Principal Engineer - Electrical, Data Center at AECOM · Durban

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

Here is what you will be doing:

• Senior technical resource may serve as technical advisor for team
• Provides specialized technical input to studies and design for staff's specific area of expertise.
• Develops study and design procedures to facilitate high-quality, cost-effective work by others.
• Participates in interdisciplinary review of project deliverables.
• Develops construction cost estimates and estimates of technical efforts for projects.
• Uses expertise in all steps of completing discipline component of PS&E package.
• Performs quality control review of design calculations or drawings.
• Prepares technical specification sections.
• Provides input to the development of engineering budget and schedule to meet requirements.

Primary responsibilities will include the following:

• Lead the development and review of complex electrical designs and engineering solutions.
• Preparation and management of schedules, estimates, progress reports, meetings, procurement etc.
• Electrical engineering and design during all project phases according to client, national and international standards.
• Assessing of Client / Project Electrical Engineering Requirements.
• Lead a project team of senior engineers, engineers and BIM modellers to achieve a quality design to the project deadlines
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to clients.
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and technical workshops.
• Prepare concept design and the ability to objectively evaluate both technically and commercially, different options based upon project objectives / requirements.
• Cost Estimation of electrical Engineering scope of work, including equipment and construction costs.
• Experience working with in the Data Centre Environment will be advantageous.

Detailed Electrical Engineering of LV and MV (up to 132kV) including the development and checking of :

o Load Lists

o Single Line Diagrams

o Network Diagrams

o Electrical Schematic Diagrams

o Hazardous Area Classification

o Diversification and Load factors.

o Electrical Network Design

o Fault Level Calculations

o Motor start-up and Protection Schemes (MV and LV)

o Protection Schemes modelling of protection schemes and definition of Protection settings.

o CT Specification.

o Power Metering specification and interface to Energy / Building Management Systems.

o Cable Routing Design

o Cable Sizing Calculations

o Lighting Calculations, modelling and layouts.

o Earthing Risk Assessments, earthing system design, Earthing layouts.

o Specification of Electrical Equipment including, Switchgear, Distribution Boards, Motor Control Centres, Transformers, Motors, VSD’s, Soft starters, UPS’s, Power Factor Correction, Filters, Cables, Lighting, BMS and communication systems.

o Fire detection Systems layouts and Specification.

o Specification of Construction Standards of installation.

• Interface with PLC’s, DCS systems and Building Management Systems and design the interface Control Systems.
• Interface with Energy Efficiency and providing energy efficient electrical solutions.
• Interface and Familiar with Quality of Power Supply requirements and evaluation.
• Design schemes to reduce Electromagnetic interference and specify EMC requirements.
• Design and specify communications systems with Electrical equipment / systems including Serial Communications using Profibus / fieldbus, Ethernet etc.
• Perform and check system studies (e.g. short circuit; load flow and protection coordination).
• Utilise vendor data and work with other disciplines as required for engineering and design.
• Participate and Perform squad checks of vendor data and drawings from other disciplines.
• Develop and check equipment purchase specification and develop RFQ’s (e.g. MV and LV switchboards; D/B.s, MCC’s, power transformers, Power factor Correction motors, VSDs, UPSs Filters, Cables, Lighting, BMS and communication systems).
• Develop technical scope of work and tender documentation and bills of quantities for construction contracts.
• Develop tender documentation, adjudicate tenders, provide re-measurement of works and approve contract claims.
• Prepare Project Scheduling and Planning, developing basic Barcharts for electrical Engineering input to project management team.
• Manage progress & quality control activities for equipment manufacture.
• Conduct vendor inspections and factory acceptance testing of equipment.
• Manage switchgear and specialist equipment contractors.
• Provide field engineering support to construction and commissioning teams.
• Project handover and closeout documentation.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced engineers.
• Mentor and develop electrical engineers and designers.
• Provide technical training and knowledge sharing.
• Review and guide the work of junior and senior engineers.
• Support professional registration and career development of team members.
• Assist in the setting up of standard engineering documentation and methodology for the electrical engineering unit.
• Develop Client relations and extend the client base.
• Assist in the preparation of tenders for Electrical unit workload.
• Sound electrical engineering knowledge and experience in LV and MV (up to 132kV) environment
• An intimate knowledge of local standards and codes.
• Be able to develop engineering documentation from first principles.
• Be able to work within a disciplined engineering environment.
• Conversant with DIgSILENT/ETAP (or other equivalent package) electrical power systems modelling and analysis software.
• An intimate working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Access and Microsoft Project.
• Professional registration and membership in external technical societies.
• Experience with Green Building Design and accreditation.
• Be well acquainted with local equipment, manufacturers, suppliers and installation contractors.
• A thorough knowledge of the OHS Act, pertinent SANS and IEC codes and standards and industry practices.
• Good communication and people management skills for effective interface with other engineering disciplines, the client and contractors.
• The ability to work independently.
• An awareness and appreciation for health, safety and environmental issues.

Qualifications

Here is what we are looking for:

• BSc Electrical Engineering Degree
• More than12 years electrical project engineering experience, with significant experience in heavy industrial environments as well as industrial / commercial building infrastructure experience
• Data Centre Experience will be beneficial
• Registered as a Full Professional with ECSA

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.