Chief Electrical Engineer

Chief Engineer – Power Systems & Grid Operations (Renewable Energy) Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (family status available) About the Role An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced engineering leader to take ownership of Grid Control & Operations across a portfolio of utility-scale renewable energy projects. This role sits at the forefront of the energy transition, providing technical leadership across large-scale solar PV, wind, battery energy storage systems (BESS), hybrid power plants, and complex microgrid applications. You will lead engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle – from conceptual design and grid studies through to commissioning, operations, and performance optimisation – ensuring assets operate safely, reliably, and in full compliance with grid requirements. Key Responsibilities Grid Operations & Control • Lead grid control and real-time operational strategies for utility-scale renewable energy assets • Develop and define control philosophies for inverter-based resources, including solar PV, BESS, and wind power plants • Oversee network control centre functions, including AGC and dispatch systems • Ensure seamless integration of renewable assets into transmission and distribution networks Power System Studies & Grid Integration • Lead and review advanced power system studies using PSS®E, PSCAD, and DIgSILENT • Evaluate system performance under weak grid and complex operating conditions • Validate system behaviour through RTDS and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulations • Ensure compliance with international grid codes and utility requirements • Identify technical risks during bidding and project development and implement mitigation strategies Communication & Control Systems • Define communication and SCADA architectures for renewable power plants • Specify and oversee implementation of protocols including IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-104, and Modbus • Ensure reliable integration between plant controllers, EMS, SCADA, and grid infrastructure Testing, Commissioning & Performance Optimisation • Lead commissioning activities for renewable generation and grid interconnection projects • Support testing, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis of operational issues • Drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence across the portfolio • Capture lessons learned and translate them into enhanced control and operational philosophies About You You are an experienced power systems or controls engineer with a passion for solving complex technical challenges in renewable energy and grid integration. You will ideally have: • 20+ years of experience within power systems, grid control, or energy infrastructure • 10+ years of experience in technical leadership or engineering management roles • Deep expertise in renewable energy integration, grid stability, and inverter-based resources • Proven experience working on large-scale (>1 GW) projects or highly complex grid environments • Strong understanding of power electronics, including solar PV inverters, BESS, and wind turbine technologies • Experience engaging with utilities, grid operators, and key project stakeholders Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related discipline • Master's degree in Power Systems (required) • PhD in Power Systems or a related field will be considered an advantage Why Apply? • Lead technically complex and industry-leading renewable energy projects • Influence the future of grid-connected renewable generation and energy storage • Work across solar PV, wind, BESS, hybrid systems, and emerging energy technologies • Join a business at the forefront of the global energy transition Show more Show less

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related discipline; Master's degree in Power Systems (required); PhD in Power Systems or a related field will be considered an advantage

Grid Operations & Control: Lead grid control and real-time operational strategies for utility-scale renewable energy assets; Develop and define control philosophies for inverter-based resources, including solar PV, BESS, and wind power plants; Oversee network control centre functions, including AGC and dispatch systems; Ensure seamless integration of renewable assets into transmission and distribution networks. Power System Studies & Grid Integration: Lead and review advanced power system studies using PSS®E, PSCAD, and DIgSILENT; Evaluate system performance under weak grid and complex operating conditions; Validate system behaviour through RTDS and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulations; Ensure compliance with international grid codes and utility requirements; Identify technical risks during bidding and project development and implement mitigation strategies. Communication & Control Systems: Define communication and SCADA architectures for renewable power plants; Specify and oversee implementation of protocols including IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-104, and Modbus; Ensure reliable integration between plant controllers, EMS, SCADA, and grid infrastructure. Testing, Commissioning & Performance Optimisation: Lead commissioning activities for renewable generation and grid interconnection projects; Support testing, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis of operational issues; Drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence across the portfolio; Capture lessons learned and translate them into enhanced control and operational philosophies.