Technical Director - Transmission and Distribution

Job Description

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Head of Transmission & Distribution to establish and grow AECOM’s Philippines-based T&D capability, supporting major international energy infrastructure projects, primarily for UK and global clients.

This is a senior leadership role combining technical authority, department leadership, and delivery oversight. The role will lead capability development across HV and EHV infrastructure, including primary substations, secondary systems, protection & control, grid connections, BESS integration, and related power systems.

Responsibilities include technical leadership, engineering governance, quality assurance, resource planning, recruitment, and team development, working closely with AECOM’s UK and global delivery teams.

The Philippines team operates within AECOM’s global technical governance framework. Statutory certification and engineer-of-record responsibilities remain with licensed entities in the relevant jurisdiction. The role requires collaboration with international teams and occasional off-hours coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Department Leadership & Capability Development

• Establish and scale AECOM’s Philippines T&D capability in line with business pipeline and client demand.
• Build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team across substations, P&C, secondary systems, and grid infrastructure.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, succession planning, and capability mapping.
• Develop the local leadership bench as the team grows.
• Promote a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate resources across projects to ensure efficient delivery and utilisation.

Technical Leadership & Governance

• Act as the senior technical authority for T&D engineering in the Philippines team.
• Provide leadership across HV/EHV substations (AIS/GIS), primary and secondary systems, and grid connections.
• Define engineering strategies aligned with international standards, client specifications, and AECOM procedures.
• Lead design reviews and technical assurance processes.
• Provide senior guidance on integration of HV equipment (transformers, breakers, reactors, etc.) and P&C systems.
• Ensure effective integration of primary plant, protection systems, SCADA, communications, and automation.
• Oversee preparation and review of engineering deliverables (non-statutory).

Project Oversight & Multidisciplinary Coordination

• Provide oversight across major international T&D programmes.
• Guide teams across all phases: feasibility, concept, FEED, detailed design, construction, and commissioning.
• Ensure coordination across primary, secondary, civil, structural, system studies, BESS, and commissioning disciplines.
• Act as a technical interface with global teams, clients, contractors, and suppliers.
• Support development of bids, engineering strategies, and delivery plans.
• Ensure high-quality outputs from the Philippines team in a global workshare model.

Engineering Deliverables & Assurance

• Oversee development and review of key deliverables, including: Substation layouts, general arrangements, and specifications Busbar design, conductor sizing, and electrical calculations Clearances, insulation coordination, and short-circuit studies Lightning protection and earthing/grounding systems Protection and control schematics and philosophies Control logic, interlocking, and relay configurations Protection coordination and settings strategy SCADA, communications, and automation interfaces

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Engineering.
• Significant experience in Transmission & Distribution engineering, particularly HV/EHV substations.
• Strong grounding in primary systems, with working knowledge of secondary and P&C systems.
• Experience delivering projects across concept, FEED, detailed design, and construction support.
• Proven ability to provide technical leadership, governance, and quality oversight.
• Experience in international project delivery and large infrastructure programmes.
• Must be willing to work fixed night shift schedule and 3 days onsite per week.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Strong technical leadership and strategic thinking.
• Experience building and developing engineering teams and leaders.
• Ability to lead within multidisciplinary, global delivery environments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and client management skills.
• Ability to maintain consistent technical standards across multiple projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in UK or international T&D projects.
• Experience with EHV substations (220kV–400kV or equivalent).
• Knowledge of IEC 61850 substation automation systems.
• Experience with OEM systems (e.g., ABB, Siemens, GE, SEL).
• Experience working in global workshare delivery models.
• Chartered / Professional Engineer or equivalent (advantageous).
• LCDAE/CDAE or similar utility competency approvals (desirable).

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.