Lead Design - DC

Role overview

This position is for a Design Lead focused on the electrical DC scope for solar projects within the EDRC Solar business unit in the UAE. The role reports to the Section Head – Solar and the Project Engineering Manager, and leads Design Engineers and Draughts Persons.

Role details

• Business unit: EDRC – Solar
• Work location: UAE / Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
• Job family: Design Lead – Solar (Electrical DC)
• Reporting line: Section Head – Solar and Project Engineering Manager (PEM)
• Team supervision: Design Engineer, Draughts Person
• Minimum qualification: B.E. or B.Tech in Electrical or Electrical & Electronics Engineering
• Experience needed: 10+ years, with direct background in Solar PV Power Plant design and/or power distribution projects
• Languages: Russian and English

Core purpose

The Design Lead is expected to own and drive engineering execution for Solar PV power plant projects across the full lifecycle, from pre-bid engineering through commissioning and warranty support, while also coordinating with site teams and ensuring high-quality delivery within schedule and budget.

Engineering scope

• Prepare and review generation estimates, overall plant layouts, DC single-line diagrams, module selection, inverter sizing, SMB design, earthing layouts, and cable sizing calculations.
• Support BIM modellers in building 3D BIM models for Solar PV plants.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary checks with Civil, Structural, Instrumentation, MEP, and other teams.
• Review documents issued by the Engineering Office in India and communicate the technical content to local contractors for site execution.
• Review drawings, sizing calculations, and vendor engineering submissions prepared by the engineering team and external vendors.
• Check engineering deliverables including cable routing layouts, cable tray layouts, earthing layouts, and lightning protection layouts.

Coordination and stakeholder management

• Work with OEM engineers and civil contractors during installation and construction.
• Coordinate design adaptation activities with local consultants in Uzbekistan.
• Support the Site Execution team with clarifications and technical answers.
• Work with the Operations team to secure design approvals.
• Collect project inputs such as plot details, feeder arrangements, and GA drawings from clients, PEM, and vendors.

Vendor, procurement, and commercial support

• Carry out technical evaluation of vendors before award.
• Submit validation documentation to Supply Chain Management.
• Inspect equipment supplied by shortlisted vendors after validation.
• Provide design clarifications to the Site Execution team as required.
• Review BOQs and give technical inputs to the Contracts team.

Planning, leadership, and delivery

• Estimate and plan manpower hours for design and drawing review tasks.
• Submit manpower estimates for engineering deliverables.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team and ensure outputs are delivered on time, within budget, and at the required quality level.
• Handle multiple priorities simultaneously and maintain productivity across several deliverables.

Technical expertise required

The role calls for strong command over solar PV engineering and electrical design practices, including generation estimation, plant layout design, DC SLDs, module selection, inverter sizing, SMB design, earthing, and cable sizing. It also requires familiarity with national and international standards, understanding of cross-discipline interfaces, and the ability to interpret contractual technical requirements and guide project teams accordingly.

Operating network

Internal stakeholders include Head of Engineering, Section Heads, Design Engineers, Draughts Persons, Operations Team, Site Execution Team, and Supply Chain Management. External interactions include clients, consultants, and vendors.

Performance expectations

• On-time delivery
• Higher productivity
• Digitalization
• Risk identification and mitigation
• Cost control
• Quality control
• Customer satisfaction
• Layout optimization
• Standardization and removal of inefficiencies
• Value engineering and innovation

Software and tools

Preferred tools include PVSYST, Meteonorm, SolarGIS, Google Earth, and MS Office.

Behavioural expectations

• Market awareness, foresight, and the ability to spot opportunities
• Customer-first mindset with sustainable relationships and anticipation of client needs
• Innovation mindset with willingness to challenge standard approaches and take calculated risks
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills with internal and external stakeholders

Additional information

As defined in the DC competencies for the relevant tier.

Eligibility

Candidates must have at least 10 years of relevant experience in Solar PV Power Plant design or power distribution engineering, hold a B.E. or B.Tech in Electrical or Electrical & Electronics Engineering, and be comfortable working in Abu Dhabi/UAE. Russian and English language capability is required.