Electrical Infrastructure Senior Engineer - Quality Assurance

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT (SENIOR ENGINEER LEVEL)

Location: KSA

Project Type: Power Sector QA/QS & Technical Inspection Services

Engagement: Full-Time / Project-Based Consulting Assignment

Role Summary

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) Senior Engineer Level will provide high-level technical expertise, inspection oversight, and assurance leadership across quality-focused engagements in the generation, transmission, and distribution sectors. Operating as a technical authority within the QA/QS team, the SME will guide inspection teams, validate complex engineering documentation, troubleshoot quality issues, and engage with client engineering and quality leadership.

This role is central to ensuring technical consistency, risk mitigation, and quality compliance across major power infrastructure assetsincluding HV substations, power generation facilities, cables, transformers, switchgear, and associated electrical systems. The SME will also support root cause analysis, closure of non-conformances, and the implementation of engineering best practices throughout the inspection lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Leadership in Inspections

• Serve as the lead technical reviewer for inspection deliverables including test reports, inspection summaries, and non-conformance resolutions.
• Provide second-line assurance on the adequacy and completeness of Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), Quality Surveillance Plans (QSPs), and FAT/SAT protocols.
• Oversee high-risk or technically complex inspections, especially those involving specialised equipment or critical interfaces.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and material data sheets to support accurate inspections and assessments.
  
  
  

2. QA/QS Strategy and Oversight

• Contribute to the development and implementation of QA/QS methodologies aligned with ISO 9001 and IEC standards.
• Support pre-inspection planning, witness test scheduling, and alignment of inspection points across procurement and installation milestones.
• Provide expert input into the NCR process, including root cause analysis, corrective action validation, and technical closeout.
• Ensure traceability of QA/QS records and audit trails across multi-vendor, multi-site engagements.
  
  
  

3. Client and Stakeholder Interface

• Engage with client engineering and QA leads to clarify inspection findings, technical decisions, and mitigation actions.
• Participate in design/technical clarification meetings with OEMs, EPCs, and vendors to resolve disputes or deviations.
• Provide technical insight for QA/QS dashboards, punch list reviews, and periodic assurance reports.
• Lead or support technical presentations and workshops with stakeholders as required.
  
  
  

4. Documentation & Compliance Assurance

• Review engineering and inspection documentation to ensure compliance with client specifications, national codes, and international standards.
• Validate certification, test procedures, and material traceability across the supply chain.
• Ensure field inspections are technically rigorous and aligned with contractual obligations.
• Support training and upskilling of junior inspectors or engineers, fostering a culture of quality and learning.
  
  
  

5. Digital Tools and QA Data Systems

• Support the configuration and population of QA/QS data in digital platforms (e.g., Maximo, SharePoint, QA trackers).
• Perform data analysis on NCR trends, test failures, and inspection backlogs to support quality improvement.
  
  
  

Mandatory Qualifications And Experience

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 12 years of experience in electrical engineering or quality assurance roles, with direct involvement in generation, transmission, or distribution infrastructure projects.
• At least 7 years of QA/QS or inspection-related experience, including fieldwork and technical report validation.
• Proven record of working with major utilities or EPCs in the GCC or international power sector.
• Exposure to technical oversight of major equipment such as transformers, GIS, AIS, switchgear, and underground cable systems.
  
  
  

Technical Competencies:

• Strong technical understanding of HV/LV electrical systems, protection schemes, grounding, and interconnection standards.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, IEC 60076 (transformers), IEC 62271 (switchgear), IEEE 519 (harmonics/PQ), and utility-specific quality specs.
• Hands-on familiarity with inspection workflows: FAT/SAT testing, punch list resolution, and certification validation.
• Competent in technical assessment of drawings, test sheets, specifications, and QA/QC deliverables.
  
  
  

Educational Background:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification preferred.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng, PE, or equivalent) status desirable.
• Professional membership of IEEE, IET, or similar technical body is an advantage.
  
  
  

Desirable Skills And Experience

• Experience in Power Quality (PQ) testing or analysis is a value-add, particularly in relation to commissioning, PQ audits, or system-level diagnostics.
• Familiarity with digital QA tools and quality data systems such as GoCanvas, iAuditor, or internally developed inspection tracking systems.
• Previous experience training or mentoring QA engineers or client technical staff.
• Working knowledge of regional utility QA/QC frameworks, including SEC, DEWA, KAHRAMAA, or EGAT standards.
• Awareness of ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17025 frameworks is advantageous, particularly in relation to inspection body practices and testing laboratories.
• Familiarity with QA/QS procedures related to coatings, welding, or NDT is a value-add in multidisciplinary settings.
• Proficiency in Arabic is desirable, especially for regional SME coordination and report reviews.
  
  
  

Behavioural Competencies

• Analytical mindset with strong attention to technical detail
• Clear and confident communicator, capable of articulating complex issues to mixed audiences
• Collaborative and team-oriented, able to work across multidisciplinary environments
• Calm under pressure, with structured problem-solving capabilities
• Ethical, diligent, and quality-focused
• Strong time management and prioritisation
  
  
  

Performance Indicators

• Accuracy and technical robustness of inspection deliverables reviewed
• Quality and speed of NCR closeout supported
• Client feedback on subject matter expertise and clarity of communication
• Technical value added in site inspections, QA document reviews, and assurance forums
• Contribution to internal knowledge sharing and team development
  
  
  

Work Environment and Travel

• The role will be hybrid: remote working with periodic travel to inspection sites, vendor facilities, or client offices.
• Frequency of travel may increase during peak inspection or commissioning phases.
• Must be capable of engaging in hands-on inspections and technical walkthroughs in industrial environments as required.