Senior Engineer – Overhead Lines

Job overview:

The OHL and Cable Engineer is responsible for the planning, execution, and oversight of maintenance, construction, and repair activities related to overhead transmission lines and cable systems. This role involves working closely with contractors and internal teams to ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of the transmission infrastructure. The engineer is tasked with developing maintenance schedules, responding to emergencies, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities:

• Work closely with OHL, cable, and civil contractors to verify and assess the quality of work performed in the field, and prepare detailed observation reports based on findings.
• Respond to emergency situations and coordinate efforts to clear and restore transmission assets to their normal operating condition.
• Issue defect reports to contractors, oversee their rectification work on-site to ensure compliance with GCCIA specifications, and make informed decisions regarding the acceptance or rejection of completed tasks.
• Review and evaluate contractors' work plans and outage schedules, and develop and maintain the annual preventive maintenance schedule to ensure timely and efficient operations.
• Prepare and submit outage requests through SAP, and monitor the approval process to ensure smooth execution.
• Responsible for providing safety clearance in the field, authorizing the re-energization of OHL lines and cables following maintenance or repair activities.
• Review accomplishment reports submitted by contractors for billing purposes, ensuring accuracy and adherence to contractual obligations.
• Conduct field investigations for unauthorized use of ROW by third parties, study and recommend appropriate solutions to address third-party requirements while ensuring the safety and security of the transmission infrastructure.
• Review and validate sand volume estimations, prepare work authorizations for civil contractors, and oversee the implementation of civil works. Conduct post-completion inspections to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Prepare detailed scopes of work for special projects, including OHL line and cables modifications, ensuring all technical requirements are clearly defined.
• Actively participate in the tender process, including the evaluation of technical and commercial proposals, bid analysis, and the formulation of recommendations for contract awards.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose technical problems related to OHL and cable systems, identify potential consequences of changes, and ensure proper documentation of errors and corrective actions.
• Read and interpret design drawings to ensure accurate implementation in the field.
• Perform switching operations in accordance with safety and operational protocols by becoming a Senior Authorized Person in GCCIA.
• Issue permits for work, sanctions for testing, certificates of isolation, and limitations of access as required by operational procedures.
• stay updated on industry best practices and emerging trends in asset management to ensure compliance and enhance operational efficiency.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, and power systems,

• Deep understanding of overhead line (OHL) and cable systems, including their design, construction, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to quickly assess and respond to emergency situations, coordinating efforts to restore transmission assets safely and efficiently.
• Strong skills in verifying and assessing the quality of work performed by contractors, with an eye for detail to ensure compliance with technical specifications.
• Proficiency in planning, executing, and monitoring projects, including scheduling, resource allocation, and managing contractor performance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of safety protocols and the ability to enforce safety standards in the field, including issuing and managing permits and sanctions.
• Strong understanding of transmission line maintenance practices, including safety and quality assurance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with contractors, team members, and other stakeholders, as well as to prepare detailed reports and documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose technical issues, identify consequences of changes, and implement effective solutions.
• Expertise in reviewing, evaluating, and managing contracts, including the ability to participate in the tender process and make informed recommendations.
• Ability to read and interpret design drawings accurately to ensure correct implementation in the field.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and produce detailed reports.