Control Room Engineer

Overview

The Control Room Engineer at Nawras Power Company in Nairyah, Saudi Arabia, plays a pivotal role in managing the power plant's operational activities using the Distributed Control System (DCS). This position ensures the production of electricity is safe, dependable, and efficient by overseeing commissioning, startup, shutdown, routine operations, and emergency procedures while adhering to company policies and health, safety, and environmental standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and supervise gas turbines, steam turbines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), and their auxiliary components via the DCS.
• Perform plant startups, shutdowns, load transitions, and equipment swaps according to established procedures and instructions.
• Continuously monitor operational parameters to recognize anomalies and take corrective measures within authorized limits.
• Maintain power generation output in alignment with dispatch guidance and plant capacity.
• React swiftly to alarms, equipment trips, and emergency situations, coordinating efforts with the Shift Supervisor and field staff.
• Guide field operators during inspections, localized operations, testing phases, and troubleshooting activities.
• Track plant efficiency, fuel use, equipment condition, and emissions, reporting any variances and suggesting enhancements.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams regarding equipment availability, maintenance schedules, and service restoration.
• Identify equipment faults, submit maintenance requests, and monitor unresolved operational concerns.
• Support isolation procedures, permit-to-work systems, and lockout/tagout activities as per authorization levels.
• Document control room activities meticulously including shift logs, operational reports, incident documentation, and trip records.
• Ensure comprehensive shift handovers, communicating equipment status, operational limits, ongoing maintenance, and potential risks.
• Assist in commissioning and performance testing and facilitate the transfer of systems to commercial operations.
• Engage actively in emergency drills, safety assemblies, incident analyses, and operational training sessions.
• Adhere strictly to Nawras Power Company policies, health, safety, and environmental regulations, and approved operation protocols.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Power Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• At least five years' experience in power plant operations, including a minimum of two years working in a control room capacity within a combined-cycle power plant environment.
• Hands-on experience operating gas turbines, steam turbines, HRSGs, and related balance-of-plant systems.
• Prior involvement in commissioning and startup procedures is advantageous.
• Registration with the Saudi Council of Engineers, where required.

Technical Skills and Competencies

• Expertise in Distributed Control System (DCS) operation, alarm handling, and trend analysis.
• Ability to read and interpret process flow diagrams, P&IDs, operating instructions, and equipment documentation.
• In-depth knowledge of combined-cycle plant operations, protection systems, and emergency response protocols.
• Familiarity with permit-to-work processes, equipment isolation, and lockout/tagout standards.
• Excellent skills in troubleshooting, communication, collaboration, and reporting.
• Capability to make decisive operational judgments under pressure.

Working Conditions

• This is an on-site role located in Nairyah.
• The role requires working in rotating shifts, which include nights, weekends, and public holidays.
• Participation in emergency response exercises and operational training is mandatory.