Principal Engineer

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.

AECOM Enterprise Capabilities is seeking for a Principal Engineer - HV Substations Primary to join our team in Bogota/Colombia.

Preparation of designs and deliverables related to primary electrical systems for transmission and distribution projects. The tasks may encompass, but are not limited to, the following, depending on project requirements and the design phase:

• Design of primary substation systems, including AIS/GIS configurations, transformer installations, circuit breaker selection, busbar arrangements, switchgear layouts, and disconnectors for voltages up to 800kV.
• Preparation of single-line diagrams (SLDs), general arrangement (GA) layouts, equipment sizing, and equipment layout plans for substations and transmission systems.
• Short-circuit force calculations, busbar sizing, fault current analysis, and equipment protection design, ensuring system stability and protection under fault conditions.
• Design of earthing systems, including grounding layouts, ground grid system design, and lightning protection systems for substations.
• Design and integration of HVDC and HVAC systems, including converter stations, ensuring compatibility with the overall substation design.
• Development of transformer layouts, including oil containment, busduct routing, and secondary system interfaces.
• Optimisation of substation layouts for new and upgraded substations, considering space constraints, equipment accessibility, and construction considerations.
• Review and development of control and protection systems for primary substations, ensuring coordination with secondary systems and compliance with grid operator requirements.
• Coordination with civil teams to design and integrate foundations, steel structures, and electrical cable routes, ensuring seamless integration with the primary systems.
• Development of equipment specification documents, bill of materials (BOM), and procurement support, ensuring the correct equipment is selected as per project requirements.
• Preparation of electrical interconnection diagrams, termination diagrams, cable schedules, and other supporting documentation for the installation and operation of primary systems.
• Detailed design and review of auxiliary systems, such as cooling systems, auxiliary power supplies, and battery systems for substations.
• Underground cable design, including cable sizing, cable routing, and integration into existing systems, particularly for HV cable systems.
• Coordination with external vendors and contractors to ensure the supply and installation of equipment in accordance with design specifications and project requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Electrical or Electrician Engineer + 6 YORE or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Prior experience in leading large design engineering teams performing Grid Substation design in a global consultancy firm is preferred.
• Experience on HV Plant Design for large EHV Grid Substations is mandatory.
• Previous experience in design teams working for Grid Utilities (for e.g. National Grid, Transgrid, Transpower, Powergrid etc.) is highly desirable
• Exposure to International standards (IEC, IEEE, ANSI, Australian Standards and Middle East region codes and standards) is preferred
• Previous design experience working with GIS and AIS EHV substation HV Plant Primary design is preferable
• English language is mandatory (Oral and Written)

Preferable Requirements

• Overall 10+ years of work experience is preferred
• Master of Engineering degree (or equivalent education) in an appropriate engineering discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng), or Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent in the relevant field from any global organization (e.g., Institution of Electrical Engineers, UK)
• Chartership or Fellowship with IET or equivalent is highly preferable.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Sponsorship for Colombia work authorization is not available for this position, now or in the future.

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 2024. Learn more at  

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.