We are seeking a competent and safety-focused Switchyard Engineer to oversee the operation, maintenance, inspection, and reliability of switchyard and high-voltage electrical equipment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of switchyard systems, including transformers, circuit breakers, isolators, busbars, protection systems, instrument transformers, earthing systems, and associated high-voltage equipment.
Key Responsibilities
Supervise and support the safe operation and maintenance of switchyard and high-voltage electrical systems.
Monitor the condition and performance of switchyard equipment and identify potential faults or failures.
Conduct routine inspections of transformers, circuit breakers, isolators/disconnectors, busbars, CTs, PTs/VTs, surge arresters, batteries, and associated equipment.
Develop and implement preventive and corrective maintenance schedules for switchyard equipment.
Assist in troubleshooting electrical faults, equipment failures, and abnormal operating conditions.
Coordinate testing, maintenance, repair, and commissioning activities for high-voltage equipment.
Ensure proper operation of protection and control systems associated with the switchyard.
Review and interpret single-line diagrams, electrical schematics, protection drawings, and equipment manuals.
Monitor electrical parameters and system performance and report abnormal conditions promptly.
Support relay protection testing, calibration, and functional checks where applicable.
Coordinate with operations and maintenance teams during switching operations, shutdowns, isolations, and equipment restoration.
Ensure all switching activities are performed in accordance with approved switching procedures and safety requirements.
Implement and enforce electrical isolation, lockout/tagout (LOTO), permit-to-work, and safety procedures.
Inspect and maintain switchyard earthing/grounding systems and ensure their integrity.
Monitor the condition of electrical cables, terminations, insulators, structures, and other switchyard components.
Maintain accurate records of equipment inspections, maintenance activities, test results, faults, incidents, and corrective actions.
Analyze equipment performance and failure trends and recommend reliability improvements.
Participate in root-cause analysis of electrical failures and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Support installation, testing, commissioning, and energization of new or modified switchyard equipment.
Coordinate contractors and technical service providers during switchyard maintenance and project activities.
Ensure compliance with applicable electrical standards, company procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Participate in emergency response activities involving electrical faults, trips, fires, equipment failures, or other abnormal conditions.
Prepare technical reports, maintenance reports, and recommendations for management.
Provide technical guidance and support to electrical technicians and other maintenance personnel.
Carry out any other duties assigned by the Electrical Manager or Engineering Manager.
Key Performance Areas
Switchyard equipment availability and reliability
Safe and compliant switching operations
Reduction of electrical equipment failures and downtime
Preventive maintenance completion
Protection system reliability
Electrical safety compliance
Timely fault diagnosis and restoration
Accurate maintenance and testing records
Effective contractor and maintenance coordination
Requirements & Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree or HND in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
3 - 7 years of relevant experience in switchyard, substation, power generation, transmission, distribution, or industrial high-voltage electrical systems.
Practical experience with medium- and high-voltage electrical equipment is highly desirable.
Strong knowledge of transformers, circuit breakers, isolators, busbars, CTs, PTs/VTs, surge arresters, protection systems, and earthing systems.
Experience with preventive and corrective maintenance of switchyard/substation equipment.
Ability to read and interpret single-line diagrams, electrical schematics, and protection/control drawings.
Knowledge of electrical protection systems, relays, interlocks, and control systems.
Understanding of electrical testing procedures and relevant test equipment.
Strong knowledge of electrical safety, switching procedures, LOTO, and permit-to-work systems.
Familiarity with relevant IEC, IEEE, NFPA, or applicable Nigerian electrical standards is an advantage.
Experience with high-voltage switching operations and electrical isolation procedures is highly desirable.
Relevant professional, technical, or HSE certifications will be an added advantage.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and technical reporting skills.
Ability to work under pressure and respond effectively to electrical emergencies.
Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and on-call schedules when required.