Design Lead & Plant Controller

Kin-Tec Global Recruitment; Abu Dhabi; Hybrid; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Design Lead to manage the engineering design for hybrid renewable plants. The role involves developing control philosophies for Plant Master Controllers, ensuring compliance with grid codes, and leading a multi-disciplinary team. Candidates should possess strong knowledge of renewable energy systems, project management skills, and a degree in an engineering discipline. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative energy solutions in the UAE.

Qualifications

• 8-14 years of experience in relevant fields.
• Strong knowledge of grid integration of hybrid plants.
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop the PMC control philosophy for hybrid renewable plants.
• Ensure grid compliance and validate black start capabilities.
• Coordinate with other discipline Design Leads.

Skills

Knowledge of PV/BESS plant SCADA

PMC design

Power system control strategies

Grid compliance

Hands-on experience

Industrial communication protocols

Data analysis

Project management

Education

B.E./B.Tech./M.Tech in Electrical, Electrical & Electronics, Instrumentation

Tools

MS Office

Engineering software tools

Job description

Design Lead - Hybrid Plant Controller

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Experience: 8-14 years

Overview

A leading renewable energy business is seeking a Design Lead to manage the engineering design of Plant Master Controllers (PMC) for hybrid renewable plants, integrating Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This role involves developing control philosophies, ensuring grid compliance, leading a multi‑discipline team, and delivering high‑quality engineering outputs on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop the Plant Master Controller (PMC) control philosophy for hybrid renewable plants, covering power factor, voltage control, power curtailment, VAR control, ramp rate, and black start requirements, ensuring compliance with grid codes and system operator requirements
• Define PMC response times and validate black start capabilities for standalone grid restoration
• Ensure seamless integration of PMC with SCADA, BMS, substation control systems, and utility data centres, including cyber security compliance
• Support pre‑award vendor evaluations for technical compliance and provide validation to Supply Chain teams
• Coordinate spatial requirements, cut‑outs, and system interface with Design Leads of other disciplines (e.g., AC systems)
• Plan and allocate man‑hours for engineering deliverables
• Ensure timely delivery of engineering drawings, documents, and vendor submissions, obtaining all necessary approvals
• Provide technical support and clarifications to the site execution team

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of PV/BESS plant SCADA, Power Plant Controller, Energy Management Systems, and grid integration of hybrid plants
• Hands‑on experience in PMC design, power system control strategies, and grid compliance
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols including IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus, and OPC
• Experience with historian data analysis, alarm management, and cybersecurity standards
• Understanding of Middle East power regulations and utility compliance requirements
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams including engineers and draughtspersons

Key Value Drivers

• On‑time delivery of engineering outputs
• Identification and mitigation of technical and operational risks
• Productivity and cost optimisation
• Quality assurance and compliance
• Customer satisfaction and service excellence
• Standardisation and process digitalisation

Software Skills

• Proficiency with MS Office
• Familiarity with engineering software tools related to PMC, SCADA, and BESS systems

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech./M.Tech in Electrical, Electrical & Electronics, Instrumentation, or related Engineering disciplines