Project & Automation Engineer

Project & Automation Engineer – Power Management & Automation Commissioning Specialist

At ETAP, we are at the forefront of revolutionizing the energy sector by delivering cutting-edge software solutions that empower customers to optimize electrical systems throughout their entire lifecycle. Our innovative digital twin platform ensures continuous intelligence, driving efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in design, engineering, operations, and maintenance. By joining ETAP, you will contribute to a mission-critical industry—accelerating the global energy transition toward a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable future.

ETAP is more than a workplace; it’s a collaborative ecosystem where innovation, excellence, and customer-centric solutions thrive. If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for automation, power systems, and digital transformation, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team. Together, we will shape the future of energy infrastructure, ensuring reliability, safety, and operational excellence for generations to come.

Job Overview

As a **Project & Automation Engineer** specializing in Power Management & Automation Commissioning, you will play a pivotal role in leading the implementation, testing, and validation of advanced power management systems. Your expertise will be instrumental in deploying cutting-edge solutions for industrial, utility, and oil & gas sectors, ensuring seamless integration, optimal performance, and compliance with global energy standards.

Key Responsibilities

In this full-time position based in ETAP Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, your responsibilities will include:

• Lead Commissioning and Configuration: Oversee the deployment, testing, and validation of Power Management Systems (PMS), Energy Management Systems (EMS), Power Plant Controllers (PPC), and Microgrid Controllers (MGC) to ensure alignment with project requirements and industry best practices.
• Advanced Controller Implementation: Design, configure, and optimize Power Plant Controllers (PPC) for enhanced performance, including synchronization, load sharing, and black start capabilities.
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Integration: Configure and commission BESS control systems, focusing on State of Charge (SOC) management, charge/discharge scheduling, and hybrid dispatch optimization to maximize energy efficiency.
• Automation System Development: Develop and commission power automation solutions tailored for Oil & Gas, Industrial, and Utility applications, ensuring scalability, reliability, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• PLC/RTU Programming: Program and configure Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Remote Terminal Units (RTU) for power management applications, leveraging advanced control logic and real-time monitoring.
• Factory and Site Acceptance Testing (FAT & SAT): Lead and coordinate Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) with equipment manufacturers, while also executing Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) in accordance with client specifications and industry protocols.

Essential Requirements

To excel in this role, you must possess:

• Expertise in Communication Protocols: Hands-on experience configuring and testing protocols such as Modbus RTU/TCP, IEC 61850 (MMS, GOOSE), DNP3, and IEC 60870-5-101/103/104 for seamless system interoperability.
• Cybersecurity Compliance: Proficiency in implementing cybersecurity measures aligned with IEC 62351 standards and industry best practices to safeguard critical infrastructure.
• PLC and Automation Tools: Practical experience with software platforms such as Codesys, IEC 61131 PLC tools, and other industry-standard automation environments.

Desired Skills

While not mandatory, the following specialized knowledge will further enhance your impact:

• Load Shedding Solutions: Experience with Under-Frequency Load Shedding (UFLS), Under-Voltage Load Shedding (UVLS), priority-based shedding, and fast load restoration sequences.
• Generator Control Systems: Expertise in synchronization, load sharing, peak shaving, and island mode operations for reliable generator management.
• Power Balancing and Economic Dispatch: Familiarity with spinning reserve management, import/export control, and Automatic Generation Control (AGC) interfaces for optimized grid performance.
• PPC and Renewable Integration: Hands-on experience with active/reactive power control, frequency response, Fault Ride Through (FRT), and BESS dispatch strategies for renewable energy integration.
• Grid Code Compliance: Knowledge of frequency response, voltage control, power quality standards, and compliance testing to ensure adherence to regulatory frameworks.
• Protection Coordination: Ability to coordinate relay systems with PMS, implement breaker failure protection, and design bus protection schemes for enhanced grid resilience.

ETAP is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As part of our hiring process, all successful candidates will undergo a comprehensive background check, including verification of educational credentials, employment history, work authorization, criminal records, identity verification, and credit checks—where legally permissible. Certain roles may require additional security clearances due to the handling of sensitive data.

Join ETAP and be part of a global team dedicated to driving transformative technology that empowers customers to engineer a better world. Your expertise will not only advance your career but also contribute to a sustainable energy future for generations to come.

ETAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.