Control Systems Engineer

  • Full-time

Company Description

PowerGen Renewable Energy (PowerGen) is an innovative and dynamic renewable energy company that is designing, building and operating the next generation of utility generation and distritbution projects (power grids), that provide clean, affordable power to underserved on-grid and off-grid communities in Africa. We are a fully integrated vertical utility with expertise across the full development cycle from advising governments and donors on policy frameworks and project feasibility, to sourcing power grid sites, with in-house EPC and project management capabilities as well as customer and asset management functions. 

Founded in 2011 and headquarted in Kenya, the business operates primarily in Kenya, Nigeria, DRC and Sierra Leone and has over 24,000 connections / households who benefit from 24/7 AC power generated from renewable sources. In addition, the business has developed and is building and operating captive power solutions for Commercial and Indistrial (C&I) customers who are looking for cheaper, cleaner and more reliable sources of electricity to power their businesses. PowerGen's vision is to connect millions of people to clean, reliable, addordable power for the first time whilst building the clean energy systems of the future in Africa. 

Job Description

Sr Control System Engineer will have power generation control system and SCADA design experience. You will be responsible for the planning, design, technical and commissioning of the controls and SCADA systems for small to medium scale solar Battery hybrid projects.  The position exists to ensure that the power generation, transmission and distribution controls and monitoring systems designs, integration and associated works activities are carried out and delivered on time, budget and in compliance with project scope and specifications. You will also be responsible to provide subject matter technical inputs to other teams including project development, project management, procurement, and commercial & Industrial minigrid development as part of the day-to-day activities.

What You'll Make Happen:

  • Develop SCADA and control system functional Design Specifications (FDS), Network architecture and designs for generation system – Solar, BESS and hybrid, transmission and distribution network.
  • Automation platform programming (such as Rockwell, Schneider, Siemens PLC’s)
  • Developing the Logic and HMI Screens as per the project requirement. RTU programming.
  • Communications system configuration (Narrowband/wideband radio, microwave, LTE, etc.)
  • SCADA programming (such as iFix, Citect, Ignition, ClearSCADA or other)
  • IoT network and device configuration.
  • Automation/SCADA system FAT, SAT & commissioning
  • Automation/SCADA system troubleshooting (including provision of operational support)

Key Relationships and Areas of Influence  

  • Maintain effective communications and relationships with Commercial Owners, Project Managers /Project Engineers, efficient resource planning, priority settings.
  • Develop and maintain documentation including QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control) standards.
  • Produce design and documentation to support the execution of projects/works including drawings, work scopes, technical specifications and functional descriptions, data maps and test documentation
  • Integrate any relevant or required additional data from the projects/works into the Company’s Operational systems.
  • Interact with other engineering/technical to assist with optimisation projects.
  • Work closely with other design engineering disciplines in developing, maintaining and improving appropriate control systems for operational and project-based work.
  • Provide control systems engineering expertise for effective problem solving and troubleshooting complex problems related to operating assets.
  • Assist with the implementation of control system engineering standards for asset management, maintenance and projects, including drawings, documentation, and procedures. 
  • Project Team: Maintain effective communication with internal / external customers. Ensure an excellent customer service by responding to customer enquiries, providing sound technical advice and delivery timely, accurate and efficient control system, SCADA and monitoring solutions for solar and BESS designs.

Qualifications

  • Engineering Degree (Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication, Control System Engineering)
  • Minimum 5+ years’ experience in design and development of the control system and SCADA projects in relevant energy project areas.
  • Experience in Power Generation control systems, SCADA and RTU system design such as solar, BESS, hybrid microgrid projects control system and monitoring solution design and development.
  • MV / LV grid control and monitoring solution design and development including cloud based integrated monitoring.
  • Expertise in control system design, SCADA and monitoring for generation, transmission and distribution components of the project. Proven experience in major vendor technologies (such as Rockwell, Schneider, Siemens, Honeywell), configuring, programming and integrating automation and control equipment across a variety of industries and a demonstrated understanding of applicable standards, codes, best practices and how to apply these
  • Experience in preparation of the control system and SCADA project functional design specifications, scope and construction works.
  • Experience in implementation of contract technical specification into design.
  • Knowledge of process and control safety and Risk Management.

Additional Information

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

A competitive package including annual compensation, performance bonuses, health insurance and professional development. Plus you'll be working with a dynamic team of brilliant people passionate about electrifying Sub-Saharan Africa!

Equal Opportunity:

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in employment regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, tribe, gender or age.