Principal Engineer MEP Automation

JOB PURPOSE

A senior technical leader responsible for the strategic design, integration, and performance of utility systems (power, compressed air, water) across industrial, logistics, and agro-processing parks. This role bridges automation, mechatronics, and infrastructure engineering to ensure operational excellence and scalability. Direct multi-disciplinary engineering teams through design, construction, and commissioning of utility systems supporting industrial operations.

Core Responsibilities and Key Result Areas

Strategic Leadership
• Define and lead engineering strategy for utility systems and automation across all industrial parks

• Develop 5-year utility infrastructure roadmaps aligned with business expansion plans

• Drive innovation in automation, energy efficiency, and technology adoption across utility systems

• Present capital investment proposals and ROI analyses to executive leadership

• Conduct feasibility studies for new facilities: site evaluation, utility availability, capital requirements

Technical Oversight

• Design electrical distribution systems: MV/LV switchgear, transformers, motor control centers, backup power, arc flash studies

• Engineer compressed air systems: compressor sizing, distribution networks, quality standards (ISO 8573), leak detection.

• Develop industrial water systems: process water, cooling towers, steam generation/distribution, condensate recovery, wastewater pre-treatment

• Integrate mechatronic systems: PLC/SCADA platforms, automated controls, energy management systems

• Approve technical specifications, drawings, and vendor solutions for utility infrastructure

Project & Portfolio Management

• Manage utility infrastructure projects >$2M through design, procurement, construction, and commissioning

• Lead multi-disciplinary teams (10-25 engineers/technicians) across mechanical, electrical, and automation disciplines

• Collaborate with PMs to align utility engineering with project timelines and budgets

• Review and approve engineering deliverables for EPC contracts

• Manage risk, compliance, and performance metrics across utility systems

Stakeholder Engagement

• Interface with OEMs, contractors, and internal teams to ensure alignment and quality

• Negotiate utility service agreements and manage vendor relationships

• Coordinate with operations, maintenance, and production teams for system optimization

• Provide executive-level reporting on utility system performance and strategic initiatives

• Establish engineering standards and design guidelines for consistent multi-site implementation.

Key Performance Indicators

• Project Delivery Timeliness: Percentage of projects completed on schedule.

• Budget Adherence: Projects delivered within approved financial limits.

• Quality of Deliverables: Conformance to agreed standards and client expectations.

• Stakeholder Satisfaction: Positive feedback from internal and external stakeholders.

• Risk Management Effectiveness: Reduction of project delays and cost overruns due to risks.

• Team Productivity: Efficient coordination and performance of project teams.

Job Specifications
Qualifications and Experience

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree/HND in Project Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Master’s degree is an added advantage

Professional Requirements

• Professional certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, CAPM, or equivalent) is an advantage.

Experience Requirements

• 10+ years industrial utility systems engineering

• 5+ years leading engineering teams and major capital projects.

Competency Requirements

Knowledge Requirements

• Power Systems: Load flow analysis, arc flash studies, protective coordination, power quality, generator sizing, emergency power systems

• Process Utilities: Compressed air quality and efficiency, steam system design and optimization, industrial water

treatment, cooling tower design

• Mechatronics: PLC programming and system architecture, HMI/SCADA development, VFD applications, sensor integration, predictive maintenance systems

• Engineering Tools: AutoCAD Electrical/Plant 3D, ETAP/SKM PowerTools, Primavera P6/MS Project

Skill Requirement

• Proven track record commisioning utility systems for facilities

• Direct experience with PLC/SCADA implementation and mechatronic system integration

• Multi-site project management experience

• Preferred: International projects in emerging markets

Personal Abilities

• Ability to work with little or no supervision.

• Confidentiality and integrity

• Attention to details

• Emotional intelligence

• Conflict Resolution

• Time management

Requirements