Senior Power System Secondary Engineer

The Senior Power System
Secondary Engineer acts as the technical authority on behalf of the project
developer, providing independent oversight, review, and verification of all secondary systems engineering across
utility-scale renewable energy plants (Solar PV, Wind) and Battery Energy
Storage Systems (BESS). The role is pivotal in ensuring that designs delivered
by EPC contractors and specialist consultants are technically sound, safe,
cost-effective, and fully compliant with International Best Practices, utility
/ TSO requirements, and applicable International Standards (IEC, IEEE/ANSI).Design Review & VerificationLead the review and verification of all secondary design
deliverables — including Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), Protection & Metering Diagrams (PMDs), Block Logic Diagrams (BLDs), AC/DC schematics, and LV System Design Documents — for HV substations
and renewable plants.Verify protection and control philosophies, including
relay settings, selectivity analyses, and coordination studies (short-circuit calculations, CT/VT sizing) prepared by consultants and EPC contractors.Review and approve interlocking schemes, bay-level logic, and station-level automation across
switchgear, transformers, feeders, and renewable energy plant interfaces.Substation
Automation & SCADAApprove substation automation and SCADA architectures, ensuring correct implementation of IED logic, signal
lists, and interlocking schemes at bay and station levels.Oversee the integration and configuration of communication
protocols — IEC 61850 (GOOSE/SV/MMS), IEC 60870-5-104, and DNP3 — governing data flow between Plant Power Controllers
(PPC/EMS), substations, and utility control centers.Review IED configurations, substation HMI displays, and historian / data management architectures for completeness and compliance.Standards, Compliance & Grid Code AdherenceEnsure strict adherence to international standards and grid codes (IEC, IEEE/ANSI) by performing
technical audits and vetting technical submissions to Transmission / Distribution System Operators (TSO/DSO).Manage technical interfaces and coordinate between EPC contractors, engineering consultants, OEMs, and the grid operator to ensure a coherent
and optimized secondary systems design.RequirementsEducation Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a closely related field.Professional Engineering registration (PE / CEng or equivalent) is an advantage.Experience8+ years of engineering experience with a demonstrable focus on substation secondary systems design and delivery.Significant experience in a developer, owner’s engineer, or utility role with direct responsibility for managing and challenging EPC contractor deliverables.Proven track record on grid-connected utility-scale renewable energy projects (Solar PV, Wind) and/or Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).Experience working across the full project lifecycle from FEED and detailed design through to FAT, SAT, and commercial operation.Technical SkillsExpert-level knowledge of protection philosophies and schemes for transmission voltages up to 400 kV (distance, differential, overcurrent, busbar, inter-tripping).Deep proficiency in substation automation: IEC 61850 engineering (SCL/CID/SSD files), IED configuration tools (e.g., PCM600, AcSELerator, DIGSI), and gateway configuration.Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols (IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-104, DNP3, Modbus TCP/RTU; configuration of industrial servers, gateways, and HMIs.Familiarity with power system studies (short-circuit, protection coordination) and tools such as ETAP or DIgSILENT PowerFactory is highly preferred.Understanding of renewable energy plant control architectures: PPC, EMS, reactive power controllers, and BESS Energy Management / Battery Management Systems (EMS/BMS).