Substation Automation Lead Engineer

ABB Pte. Ltd.; Otago; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ABB Pte. Ltd. is seeking an experienced Substation Automation Lead Engineer in New Zealand (Otago) to deliver design, implementation, and commissioning of SAS based on ABB System 800xA.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team through engineering, FAT, site installation, testing and commissioning for offshore and onshore projects. You will drive SAS architecture, network integration, cybersecurity considerations, and ensure successful testing and handover with global stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Electronics engineering.
• Hands-on automation project experience in Oil & Gas or power sectors.
• Experience with ABB System 800xA networks or similar DCS platforms.
• Familiar with industrial protocols Modbus, Profinet, IEC 61850, OPC UA.
• Strong English communication and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical lead for engineering, testing and commissioning of SAS.
• Review SLDs, switchgear schematics and IED documentation per SAS architecture.
• Integrate LV/MV switchgear using Modbus, Profinet, and other protocols.
• Manage SAS engineering and test deliverables including drawings, SCDs, FAT/SAT procedures.
• Collaborate on factory acceptance tests and site commissioning (offshore/yards).
• Support FAT/SAT activities, including network validation and cybersecurity verification.

Skills

Automation project experience

Oil & Gas industry experience

Cybersecurity awareness

English communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Tools

ABB System 800xA

Control Builder

Industrial protocols (Modbus, Profinet, IEC 61850, OPC UA)

Job description

ABB is a global technology leader delivering integrated automation, electrification, and digital solutions for offshore projects.

We are seeking an experienced SubstationAutomation Lead Engineer to deliver the design, implementation, and substationautomations based on ABB system 800xA, covering the full project lifecycle from engineering and FAT through site installation, testing and commissioning.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team of automation and electrical engineers, playing a critical role indefining, designing, implementing, and commissioning the substation automation system

Key Responsibilities

• Acting as technical lead for the engineering, testing and commissioning of IEC 61850-based Electrical Substation Automation Systems (SAS).
• Reviewing single-line diagrams, switchgear schematics and IED documentation, and engineering system as per SAS architecture, signal lists and interface requirements with switchgear, protection relay, ICSS and PMS suppliers.
• Integrating LV/MV switchgear equipment using industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, Profinet etc.
• Managing all engineering and test deliverables, including SAS architecture drawings, signal and IP address lists, SCD files, FAT/SAT procedures, test reports and as-built documentation.
• Collaborating on factory acceptance test at different factories, testing, pre-commissioning and commissioning at yards and offshore sites.
• Participate in FAT and SAT activities, including network validation, cybersecurity verification testing, and troubleshooting of network and security-related issues.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology with a major in Electrical or Electronics.
• Proven hands‑on experience in Automation projects across Oil & Gas or power industries.
• Experience with ABB System 800xA networks or comparable DCS platforms (Honeywell, Emerson, Yokogawa) is an advantage.
• Experience with ABB 800xA with control builder, networking and cyber security principles and third‑party communication using industrial protocols (Modbus, OPC UA, Profinet and IEC 61850) will be an added advantage.
• Enjoy working in a multi‑cultural environment.
• Self‑motivated individual with strong English communication skills, eager to build lasting relationships with customers and global stakeholders.