Associate Director, Protection & Control

Job description

Company Description Work with Us. Change the World. At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations. There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us. Job Description Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Associate Director, Protection & Control to join AECOM’s growing Philippines-based Transmission & Distribution (T&D) capability, supporting major international energy infrastructure projects, primarily for UK and global clients. This senior leadership role will provide technical direction, delivery guidance, quality oversight, and mentoring across protection and control (P&C) engineering for HV and EHV transmission, distribution, renewable energy, and BESS projects. The role supports delivery across the full lifecycle, including feasibility, concept design, FEED, detailed design, technical assurance, construction, and commissioning , covering substations, grid reinforcement, renewables, interconnectors, and large-scale infrastructure. The Philippines team operates within AECOM’s global governance framework. Statutory certification and engineer-of-record responsibilities remain with licensed entities in the relevant jurisdiction. The role requires collaboration with global teams and occasional off-hours coordination. Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Governance Act as the technical lead for P&C engineering within the Philippines T&D team. Provide leadership across HV/EHV substations, transmission, renewables, and BESS projects. Ensure alignment with international standards, client specifications, and AECOM procedures . Lead design reviews and engineering assurance processes. Provide expert technical input and problem-solving support. Support preparation and review of deliverables (non-statutory). P&C Design & Delivery Lead development and review of P&C designs for HV/EHV substations and grid infrastructure. Oversee outputs including single line diagrams, schematics, wiring, interlocking, control logic, SCADA topology, and communications interfaces . Develop and review protection philosophies, control strategies, and functional design specifications . Perform or review protection coordination studies and relay settings (e.g., ETAP, DIgSILENT). Review supplier/OEM designs for compliance with client, utility, and international standards . Support owner’s engineer roles through design reviews and technical assurance. Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and construction-stage technical queries. Ensure quality and coordination of deliverables prior to issue. Project & Multidisciplinary Coordination Work with project and design managers and global teams. Coordinate P&C inputs with primary plant, overhead lines, cabling, SCADA, telecoms, civil, structural, BESS, and commissioning disciplines . Support workshare delivery ensuring high-quality, coordinated outputs . Contribute to bids, methodologies, schedules, and resource planning . Participate in technical discussions with clients, utilities, and partners. Leadership & Capability Building Mentor and develop P&C engineers and specialists. Support recruitment, onboarding, and technical capability development . Drive a culture of technical excellence, quality, and continuous improvement . Support development of standards, tools, and checking procedures . Additional Information This role is Philippines-based supporting global delivery. It does not include statutory design sign-off or engineer-of-record responsibility , which remains with licensed AECOM entities. The role may require occasional early or late coordination across time zones , but is not shift-based. AECOM is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are based on merit, capability, and business needs , with reasonable accommodations provided. Applicants must have the right to work in the Philippines. Qualifications Minimum Requirements Degree in Electrical or Power Engineering or related discipline. Strong experience in P&C engineering across transmission, distribution, renewables, or BESS. Significant experience in FEED or detailed design for HV systems (typically 132kV–400kV). Strong understanding of substation design and primary-secondary interfaces . Experience developing/reviewing protection philosophies, schematics, wiring, relay settings, and SCADA interfaces . Experience reviewing supplier/OEM designs for compliance. Experience in multidisciplinary project delivery . Strong communication skills for international collaboration. Leadership & Soft Skills Strong technical judgement and leadership capability. Ability to mentor and grow engineering teams . Client-focused with strong stakeholder engagement. Ability to manage multiple priorities and global delivery . High attention to quality, coordination, and reliability . Preferred Qualifications Experience in UK or international T&D projects . Familiarity with utilities such as National Grid, SSE, SPT , or equivalents. Experience with 275kV and 400kV systems . Background in consulting, utilities, contractors, OEMs, or renewables. Experience in BESS, grid connections, or interconnectors . Knowledge of IEC 61850 substation automation . Experience with OEM systems (e.g., ABB, Siemens, GE, SEL ). Proficiency in ETAP, DIgSILENT , or similar tools. Experience supporting FAT, SAT, commissioning, or site activities . LCDAE/CDAE or equivalent competency approvals (advantageous). Chartered / Professional Engineer or equivalent (preferred). Must be willing to work on fixed night shifts and 3 days onsite per week Additional Information At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment. About AECOM AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. What makes AECOM a great place to work You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.