Protection ETAP Engineer

Industry: Facilities ManagementJob Title: Protection ETAP EngineerPosition Reports to: Engineering Services ManagerLocation: SPARK Site, Eastern Province, Saudi ArabiaSUMMARY: The Protection Studies Engineer / ETAP Specialist is responsible for the power system modeling, protection coordination and engineering analysis that underpin Al Dhow Energy's engineering-led maintenance philosophy. Using ETAP and related tools, this role ensures protective devices across the transmission and distribution network are correctly coordinated, fault levels and equipment ratings remain adequate as the network grows, and every significant maintenance or operating decision is backed by data rather than assumption.PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:Build, validate and maintain accurate ETAP models of the client's transmission (EHV/HV) and distribution (MV/LV) networkPerform load-flow studies to identify loading constraints, voltage profile issues and reinforcement needsPerform short-circuit studies (ANSI & IEC methods) to verify switchgear and protection device ratings remain adequate as the network evolvesConduct protection coordination / relay setting studies — time-current coordination, selectivity and grading across all voltage levelsPerform arc-flash hazard analysis, motor-starting studies, harmonic analysis and transient stability studies as requiredDevelop, review and issue protection relay settings for transmission and distribution protection devices (overcurrent, differential, distance, earth fault, busbar protection)Coordinate protection schemes across the transmission/distribution interface to maintain selectivity and minimize the extent of any outageSupport commissioning, site acceptance testing (SAT) of protection relays and schemesInvestigate protection mis-operations and unplanned trips, and support formal root-cause analysisSupport capacity and load-forecast studies for network expansion, reinforcement and new tenantConnectionsAssess the impact of new loads, distributed generation/PV integration and network reconfiguration on protection and system stabilityPrepare clear, decision-ready engineering study reports and recommendations for management and client reviewEnsure all studies and protection settings comply with IEC/IEEE standards, SEC specifications and applicable contractual requirementsMaintain configuration and calibration records for all protection systems within scopeSupport internal and external audits related to protection engineering and studiesWork closely with Operations, Maintenance and the 24/7 Control Center to communicate protection and engineering findingsProvide technical input to new-connection design and construction management activitiesMaintain a current library of network models, single-line diagrams and study reports.EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION / KNOWLEDGE:Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a Power Systems specialization preferredETAP — advanced proficiency requiredWorking familiarity with SEC, SERA, IEC and IEEE standardsStrong grounding in protection philosophy: overcurrent, differential, distance, earth-fault and busbar protectionAutoCAD Electrical or equivalent for single-line diagram development (an advantage)Strong technical reportingDemonstrated proficiency in the Microsoft Office environment including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project and Outlook.EXPERIENCE:5–8 years of experience in power system studies, protection engineering, or a related discipline within a utility, EPC or industrial power systems environmentDemonstrated hands-on experience with ETAP — Load Flow, Short Circuit, Star / Protective DeviceCoordination and Arc Flash modules — requiredExperience with protection relay families (e.g. Siemens SIPROTEC, ABB, SEL, Schneider) and relay configuration software (e.g. DIGSI) strongly preferredExperience with EHV/HV/MV transmission and distribution networks.SKILLS/ABILITIES:Rigorous analytical and problem-solving ability, with close attention to detailClear communicator, able to explain complex technical findings to both engineers and non-technical stakeholdersComfortable working independently and managing multiple studies concurrentlyStrong personal commitment to safety, quality and documentation discipline.All interested applicants can also email their CVs to careers.escl@dhowsolutions.com with a subject line of “Protection ETAP Engineer” mentioning their availability.