Electrical Engineer Job Description in the GCC: Roles, Requirements & Responsibilities

Electrical Engineer Role Overview

Electrical engineers in the GCC are indispensable across the region's most critical infrastructure — from the power grids that keep cities running in 50°C heat to the sophisticated control systems that operate the world's largest oil and gas facilities. The Gulf states' massive electricity consumption (driven by air conditioning loads that account for over 70% of peak demand), ambitious renewable energy targets, and ongoing mega-project construction create relentless demand for electrical engineering talent.

The GCC power sector is undergoing a historic transformation. The UAE's Barakah Nuclear Power Plant (four APR-1400 reactors, 5.6 GW total capacity), Saudi Arabia's National Renewable Energy Program targeting 50% renewable electricity by 2030, and Qatar's 800 MW Al Kharsaah Solar Power Plant represent a multi-billion-dollar shift from gas-fired generation to a diversified energy mix. Electrical engineers are at the center of this transition, designing and commissioning generation, transmission, and distribution systems.

Beyond power utilities, the GCC's construction boom requires electrical engineers for building systems — power distribution, lighting, fire alarm, ELV (Extra Low Voltage) systems, and building automation. Oil and gas facilities need electrical engineers for hazardous area classification, motor control center design, and instrumentation. The rise of data centers in the GCC (driven by cloud computing demand and data sovereignty requirements) has created a new high-demand segment for electrical engineers specializing in critical power infrastructure.

Major employers include utilities (DEWA, ADDC/Transco, FEWA in the UAE; SEC in Saudi Arabia; KAHRAMAA in Qatar), oil and gas operators (ADNOC, Saudi Aramco, QatarEnergy), EPC contractors (ABB, Siemens Energy, Schneider Electric, Worley, Petrofac), consulting firms (WSP, Arup, Buro Happold, KEO), and data center operators (G42, Khazna, Gulf Data Hub).

Key Responsibilities

An electrical engineer in the GCC handles responsibilities spanning design, installation supervision, and systems commissioning:

Core Electrical Engineering Duties

• Design electrical power distribution systems including single-line diagrams, load schedules, cable sizing calculations, short-circuit analysis, and coordination studies. GCC electrical systems typically operate at higher voltages (11kV, 33kV distribution) and must handle extreme ambient temperatures affecting cable and equipment ratings.
• Prepare detailed electrical drawings using AutoCAD Electrical, Revit MEP, and ETAP. Drawings include power layouts, lighting layouts, earthing/grounding systems, lightning protection, and cable routing. BIM integration is increasingly required on GCC projects.
• Perform electrical calculations and simulations using ETAP (power systems analysis), DIALUX (lighting design), Amtech (cable sizing), and SKM PowerTools. Short-circuit calculations, voltage drop analysis, harmonics studies, and arc flash assessments are standard deliverables.
• Specify and procure electrical equipment including transformers, switchgear, MCCs (Motor Control Centers), UPS systems, generators, and cables. Technical bid evaluation and vendor coordination with manufacturers like Schneider Electric, ABB, Siemens, and Eaton are routine tasks.

Control Systems & Specialized Tasks

• Design and commission PLC-based control systems using platforms from Siemens (S7-1500, TIA Portal), Allen-Bradley (CompactLogix, ControlLogix), or Schneider (Modicon M340, Unity Pro). PLC programming is essential for industrial, oil and gas, and utility applications.
• Implement SCADA systems for remote monitoring and control of power substations, water treatment plants, pipeline networks, and industrial facilities. GCC utilities operate some of the world's largest SCADA networks, covering thousands of kilometers of transmission lines.
• Design instrumentation and control systems for oil and gas facilities, including process instrumentation (flow, pressure, temperature, level), safety instrumented systems (SIS/SIL-rated), fire and gas detection, and DCS (Distributed Control Systems).
• Design ELV systems for buildings including structured cabling, CCTV, access control, public address, nurse call, and building management systems (BMS). The GCC's modern buildings increasingly integrate these systems through IoT platforms.

