Lead / Senior Protection Engineer

About the Job:

We are looking for a proactive and experienced Team Lead / Senior Protection Engineer (Secondary Design) to join our high-performing team. In this leadership role, you will be responsible for leading the design, review, and implementation of substation protection and control systems for transmission and distribution projects across various voltage levels.

You will lead project activities, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, provide technical guidance to engineers, and ensure the successful delivery of high-quality engineering solutions while maintaining compliance with international standards, utility requirements, and project specifications.

Key Responsibilities/Deliverables:

• Lead the design and engineering of LV/MV/HV/EHV substation secondary systems from conceptual and detailed design through to IFC (Issued for Construction) stage.
• Develop, review, and approve detailed engineering deliverables including protection philosophies, protection schemes, relay settings philosophies, single-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, interconnection diagrams, panel layouts, marshalling kiosk drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Perform and validate engineering calculations related to protection and control systems, including CT/VT sizing, relay coordination studies, fault calculations, cable sizing, battery sizing, DC load calculations, and auxiliary power system calculations.
• Lead the development and review of protection schemes for transmission lines, power transformers, busbars, reactors, capacitor banks, generators, motors, and distribution feeders.
• Ensure compliance with applicable international standards such as IEC, IEEE,SEC, and client specifications.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary interfaces with primary design, civil, structural, telecommunications, SCADA, automation, and construction engineering teams.
• Review and approve vendor documentation, relay configuration files, control and protection panel drawings, technical submittals, and equipment specifications.
• Lead technical discussions with clients, consultants, vendors, utilities, and project stakeholders throughout project execution.
• Support the integration of protection and control systems with SCADA, RTU, SAS, IEC 61850 communication networks, and digital substation solutions.
• Mentor, coach, and support junior engineers while promoting engineering best practices, quality standards, and continuous improvement.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, digital substations, IEC 61850 applications, numerical relays, and international standards related to protection and control engineering.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, preferably with a specialization in Power Systems or Protection & Control Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in Transmission & Distribution (T&D) projects, with a strong background in protection and control system design and demonstrated leadership experience.
• Proven expertise in protection and control design for AIS and GIS substations across LV/MV/HV/EHV voltage levels.
• Strong knowledge of protection schemes for transmission lines, transformers, busbars, feeders, capacitor banks, reactors, and generators..
• Solid knowledge of applicable standards (IEC, IEEE, BS) and familiarity with regional regulations (e.g., Saudi standards).
• Proficiency in engineering software and tools such as AutoCAD, ETAP, DIgSILENT or equivalent. Experience with relay setting and configuration software is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to manage and resolve complex technical challenges independently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience leading engineering teams and interfacing with clients, contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Results-oriented mindset and a commitment to delivering excellence in engineering and project execution.

Language Proficiency Requirements:

• Proficiency in English (spoken and written) is required.

Knowledge and Functional Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of protection and control engineering principles, relay coordination studies, fault analysis, and substation automation systems.
• Strong understanding of IEC 61850 architecture, communication protocols, digital substations, and cybersecurity considerations for protection systems.
• Familiarity with international utility standards, project execution methodologies, and engineering quality management systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects, prioritize competing tasks, and meet project deadlines.
• Strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Why Join DAR Engineering?

• At DAR Engineering, we believe that great projects are delivered by exceptional people. That's why we are committed to creating an environment where talent thrives, ideas are valued, and careers grow.
• Competitive Rewards & Benefits
  Enjoy an attractive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and recognition that reflects your expertise and contributions.
• Continuous Learning & Career Growth
  We invest in your future through professional development programs, hands-on project exposure, mentorship opportunities, and clear career progression pathways.
• Collaborative & Diverse Workplace
  Work alongside highly skilled professionals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and disciplines, united by a shared commitment to excellence and innovation.
• Positive Culture & Inspiring Environment
  Be part of a dynamic workplace where teamwork, respect, and positive energy drive success, and where every employee contributes to shaping our future.

About DAR Engineering

DAR Engineering is a premier multidisciplinary consultancy delivering world-class solutions in architecture, engineering, design, project management, construction management, and planning services. With a strong presence across diverse sectors, we partner with governments, international organizations, and leading private-sector clients to transform ambitious visions into successful realities.

Driven by innovation, technical excellence, and a commitment to sustainable development, our teams combine global expertise with local insight to create impactful projects that shape communities and improve lives.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

DAR Engineering is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merits, and business needs.

We appreciate your interest in joining DAR Engineering. While only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, we encourage you to stay connected and explore future opportunities with us as we continue building a better future together.

For more information, visit: www.dar-engineering.com