sheets (SES) in a timely manner.
• Manage day-to-day coordination and performance of contractor managers and supervisors.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• Lead start-of-shift meetings , toolbox talks, and safety briefings.
• Ensure all risk assessments, permits to work (PTW), Job Hazard Analyses (JHA), electrical authorizations, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) requirements are completed and approved prior to authorizing work.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with QatarEnergy, KM, and site-specific HSE procedures.

Troubleshooting & Reliability Support

• Undertake troubleshooting of electrical systems and equipment within the assigned area to minimize downtime and operational risk.
• Support the Reliability Engineer in conducting root cause analysis (RCA) , Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) , and continuous improvement initiatives.

Close-Outs, Commissioning & Handover

• Verify completion of work orders and update SAP with accurate details of materials consumed and actual labor hours.
• Participate in commissioning and handover of new or modified equipment, including:
• Verification of project dossiers
• Review of as-built drawings
• Validation of maintenance manuals and vendor documentation
• Administration and tracking of equipment warranties

Qualifications & Experience

• Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from an internationally recognized university or equivalent.
• Experience:
• Minimum 10–12 years of experience in electrical engineering and technical practices related to power transmission and distribution systems .
• Proven experience in 220 kV and 33 kV switching operations , preferably in solar power plants, utilities, or large industrial facilities.
• Technical Expertise:
• Strong working knowledge of MV/HV power systems and maintenance practices.
• Hands-on experience with:
• Power Transformers
• 220 kV GIS
• 33 kV AIS
• HVAC systems
• Fire Water Pumps
• Fire & Gas Systems
• Proficiency in SAP PM for maintenance planning, execution, and close-out.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills
• Excellent coordination and stakeholder management abilities
• High level of safety awareness and risk management capability
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills
• Ability to work independently in a high-risk, mission-critical operations environment