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