Project Engineering Manager

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced and technically skilled Project Engineering Manager to lead the engineering scope of high-voltage GIS substation and STATCOM projects across the UAE. This role requires deep expertise in High Voltage Substation systems, strong coordination capabilities, and a proven ability to manage multi-disciplinary engineering teams throughout the full project lifecycle.

The selected candidate will be responsible for ensuring the compliance of all technical deliverables with local utility standards (DEWA, TRANSCO, SEWA, etc.), overseeing engineering interfaces, driving design approval processes, and supporting on-site execution and commissioning.

A strong understanding of UAE-specific authority requirements, EHS design integration, and client-facing responsibilities is essential. This role is ideal for a candidate with a hands-on engineering background and the leadership acumen to deliver high-value power infrastructure projects in a dynamic and regulated environment.

• Manage global time schedule of concerned engineering activities, check coherency of links between engineering activities and other project functions activities (procurement, construction, commissioning) and organize follow up of critical activities of the project or of his/her discipline.
• Lead the end-to-end engineering scope for HV GIS and STATCOM projects (from basic to detailed design).
• Ensure engineering deliverables (layouts, schematics, protection philosophy, BOQs) comply with DEWA, TRANSCO, SEWA or FEWA standards.
• Coordinate all technical disciplines: primary, secondary, civil interface, control, and protection.
• Manage OEM and vendor integration, ensuring interface alignment with GIS, transformers, STATCOM, and balance of plant.

• Develop and monitor the engineering execution plan, aligned with project milestones.
• Coordinate technical interfaces between project partners. Coordinate with EPC contractors, local design consultants, and site teams to ensure smooth delivery.
• Organize and manage disciplinary design reviews.
• Ensure that a proper technical risk analysis is conducted in case of innovation.
• Ensure proper global design freeze.
• Organize input data acquisition for O&MM and as-built documents.
• Facilitate engineering design reviews, HAZOPs, FATs, and SATs with client representatives.

• Act as the primary engineering contact for clients such as DEWA, TRANSCO, and other authorities.
• Lead the submission, clarification, and approval cycle of:
• General Technical Particulars (GTPs),
• Issued For Construction Drawings/As-Built Drawings,
• Protection coordination and SCADA integration.
• Represent the engineering team in progress meetings, site visits, and technical audits.

• Ensure all engineering activities are compliant with:
• UAE regulations, utility specifications, and international standards (IEC/ISO),
• Internal QA/QC procedures and the company's engineering handbook.
• Review and validate design documents, test reports, and commissioning protocols prior to submission.

• Identify technical risks early and define mitigation strategies.
• Manage engineering changes and technical deviations, preparing justifications and obtaining client approvals.
• Troubleshoot and resolve site engineering issues, including design clashes, interface gaps, and installation challenges.

• Ensure all engineering activities and technical solutions comply with the UAE's environment, health, and safety (EHS) regulations and utility-specific HSE policies (e.g., DEWA HSE Guidelines, TRANSCO HSEMS).
• Integrate EHS Design Gate Reviews into key engineering milestones, ensuring that safety-by-design principles are considered during layout development, equipment placement, and operational access planning.
• Collaborate with HSE teams and construction personnel to address technical risks related to HV safety, confined space access (GIS), arc flash zones, and STATCOM commissioning hazards.
• Actively support the preparation and review of Method Statements and Risk Assessments (MSRAs) and participate in safety review meetings with the client and contractors.

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical and Electronics Engineering,
• 6+ years of Engineering activities as lead HV Substation Design Engineer.
• Ensure compliance with relevant international standards such as IEC, IEEE, ANSI, NEMA, and CIGRE guidelines.
• Regulatory & Technical Compliance
  • In-depth understanding of UAE authority standards for HV GIS substations (132kV to 400kV) and STATCOM systems, including:
  • DEWA Specifications (e.g., EES-PMS, EES-TMS),
  • TRANSCO Transmission Code and Engineering Guidelines,
  • SEWA, FEWA, ADDC, AADC requirements.
  • Technical familiarity with IEC and local utility adaptations related to:
  • Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS),
  • Harmonic filtering and reactive power control,
  • Protection & control schemes for STATCOM installations,
  • Commissioning and grid integration procedures.
  • Demonstrated experience managing equipment interfaces between STATCOM, GIS, transformers, and control systems.
• Client and Authority Engagement
  • Direct experience with client design approvals and technical submittals to:
  • DEWA (Design Review Committee),
  • TRANSCO (Engineering Affairs),
  • Local statutory bodies (e.g., Dubai Municipality, Abu Dhabi Civil Defense).
  • Capable of conducting design review meetings, FAT/SAT coordination, and resolving client comments in line with utility expectations.
  • Previous coordination with local engineering consultants and third-party testing authorities (e.g., TUV, Bureau Veritas, Intertek).
• Site Readiness & Safety
  • Familiarity with UAE work permit systems, site safety compliance (DEWA HSE, ADNOC PTW if applicable).
  • Oversight of installation, commissioning, and grid synchronization of STATCOMs and GIS bays.
  • Interface with OEMs, local EPC contractors, and civil works teams to ensure scope alignment and schedule adherence.
• Legal, Logistical, and Cultural Readiness
  • Prior working experience in the UAE with awareness of:
  • Visa and residency requirements,
  • Security pass requirements for utility substations,
  • Cultural fluency in working with multinational teams and Emirati authorities.
• Successful experience in project technical management in a multi-disciplinary team's context including multiple interfaces and with products coming from several countries.
• Knowledge of project execution risks and financial processes.
• Willingness to work in different locations for short or medium period and to travel worldwide.
• Experience of team building as lead engineer.
• Strong communication and persuasion skills.
• Fluency in English to communicate with international partners as well as the local clients (interview will be in English).
• Able to live and work in Dubai.

• Successfully executed at least one STATCOM project and multiple GIS substation projects (132kV and above) in the UAE.
• General knowledge of Power System Equipment factories and products through FATs and site visits.
• Ability to communicate with multiple departments.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems.
• Experience of team building as lead engineer.
• Skilled at influencing and relationship building.
• Demonstrated presentation skills and ability to succinctly communicate complex messages.
• Project management skills.
• Demonstrates ownership & accountability, judgment and decision making, influences & inspires team, creates a vision and strategy, and has passion for the role.