Lead Planning Engineer

Job Description

Summary

Lead and undertake the planning, designing and modelling of the distribution network 33kV and downstream in order to ensure an economic, efficient, reliable and 100% renewable power supply for NEOM. Analyze the power demand and network capacity requirements to facilitate decision making for new investments.

Capable to provide engineering assistance for planning and development of the NEOM automated distribution system as well as enabling the integration of current and future renewable low carbon technologies.

Manage the processes and/or staff in an Engineering service delivery stream, within the appropriate DSO Planning business area, to support the continual development of the NEOM network, its operation and the overall asset management strategies.

Key Accountabilities And Responsibilities

Distribution System Development & Management

• Develop the short and long term power system planning of distribution network from 33kV to LV and support the transmission planning activities.
• Develop and manage DSO system planning documentation including standards, guidelines and policies for use by all parties involved in designing, constructing, maintaining and operating the NEOM distribution network.
• Support project-specific design reviews and ensure project compliance with the relevant NEOM technical documentation while allowing innovative solutions and modelling of the distribution grid as an interactive, AI-managed optimization platform (potential for grid of microgrids) at the lowest cost.
• Develop and ensure compliance with distribution system planning code and security standards for network planning.
• Assist in liason with other distribution departments in order to help and assist on network proposals not limited but including related to bulk load requests, load transfers, load balancing.
• Review and prepare pre-investment appraisal documents for network expansion projects, focusing on all viable options together with their technical, financial and environmental aspects in order to meet growing demand.
• Lead and assist in development and implementation guidelines on implementation of low carbon technologies not limited to and including PV, electric vehicles and energy storage.
• Lead and assist in establisment of smart grid system inlcuding but not limited to smart metering, distribution automation and/or similar systems like digital twin. requirements.
• Evaluate and implement technology-specific cybersecurity solutions.

Distribution System Implementation and Analysis

• Lead and undertake the annual distribution load analysis and forecasting for the complete distribution systems including the individual primary substation.
• Lead and undertake system modelling – power flow, short circuit analysis and power quality to come up with solutions/strategies for improving system paramters like voltage, power distribution, connection and power factor.
• Lead and perform calculations to analyze the network technical losses in the system and suggest ways to reduce them.
• Lead and perform various types of system studies and anlaysis as and when required including power quality and network reliability.
• Conduct market research and contribute to engineering research, innovation, design and the determination of cost & risk-based recommendations for the ongoing functioning of the grid.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Drive high level of safety performance by clearly articulating the requirements for safety in design and construction methodologies relating to the DSO system as well as reporting.

Risk Management

• Contribute to delivery of the company’s engineering risk management plan in conjunction with other Energy branches, particularly as applicable to the management of risk within the technical documentation and other output of the system planning division.

Training and Development

• Contribute to development of training requirements and technical skills of others within DSO/Energy.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Power and Electrical Engineering.
• Postgraduate training in Power Engineering, Business, Asset or Project Management is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in power sector with at least 6-8 years’ experience in DSO system planning.
• Proven experience in the establishment and management of standards and policies for design, construction, operation and maintenance of electrical LV and MV automated distribution systems, preferably with a high proportion of renewable energy resources involved.
• Proficient in one of the power system simulation tools such as PSSE, DIgSILENT or ETAP.
• Demonstrated experience in and commitment to both grid innovation and its practical implementation is paramount in order to deliver a stable, cost-effective distribution grid based on 100% renewable power.
• Experience in leading small teams as technical supervisor including highly developed interpersonal skills and written and oral communication skills.
• Proven track record of delivering outcomes with strong ability to prioritize tasks in a highly dynamic and changing environment, with a focus on efficiency, enhanced multitasking abilities, combined with a “can-do” mentality are essential.
• Experience in financial evaluation, work practices, risk management, statutory and regulatory compliance.
• Strong innovation drive towards automated and AI-led platform technologies.
• Effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills, including planning, organizing and directing work in a collaborative work style, fostering cooperation and teamwork.