Switchgear Testing & Commissioning Engineer

Job Description – Switchgear Testing & Commissioning Engineer

Position: Switchgear Testing & Commissioning Engineer
Location: Doha, Qatar
Employment Type: Contract (1 Year – Extendable)

Job Purpose

The Switchgear Testing & Commissioning Engineer is responsible for executing the testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and energization of Medium Voltage (MV) and Low Voltage (LV) electrical switchgear systems. The role ensures that all electrical equipment and protection systems are commissioned safely, efficiently, and in compliance with project specifications, IEC/IEEE standards, Siemens quality requirements, and client expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform pre-commissioning, testing, commissioning, and energization of MV and LV switchgear systems.
• Execute commissioning activities for MV switchgear (11kV, 13.8kV, 33kV, and similar voltage levels), LV switchgear, and Motor Control Centers (MCCs).
• Conduct testing of protection relays, control circuits, interlocks, synchronization schemes, and SCADA interfaces.
• Perform electrical tests including:
  • Insulation Resistance (IR) Tests
  • Contact Resistance Tests
  • Primary Injection Tests
  • Secondary Injection Tests
  • Circuit Breaker Timing Tests
  • Functional and Operational Tests
• Test and commission:
  • Circuit Breakers
  • Current Transformers (CTs)
  • Voltage/Potential Transformers (VTs/PTs)
  • Busbars
  • Protection Panels
  • Metering Systems
  • Auxiliary Equipment
• Verify electrical wiring, cable terminations, and control circuits against approved drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and Single Line Diagrams (SLDs).
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve electrical faults identified during commissioning activities.
• Coordinate commissioning activities with Siemens engineers, consultants, contractors, subcontractors, and client representatives.
• Prepare commissioning procedures, method statements, inspection and test plans (ITPs), test reports, punch lists, and final handover documentation.
• Support Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and client witness inspections.
• Ensure commissioning activities comply with project specifications, IEC/IEEE standards, electrical safety regulations, Permit to Work (PTW), and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures.
• Participate in system energization, performance verification, and final project handover.
• Maintain accurate documentation of commissioning records and testing results.
• Ensure compliance with company Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) policies throughout project execution.

Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Electrical Engineering from a recognized institution.

Experience

• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in electrical testing and commissioning.
• At least 3 years of experience in substations, industrial plants, utilities, power generation, or Oil & Gas projects.
• Hands-on experience with Siemens switchgear is highly preferred.
• Experience in large infrastructure, utility, or data center projects is an advantage.

Technical Skills

• Commissioning of Medium Voltage (MV) Switchgear (11kV, 13.8kV, 33kV or equivalent).
• Commissioning of Low Voltage (LV) Switchgear and Motor Control Centers (MCCs).
• Protection relay testing, configuration, and troubleshooting (preferably Siemens SIPROTEC).
• Knowledge of protection schemes, relay coordination, and electrical protection philosophy.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems, PLCs, communication protocols, and control systems.
• Ability to interpret:
  • Electrical Drawings
  • Wiring Diagrams
  • Protection Schematics
  • Single Line Diagrams (SLDs)
• Proficient in using electrical testing equipment, including:
  • Omicron CMC Test Sets
  • Megger Test Equipment
  • Primary Injection Test Sets
  • Secondary Injection Test Sets
  • Circuit Breaker Analyzers
  • Micro-ohm Meters
  • Insulation Resistance Testers

Knowledge of Standards

• IEC Standards
• IEEE Standards
• Electrical Testing & Commissioning Procedures
• Electrical Safety Regulations
• Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO)
• Permit to Work (PTW) Systems
• Quality Assurance and Commissioning Documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working on Siemens projects.
• Experience in substations, utility networks, power plants, industrial facilities, data centers, or large infrastructure projects.
• Valid Qatar ID (QID) is preferred.
• Available for immediate joining.