Lead Primary Engineer

Job Description Summary

The Lead Primary Engineer provides technical leadership in the design and execution of high-voltage primary systems for substations and power facilities. This role spans the full engineering process from concept design through construction and commissioning, ensuring safe, reliable, and standards compliant systems tailored to customer and regulatory expectations.

Core responsibilities include the physical and electrical design of high-voltage systems, such as equipment layout, busbar and conductor design, grounding, insulation coordination, and related engineering calculations. Deep technical understanding of system studies (e.g., short circuit, load flow, fault analysis) is essential to ensure technical soundness under both steady-state and fault conditions.

While the primary focus is on physical systems, experience in secondary systems such as protection, control, SCADA, and metering is strongly preferred. This cross-disciplinary knowledge supports better coordination between physical and control systems, reducing integration risks and improving overall performance.

The role requires a structured, systems-thinking mindset able to define technical requirements, evaluate trade-offs, manage engineering risks, and drive optimal design outcomes. In addition to technical execution, the Lead Engineer provides leadership across multidisciplinary interfaces, mentors junior engineers, and ensures adherence to engineering governance and applicable standards.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-voltage substation primary systems, including physical layouts, busbar and conductor systems, equipment arrangements, and general arrangement drawings in accordance with applicable standards and project requirements.

• Perform key engineering calculations, including short circuit, load flow, cable/busbar sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lightning protection, insulation coordination, and clearance studies.

• Deliver engineering packages for both tender and execution phases, including technical specifications, datasheets, BOQs, reports, and layout drawings.

• Collaborate with civil, structural, mechanical, and secondary engineering teams to ensure cohesive and constructible designs.

• Review and approve vendor drawings and technical documentation for high-voltage equipment such as circuit breakers, disconnectors, instrument transformers, surge arresters, and power transformers.

• Support installation, testing, and commissioning through the preparation and review of procedures and onsite engagement.

• Ensure EHS and constructability considerations are embedded throughout design, including active participation in HAZID/HAZOP sessions.

• Coordinate interfaces with protection, control, SCADA, and auxiliary systems to ensure integrated system functionality.

• Use engineering tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, PDM/DMS, and calculation software) to manage and maintain design documentation.

• Lead engineering planning, manage schedules and resources, and provide guidance to junior team members.

• Serve as the main technical point of contact for clients, vendors, and project stakeholders to resolve design-related issues.

• Participate in FAT, SAT, and commissioning activities to validate integration of primary systems into operational environments.

• Ensure all deliverables comply with IEC/IEEE standards, utility codes, and customer specifications.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related discipline from an accredited university.

• Minimum 8 years of experience in high-voltage primary system design, including equipment layout, busbar and conductor systems, grounding, lightning protection, and insulation coordination.

• Experience in EPC substation project environments, collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams

Desired Characteristics:

• Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate complex concepts to internal teams, clients, and vendors.

• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional environments, with experience managing technical programs from design through commissioning.