Protection Testing Engineer at High Voltage… · United…

Protection Testing Engineer

Location: United Arab Emirates

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Electrical Protection Engineer (Protection & Relay Specialist) to join our Factory Testing Team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the configuration, testing, verification, and validation of protection relay systems integrated into low and medium voltage switchgear assemblies within a factory environment. This role is critical to ensuring that all protection schemes meet design specifications, customer requirements, and international standards (IEC 61439, IEC 60255, IEC 61850) before shipment.

Key Responsibilities

Protection Relay Configuration & Programming

• Configure, parameterize, and program numerical/digital protection relays from leading manufacturers (e.g., SEL, ABB, Siemens, Schneider Electric, GE) as per approved relay setting sheets and protection philosophies
• Develop and verify relay logic schemes including trip matrices, interlocking, auto-reclosing, and communication configurations
• Upload, download, and manage relay firmware and setting files within the factory testing environment
• Maintain a controlled relay settings database and ensure version control of all protection device configurations

Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)

• Plan, prepare, and execute comprehensive Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for protection relay panels, switchgear assemblies, and protection & control systems
• Perform primary and secondary injection testing on protection relays using industry-standard test equipment (e.g., Omicron CMC, Megger SMRT, ISA DRTS)
• Conduct CT/VT ratio verification, polarity checks, burden calculations, and accuracy class validation
• Execute point-to-point wiring checks, loop testing, and functional verification of protection schemes
• Perform end-to-end trip testing, interlock verification, and protection scheme proving
• Simulate fault conditions to validate relay response times, selectivity, and grading coordination

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure all protection testing activities are performed in compliance with IEC 61439-1&2, IEC 60255, IEC 61850, IEEE C37 series, and applicable project-specific standards
• Prepare and maintain detailed FAT procedures, test plans, test checklists, and inspection & test plans (ITPs)
• Document test results accurately in structured test reports and ensure non-conformances are raised and tracked through the NCR process
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for protection-related non-conformances
• Participate in internal and external audits related to protection system testing and quality

Technical Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare comprehensive FAT reports including relay configuration records, injection test results, and functional test outcomes
• Review and verify protection schematic drawings, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts against approved design documents
• Maintain organized test records and ensure traceability of all protection testing activities
• Generate punch lists and coordinate resolution of outstanding items prior to shipment

Continuous Improvement & Team Support

• Identify opportunities to improve factory testing procedures, reduce test cycle times, and enhance test coverage
• Support the development and calibration of test jigs, fixtures, and standardized test setups for protection relay testing
• Provide technical mentoring and training to junior testing engineers and technicians on protection relay fundamentals
• Collaborate with design engineering, production, and quality teams to resolve technical issues identified during testing

Qualifications & Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a related discipline
• Specialized training or certification in protection relay technology is a strong advantage

Experience:

• Minimum 5–10 years of hands-on experience in protection relay testing, configuration, and commissioning within a factory/manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience with numerical protection relays (SEL, ABB REF/RET/RED series, Siemens SIPROTEC, Schneider MiCOM/Sepam, GE Multilin)
• Proven track record in executing FAT for LV/MV switchgear protection systems
• Experience with IEC 61439-compliant switchgear manufacturing and testing processes
• Familiarity with IEC 61850 GOOSE/MMS communication testing and substation automation systems is a plus

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with relay test injection equipment (Omicron CMC, Megger SMRT, ISA DRTS)
• Strong knowledge of protection coordination principles, relay setting calculations, and grading studies
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, protection logic diagrams, wiring diagrams, and panel GAs
• Familiarity with SCADA interface testing, Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850 communication protocol verification
• Working knowledge of protection coordination software (ETAP, DIgSILENT) is advantageous
• Proficiency in MS Office for report preparation and data analysis