Principal Engineer - Electrical, Data Centers

AECOM is seeking a Principal Engineer - Electrical, Data Centers to be based in South Africa's Enterprise Capabilities office in Durban. This position will support a team locally based in South Africa and Global Teams. As a part of AECOM's culture, it offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement which accommodates both office and out-of-office work schedules.

About Enterprise Capabilities

Fundamental to our Think and Act Globally strategy and digital adoption, Enterprise Capabilities (EC) is AECOM’s primary vehicle for workshare. Operating across geographic boundaries and time-zones, EC partners with regional and Global Business Line project teams to provide technical expertise, accelerate delivery and keep AECOM competitive in the industry. 

With a team of over 3000 technical professionals located across nine countries and remote technical anchors, EC teams are trusted to deliver high-quality, specialist services that help to fill capability gaps, resourcing needs and technical constraints on projects of all scopes and sizes.  

Start here. Grow here.

Here is what you will be doing:

• Electrical Data Centre Lead
• Senior technical resource may serve as technical advisor for team
• Provides specialized technical input to studies and design for staff's specific area of expertise.
• Develops study and design procedures to facilitate high quality cost effective work by others.
• Participates in interdisciplinary review of project deliverables.
• Develops construction cost estimates and estimates of technical efforts for projects.
• Uses expertise in all steps of completing discipline component of PS&E package.
• Performs quality control review of design calculations or drawings.
• Prepares technical specification sections.
• Provides input to the development of engineering budget and schedule to meet requirements.
• Preparation and management of schedules, estimates, progress reports, meetings, procurement etc.
• Electrical engineering and design during all project phases according to client, national and international standards.
• Assessing of Client / Project Electrical Engineering Requirements.
• Prepare concept design and the ability to objectively evaluate both technically and commercially, different options based upon project objectives / requirements.
• Cost Estimation of electrical Engineering scope of work, including equipment and construction costs.
• Detailed Electrical Engineering of LV and MV (up to 132kV) including the development and checking of :

- Load Lists

- Single Line Diagrams

- Network Diagrams

- Electrical Schematic Diagrams

- Hazardous Area Classification

- Diversification and Load factors.

- Electrical Network Design

- Fault Level Calculations

- Motor start-up and Protection Schemes (MV and LV)

- Protection Schemes modelling of protection schemes and definition of Protection settings.

- CT Specification.

- Power Metering specification and interface to Energy / Building Management Systems.

- Cable Routing Design

- Cable Sizing Calculations

- Lighting Calculations, modelling and layouts.

- Earthing Risk Assessments, earthing system design, Earthing layouts.

- Specification of Electrical Equipment including, Switchgear, Distribution Boards, Motor Control Centres, Transformers, Motors, VSD’s, Soft starters, UPS’s, Power Factor Correction,  Filters, Cables, Lighting, Generators BMS and communication systems.

- Fire detection Systems layouts and Specification.

- Specification of Construction Standards of installation.

• Interface with PLC’s, DCS systems and Building Management Systems and design the interface Control Systems.
• Interface with Energy Efficiency and providing energy efficient electrical solutions.
• Interface and Familiar with Quality of Power Supply requirements and evaluation.
• Design schemes to reduce Electromagnetic interference and specify EMC requirements.
• Design and specify communications systems with Electrical equipment / systems including Serial Communications using Profibus /  fieldbus, Ethernet etc.
• Perform and check system studies (e.g. short circuit; load flow and protection coordination).
• Utilise vendor data and work with other disciplines as required for engineering and design.
• Participate and Perform squad checks of vendor data and drawings from other disciplines.
• Develop and check equipment purchase specification and develop RFQ’s (e.g. MV and LV switchboards; D/B.s, MCC’s, power transformers, Power factor Correction motors, VSDs, UPSs Filters, Cables, Lighting, BMS and communication systems).
• Develop technical scope of work and tender documentation and bills of quantities for construction contracts.
• Develop tender documentation, adjudicate tenders, provide re-measurement of works and approve contract claims.
• Prepare Project Scheduling and Planning, developing basic Barcharts for Electrical Engineering input to project management team.
• Manage progress & quality control activities for equipment manufacture.
• Conduct vendor inspections and factory acceptance testing of equipment.
• Manage switchgear and specialist equipment contractors.
• Provide field engineering support to construction and commissioning teams.
• Project handover and closeout documentation.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced engineers.
• Assist in the setting up of standard engineering documentation and methodology for the electrical engineering unit.
• Develop Client relations and extend the client base.
• Assist in the preparation of tenders for Electrical unit workload.

Here is what we are looking for:

• BEng/BSc Electrical engineering

• Over 8 years experience as an engineer within the built environment

• Professionally registered as an Engineer with ECSA or equivalent

• Sound electrical engineering knowledge and experience in LV and MV (up to 132kV) environment

• An intimate knowledge of local standards and codes.

• Be able to develop engineering documentation from first principles.

• Be able to work within a disciplined engineering environment.

• Conversant with ETAP (or other equivalent package) electrical power systems modelling and analysis software.

• An intimate working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Access and Microsoft Project.

• Experience with Green Building Design and accreditation.

• Be well acquainted with local equipment, manufacturers, suppliers and installation contractors.

• A thorough knowledge of the OHS Act, pertinent SANS and IEC codes and standards and industry practices.

• Good communication and people management skills for effective interface with other engineering disciplines, the client and contractors.

• The ability to work independently.

• An awareness and appreciation for health, safety and environmental issues.

At AECOM, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity

At AECOM, our Freedom to Grow philosophy supports flexibility and balance to help our people thrive. As part of this approach, we ask all hybrid employees to work from an AECOM office at least three days per week.

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.