Collaboration & Compliance

• Coordinate with mechanical, civil, and architectural teams through BIM coordination meetings and clash detection. MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) coordination is intensive on GCC construction projects.
• Ensure compliance with local electrical regulations including DEWA regulations (Dubai), ADDC/Transco standards (Abu Dhabi), SEC standards (Saudi Arabia), and KAHRAMAA regulations (Qatar). Each utility has specific requirements for metering, protection, and connection procedures.
• Conduct site inspections and commissioning activities including insulation resistance testing, relay protection testing, cable megger testing, and functional performance testing of electrical systems.
• Prepare technical reports, O&M manuals, and as-built documentation for project handover and facility management teams.

Required Qualifications

Education

A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical and Electronics Engineering from an ABET-accredited or equivalent program is mandatory. The degree must be attested for visa purposes. SCE (Saudi Council of Engineers) registration is mandatory for engineers practicing in Saudi Arabia. The UAE Society of Engineers also offers voluntary registration that enhances credibility.

A master's degree in Power Systems, Control Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related specialization is preferred for senior design roles and provides competitive advantage at consulting firms and utilities.

Technical Skills

• Design software: AutoCAD Electrical (mandatory), Revit MEP (increasingly required for BIM), ETAP (power system analysis), DIALUX (lighting design), Amtech or Trimble (cable sizing).
• Control systems: PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley Studio 5000), SCADA platforms (Wonderware, GE iFix, Siemens WinCC), DCS familiarity (Honeywell Experion, Yokogawa CENTUM).
• Standards and codes: IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), NEC/NFPA 70, BS 7671, local utility regulations (DEWA, SEC, KAHRAMAA). Knowledge of hazardous area standards (IEC 60079, ATEX) for oil and gas applications.
• Power systems: Transformer sizing, switchgear selection, protection relay coordination, power factor correction, harmonic analysis, and earthing system design.
• Project tools: Primavera P6, MS Project, and cost estimation tools for project planning and control.

Experience Levels & Salary Ranges

• Graduate Engineer (0-2 years): Drafting, calculation assistance, site support under supervision. Typical salary: AED 8,000-12,000/month.
• Electrical Engineer (3-5 years): Independent design, equipment specification, authority submissions. Typical salary: AED 12,000-20,000/month.
• Senior Electrical Engineer (6-10 years): Complex system design, team leadership, client interface, commissioning management. Typical salary: AED 20,000-30,000/month.
• Principal/Lead Engineer (10+ years): Design authority, technical governance, business development support. Typical salary: AED 30,000-35,000/month.

Preferred Qualifications

These qualifications provide significant competitive advantages for electrical engineers in the GCC:

• Professional registration: Chartered Engineer (CEng) from IET, Professional Engineer (PE) from NCEES, or SCE Professional registration. Chartership is increasingly expected for design approval and authority submission roles.
• Arabic language skills: Valuable for utility coordination, government authority submissions, and contractor management, particularly in Saudi Arabia where some documentation must be in Arabic.
• GCC utility experience: Understanding of DEWA, ADDC, SEC, or KAHRAMAA regulations, metering requirements, and connection procedures significantly reduces onboarding time and is often a specific job requirement.
• Hazardous area expertise: IEC 60079 / ATEX certification for oil and gas electrical design is a premium specialization with limited supply in the GCC market.
• Renewable energy experience: Solar PV system design, battery energy storage systems (BESS), wind energy, or nuclear engineering experience aligns with the GCC's energy transition priorities.
• Data center design: Experience with Tier III/IV data center electrical infrastructure, including UPS systems, PDUs, diesel generators, and critical power distribution is increasingly demanded.

Work Environment & Benefits

Electrical engineering positions in the GCC offer competitive packages reflecting the technical nature of the work:

• Base salary plus annual performance bonus (1-2 months for consultants; 2-3 months for utility and oil and gas engineers)
• Housing allowance or company-provided accommodation (AED 4,000-10,000/month depending on seniority)
• Transportation allowance or company vehicle, particularly for site-based roles
• Annual flight tickets for employee and family
• Health insurance covering employee and dependents
• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays
• End-of-service gratuity per local labor law
• Professional development: CPD hours, conference attendance (Middle East Electricity, WETEX), certification sponsorship

Work environments range from air-conditioned design offices at consulting firms to active construction sites, industrial plants, power substations, and offshore platforms. Site-based engineers must work outdoors in extreme heat during summer, with mandatory midday break regulations providing some relief. Utility engineers may be on emergency call rotations for network fault response. Oil and gas electrical engineers at remote facilities often work rotational schedules (28/28 or 21/21).

