Substation Primary Design Engineer

About the Role

POWERCHINA Jiangxi Electric Power Construction Co., Ltd - Dubai Branch is seeking an experienced Substation Primary Design Engineer to contribute to HV/EHV AIS/GIS substation detailed engineering for projects based in Dubai, UAE and the MENA region. The successful candidate will independently handle primary electrical design tasks, perform engineering calculations, and produce detailed design documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute detailed primary electrical design of HV/EHV AIS and GIS substations.
• Create Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), General Arrangement (GA) drawings, equipment layouts, busbar arrangements, sectional views, and electrical clearance diagrams.
• Autonomously conduct earthing and grounding system calculations as well as lightning protection layouts and assessments.
• Develop designs and perform sizing calculations for auxiliary transformers, AC/DC systems, battery banks, and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems.
• Select, size, route, and verify cable installations from 10 kV to 230 kV, including grounding and cross-bonding checks.
• Choose suitable high voltage equipment, including transformers, circuit breakers, current transformers (CTs), voltage transformers (VTs), disconnectors, and surge arresters.
• Prepare technical specifications, datasheets, equipment and cable schedules, and Bill of Quantities (BOQ) or Material Take Off (MTO) documents.
• Collaborate closely with Protection & Control (P&C), SCADA/Telecom, and Civil Engineering teams to ensure integrated project execution.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Power Engineering is essential.
• At least five years of direct, hands-on experience in primary detailed design of HV/MV/EHV substations.
• Demonstrated ability to produce independent design drawings and engineering calculations.
• Comprehensive understanding of AIS/GIS substation layouts, earthing, lightning protection, AC/DC system design, and high voltage equipment selection.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and familiarity with IEC and IEEE standards.
• Professional-level English communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with 132 kV, 220 kV, or 400 kV substation design projects.
• Exposure to UAE or GCC substation EPC projects, for example with DEWA, TAQA/TRANSCO, SEWA, or EtihadWE.
• Hands-on experience with software tools like ETAP, CYMCAP, or CYMGRD.
• Knowledge of power system studies, SVG or STATCOM sizing, and designing substations for Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), or Wind power.

Additional Information

This is a hands-on engineering role focusing specifically on design responsibilities. Candidates must clearly document voltage levels and engineering drawings they have personally completed. Applications from professionals whose experience is primarily in construction, installation, testing, commissioning, design review, or project management will not be suitable.