Protection & Control Engineer – Hydro & Dams

WSP en Colombia; Bogotá ciudad; Presencial; COP 120.000.000 - 180.000.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

WSP is seeking a Protection & Control Engineer – Hydro & Dam to join our multidisciplinary team in Colombia. You will analyze, design, develop, and implement protection and control systems for hydroelectric, dam, and water resources projects through all phases from concept to commissioning and operations support.

The ideal candidate has 6–9 years of relevant experience in electrical engineering with expertise in protection/controls for hydro facilities, substations, and transmission

Formación

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• 6–9 years of protection and control experience in hydro/dam projects.
• Strong background in protection studies, relay settings, and coordination.
• Advanced English and French language proficiency required.

Responsabilidades

• Design protection and control systems for hydro facilities and dams.
• Develop protection philosophies, relay settings, and control strategies.
• Prepare diagrams, wiring schematics, and relay documentation.
• Perform short-circuit, coordination, and arc-flash studies.
• Coordinate with SCADA, automation, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Support FAT/SAT, commissioning, and system energization.
• Provide technical guidance on equipment and documentation.

Conocimientos

Protection & control

Hydro & dams

Electrical engineering

SCADA integration

Power system studies

Relay protection

English & French

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree (asset)

Professional Engineer designation (preferred)

Herramientas

ETAP

SKM

PSCAD

PowerFactory

EasyPower

AutoCAD Electrical

Descripción del empleo

Position Summary

WSP is seeking a Protection & Control Engineer – Hydro & Dams to join our multidisciplinary team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the analysis, design, development, and implementation of protection and control systems for hydroelectric, dam, and water resources infrastructure projects. This role involves supporting projects through all phases of execution, from conceptual studies and detailed engineering to construction, commissioning, and operational support.

The ideal candidate will have 6 to 9 years of relevant experience in electrical engineering, with a strong background in protection and control systems for hydroelectric generation, substations, transmission systems, dams, or other major infrastructure projects. Due to the global nature of the projects and stakeholders, advanced English and French language proficiency is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Design protection and control systems for hydroelectric facilities, dams, substations, switchyards, and associated electrical infrastructure.
• Develop protection philosophies, relay settings, protection schemes, and control strategies for power generation and transmission systems.
• Prepare engineering studies, technical specifications, single-line diagrams, control schematics, wiring diagrams, and relay logic documentation.
• Perform protection coordination studies, short-circuit studies, arc flash assessments, and system performance evaluations.
• Review and verify electrical designs to ensure compliance with project requirements, applicable codes, standards, and industry best practices.
• Support the integration of protection and control systems with SCADA, automation, and monitoring systems.
• Participate in factory acceptance tests (FAT), site acceptance tests (SAT), commissioning activities, and system energization.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including electrical, civil, structural, mechanical, hydrotechnical, instrumentation, and automation specialists.
• Review vendor documentation and provide technical guidance regarding protection and control equipment.
• Support dam safety and hydropower modernization projects involving electrical system upgrades and rehabilitation.
• Prepare technical reports, engineering calculations, project deliverables, and client presentations.
• Participate in project planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and proposal preparation when required.
• Provide technical support during construction and commissioning phases.
• Maintain effective communication with clients, project teams, contractors, and stakeholders in both English and French.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Power Systems Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or related discipline.
• A master's degree in electrical engineering, Power Systems, Energy Systems, or a related field is considered an asset.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng. or equivalent) designation, or eligibility to obtain professional registration, is preferred.

Experience

• 6 to 9 years of professional experience in protection and control engineering.
• Experience supporting hydroelectric, dam, power generation, transmission, substations, or major infrastructure projects.
• Experience in detailed engineering, commissioning, and operation of protection and control systems.
• Experience with hydroelectric facilities and water-retaining infrastructure projects is highly desirable.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering environments and international projects is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of power system protection and control principles.
• Experience with protective relays from major manufacturers such as GE, SEL, Siemens, ABB/Hitachi Energy, Schneider Electric, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of power system studies including short-circuit, coordination, load flow, and arc flash analysis.
• Familiarity with SCADA, HMI, automation, and communication systems used in hydroelectric and dam facilities.
• Understanding IEC, IEEE, CSA, NEC, NERC, and other applicable industry standards.
• Experience with engineering software such as ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, PSCAD, DigSILENT PowerFactory, or equivalent.
• Ability to review and develop electrical drawings, schematics, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and engineering documentation tools.

Language Requirements

• Advanced English proficiency (written and verbal) – Mandatory.
• Advanced French proficiency (written and verbal) – Mandatory.
• Ability to communicate effectively in multicultural and international project environments.
• Ability to prepare technical reports, engineering documentation, and client correspondence in both English and French.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to technical excellence.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork capabilities.
• Initiative, adaptability, and continuous learning mindset.
• Sound engineering judgment and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to health, safety, quality, and sustainability principles.

Why Join WSP?

At WSP, you will have the opportunity to work on complex and innovative Hydro & Dams projects alongside leading technical experts. We foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that supports professional growth, continuous learning, and the development of sustainable solutions that positively impact communities worldwide.