Senior Testing & Commissioning Manager - 132kV/400kV Substations

About the role

This role leads testing, pre-commissioning, commissioning and energization of 132kV and 400kV substations, including their OHTL and UGC interfaces, and manages a multidisciplinary T&C team. It is based in Kuwait.

Key responsibilities

• Lead testing, pre-commissioning, commissioning and energization of 132kV and 400kV substations and their OHTL and UGC interfaces.
• Develop and implement project-specific T&C plans, procedures, method statements, checklists, schedules and energization plans.
• Provide technical oversight of substation equipment such as transformers, GIS/AIS, circuit breakers, CTs, VTs/CVTs, protection and control systems, SCADA/SAS, IEC 61850 and AC/DC systems.
• Supervise protection relay testing, logic verification, functional testing and end-to-end testing of protection schemes (differential, distance, busbar, breaker failure).
• Manage testing and commissioning of HV/EHV overhead transmission lines and verify line readiness before energization.
• Lead and mentor the T&C team, allocate manpower and testing equipment, and act as senior technical interface with the client, consultant and utility/grid operator.
• Lead issuance of TOAC and FAC, ensure submission of test records and final handover dossiers, and manage warranty and maintenance after handover.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 15+ years of experience in T&C of 132kV and 400kV substations (GIS/AIS), including OHTL and UGC projects.
• PMP certified, with Kuwait Society of Engineers (KSE) membership.
• Strong leadership, communication, decision-making and stakeholder management skills, with a strong commitment to HSE and quality.

Required skills

• Protection relays, transformers, switchgear, SCADA, IEC 61850 and teleprotection.
• End-to-end testing, energization and troubleshooting.