How to Stand Out as a Candidate

The GCC attracts electrical engineers globally. To differentiate yourself:

• Master local utility regulations: Knowledge of DEWA, SEC, or KAHRAMAA design guides is a top differentiator. Study the publicly available utility regulations and reference them in interviews.
• Obtain professional chartership: CEng from IET or PE registration demonstrates competence and professionalism. It's becoming a baseline expectation for senior roles at major GCC consultancies.
• Specialize in growing sectors: Data center electrical design, renewable energy integration, and EV charging infrastructure are emerging specializations with premium demand and limited supply in the GCC.
• Demonstrate ETAP proficiency: ETAP is the dominant power systems analysis tool in the GCC. Advanced proficiency (short-circuit, coordination, arc flash, harmonics, motor starting studies) is highly valued.
• Highlight commissioning experience: Electrical commissioning — relay testing, protection coordination verification, energization procedures — is a specialized skill that many design-focused engineers lack.
• Network at industry events: Middle East Electricity exhibition, WETEX (Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition), IET regional events, and IEEE conferences provide direct networking with GCC hiring managers and decision-makers.

Sample Electrical Engineer Job Description Template

Use this template to understand what GCC employers expect when posting electrical engineer positions:

Position: Electrical Engineer

Department: Electrical / MEP / Engineering
Reports to: Lead Engineer / Engineering Manager
Location: [City], [Country]
Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled Electrical Engineer to join our [design/construction/operations] team working on [describe: power infrastructure, building MEP, oil and gas facility, data center, renewable energy project]. You will be responsible for [design/commissioning/maintenance] of electrical systems across [scope].

What You'll Do

• Design electrical power distribution systems from HV/MV to LV
• Prepare single-line diagrams, load schedules, and cable sizing calculations
• Perform power system studies using ETAP (short-circuit, coordination, arc flash)
• Design lighting systems using DIALUX in compliance with local regulations
• Specify and evaluate electrical equipment (transformers, switchgear, UPS)
• Coordinate with mechanical, civil, and architectural teams via BIM
• Ensure compliance with [DEWA/SEC/KAHRAMAA] regulations
• Conduct site inspections, commissioning, and testing

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (ABET-accredited or equivalent)
• [X]+ years of electrical engineering experience, preferably in the GCC
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, and DIALUX
• Strong knowledge of IEC standards and local utility regulations
• Experience with [power systems/PLC-SCADA/building services/hazardous areas]
• Excellent analytical and communication skills

Nice to Have

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) from IET or Professional Engineer (PE)
• PLC programming experience (Siemens/Allen-Bradley)
• Arabic language proficiency
• Renewable energy or data center design experience

What We Offer

• Competitive salary + annual performance bonus
• Housing and transportation allowance
• Annual flight tickets
• Premium health insurance
• 30 days annual leave
• Professional development and certification support

Tailoring Your Resume to Electrical Engineer Job Descriptions

When applying for electrical engineering roles in the GCC, your resume must demonstrate technical depth and regulatory knowledge:

1. Specify system voltages and scales: "Designed 33/11kV primary substation with 2x20MVA transformers" or "Commissioned 132kV overhead transmission line (45km)" — GCC employers assess experience by system voltage and capacity.
2. List software with analysis types: "ETAP — short-circuit, relay coordination, arc flash, harmonics, motor starting studies" rather than just "ETAP proficient." Specify which studies you've personally conducted.
3. Reference utility regulations: Mention specific DEWA, SEC, or KAHRAMAA regulation familiarity. "Designed building electrical systems per DEWA regulations and obtained NOC approval" demonstrates operational knowledge.
4. Highlight commissioning experience: If you've participated in energization, relay testing, or protection testing, detail the scope. Commissioning experience is scarce and commands premium value.
5. Show standards knowledge: Reference IEC 61439 (switchgear), IEC 60079 (hazardous areas), IEC 61850 (substation automation), or BS 7671 (wiring regulations) relevant to your target role. Standards fluency signals immediate productivity.