Chief Electrical Engineer

The Green Recruitment Company; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

The Green Recruitment Company is seeking a Chief Engineer – Power Systems & Grid Operations (Renewable Energy) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. You will own Grid Control & Operations across utility-scale renewables, including solar, wind, BESS, and microgrid projects, ensuring safety, reliability, and grid compliance.

You will lead engineering activities from design through commissioning and performance optimisation, mentoring teams and guiding critical studies, standards, and interfaces across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronics engineering or related field.
• Master's degree in Power Systems is required.
• PhD in Power Systems is advantageous or will be considered.
• 20+ years of experience in power systems, grid control or energy infrastructure.
• 10+ years in technical leadership or engineering management.

Responsibilities

• Lead grid control and real-time operational strategies for renewable assets.
• Define control philosophies for inverter-based resources (PV, BESS, wind).
• Oversee network control centre functions, AGC and dispatch.
• Ensure integration of renewables into transmission and distribution networks.
• Lead and review power system studies using PSS E, PSCAD, DIgSILENT.
• Conduct RTDS and HIL simulations to validate system behavior.
• Ensure compliance with international grid codes and utility requirements.
• Identify technical risks and implement mitigation during bidding and development.

Skills

Power systems

Grid control

Engineering leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Electronics Engineering

Master's in Power Systems (required)

PhD in Power Systems (advantage)

Tools

PSS E

PSCAD

DIgSILENT

RTDS

HIL

IEC 61850

IEC 60870-5-104

Modbus

SCADA

Job description

Chief Engineer – Power Systems & Grid Operations (Renewable Energy)

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (family status available)

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced engineering leader to take ownership of Grid Control & Operations across a portfolio of utility-scale renewable energy projects.

This role sits at the forefront of the energy transition, providing technical leadership across large-scale solar PV, wind, battery energy storage systems (BESS), hybrid power plants, and complex microgrid applications.

You will lead engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle – from conceptual design and grid studies through to commissioning, operations, and performance optimisation – ensuring assets operate safely, reliably, and in full compliance with grid requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Grid Operations & Control

• Lead grid control and real-time operational strategies for utility-scale renewable energy assets
• Develop and define control philosophies for inverter-based resources, including solar PV, BESS, and wind power plants
• Oversee network control centre functions, including AGC and dispatch systems
• Ensure seamless integration of renewable assets into transmission and distribution networks
• Lead and review advanced power system studies using PSS E, PSCAD, and DIgSILENT
• Evaluate system performance under weak grid and complex operating conditions
• Validate system behaviour through RTDS and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulations
• Ensure compliance with international grid codes and utility requirements
• Identify technical risks during bidding and project development and implement mitigation strategies

Communication & Control Systems

• Define communication and SCADA architectures for renewable power plants
• Specify and oversee implementation of protocols including IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-104, and Modbus
• Ensure reliable integration between plant controllers, EMS, SCADA, and grid infrastructure

Testing, Commissioning & Performance Optimisation

• Lead commissioning activities for renewable generation and grid interconnection projects
• Support testing, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis of operational issues
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence across the portfolio
• Capture lessons learned and translate them into enhanced control and operational philosophies

About You

You are an experienced power systems or controls engineer with a passion for solving complex technical challenges in renewable energy and grid integration.

You will ideally have:

• 20+ years of experience within power systems, grid control, or energy infrastructure
• 10+ years of experience in technical leadership or engineering management roles
• Deep expertise in renewable energy integration, grid stability, and inverter-based resources
• Proven experience working on large-scale (>1 GW) projects or highly complex grid environments
• Strong understanding of power electronics, including solar PV inverters, BESS, and wind turbine technologies
• Experience engaging with utilities, grid operators, and key project stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related discipline
• Master's degree in Power Systems (required)
• PhD in Power Systems or a related field will be considered an advantage

Why Apply?

• Lead technically complex and industry-leading renewable energy projects
• Influence the future of grid-connected renewable generation and energy storage
• Work across solar PV, wind, BESS, hybrid systems, and emerging energy technologies
• Join a business at the forefront of the global energy transition