Project Engineering Manager - Substation

Position Overview

This role sits within the EDRC Substation business unit and is based in the UAE. The Project Engineering Manager for Substation engineering is responsible for steering all engineering work on the project so it is delivered on time while meeting quality and cost expectations. The position reports to the Head of Engineering and leads the Design Lead (Primary), Design Lead (Secondary), and Vendor Engineering Lead.

Job Context

The engineering manager is expected to keep the project aligned to the L2 schedule, identify optimizations and alternative solutions, and support quick execution with a healthy margin. The role requires close coordination across PV, BESS, OHTL, Civil, Structural, MEP, and Instrumentation disciplines, along with manpower planning and allocation across the project team.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize, sequence, and delegate engineering activities to ensure deliverables are completed on time and to specification.
• Work with all engineering disciplines to close technical gaps and resolve interface clashes.
• Strike the right balance between detailed engineering effort, delivery timelines, and cost control.
• Coordinate with the Remote Engineering Office, Local Consultants, ACWA, NEGU, and local authorities to obtain engineering approvals.
• Align engineering deliverables with the project plan in coordination with the Project Planning Manager.
• Run regular project review meetings to track schedule performance.
• Hold internal review sessions to improve productivity and make better use of resources.
• Examine engineering documents from the Remote Engineering Office and route them to Local Adaptation Consultants for translation and compliance with local requirements.
• Review designs, calculations, and drawings to support timely submission and client sign-off.
• Check non-conformance reports and concession requests.
• Review drawings prepared by design engineers and draughtspersons.
• Ensure BIM is applied effectively in projects.
• Address vendor-related technical queries and help ensure materials arrive at site on time.
• Assist Supply Chain Management in solving procurement issues and closing vendor engineering orders.
• Evaluate vendors against client technical specifications.
• Help secure Manufacturing Clearance through coordination with suppliers.
• Provide post-tender technical clarifications to the Contracts team after vendor discussions.
• Support construction and commissioning teams with technical guidance.
• Assist site teams in resolving design-related issues and related commercial concerns.
• Review critical equipment-design issues and any delays in procedures.
• Support accurate estimation of bill of materials.
• Assist with BOQ preparation, review of pre-bid offers, and technical submissions.
• Bring variation and additional-scope items to the client's attention with proper records.
• Maintain project EDRC documents in an organized file structure.
• Lead and guide Design Leads, Design Engineers, and Draughtspersons.
• Encourage independent decision-making to improve efficiency and client relationships.
• Resolve disagreements between engineers and customers to reach workable outcomes.
• Share lessons learned from active and completed projects with the team.
• Clarify deliverable lists and manpower requirements with the client.

Technical Scope

The role demands strong expertise in primary and secondary substation engineering. This includes detailed knowledge of GIS and AIS substations up to 500 kV, as well as PV and BESS plant engineering and AIS substations. Experience in Uzbekistan is mandatory, and familiarity with approvals from NEGU and other local authorities is preferred.

Equipment and design knowledge should cover the selection of power transformers, reactors, circuit breakers, disconnectors, and instrument transformers, along with substation earthing, lighting, lightning protection, cabling, civil/MEP/instrumentation interfaces, schemes, wiring diagrams, and SCADA and control systems.

Project execution experience across multiple geographies, clients, and utilities is expected, along with an understanding of contractual technical requirements and the ability to assess and interview team members effectively.

Reporting Structure

The role reports to the Head of Engineering and manages three direct report lines: Design Lead (Primary), Design Lead (Secondary), and Vendor Engineering Lead.

Required Profile

Candidates should hold a B.E. or B.Tech in Electrical or Electrical & Electronics Engineering and bring 17 to 20 years of relevant experience. The background should include work in PV plants, BESS plants, and substations, ideally with leading contractors, and familiarity with GOST, Uzbekistan local practices, and IEC standards. Russian and English language skills are required.

Software and Tools

General working knowledge of MS Office is mandatory. Exposure to DIgSILENT, PSCAD, CYMGRD, and project planning tools is desirable.

Key Value Drivers

• Deliver engineering outputs on schedule.
• Secure timely approval of the SLA for engineering services.
• Manage man-hours effectively.
• Support monthly invoicing.
• Generate savings through quality and cost optimization.
• Build team capability and successor readiness.
• Promote digitalization, standardization, and efficiency.
• Improve productivity through better man-hour utilization.
• Increase the success rate of submitted bids where relevant.

Behavioural Expectations

The role calls for market awareness, the ability to spot opportunities, a customer-first mindset, innovative thinking, and strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Operating Network

Internal stakeholders include the Head of Engineering, inter-discipline heads, the project execution team, Supply Chain Management, the Quality team, and the Contracts team. External interaction includes customers and their engineering teams, the client project management team, vendors across engineering and quality functions, and government authorities such as NEGU and the Ministry of Construction.

Additional Information

Work location is the UAE. The role is within the BU EDRC (Substation) function. The source states that the position requires strong substation engineering leadership, inter-discipline coordination, and hands-on support across approvals, procurement, construction, and commissioning activities.