HSE Engineer - Substation and Cable

Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has appointed GOPA Tech to deliver consultancy services for the expansion of its transmission and distribution network across the Northern Emirates, UAE. The scope includes 132/33/11 kV and 33/11 kV substations, along with associated 132 kV and 33 kV cable works. To support project execution, GOPA Tech is recruiting for multiple positions across engineering, design, and project management functions.

Join a team supporting the safe delivery of critical power infrastructure in the Northern Emirates, UAE. As an HSE Engineer – Substation and Cable, you will help advance health, safety, and environmental performance across substation, cable, and related transmission and distribution works.

This role is based in the Northern Emirates, UAE, and involves developing and implementing practical HSE systems, leading risk assessments and incident investigations, and working closely with operations, engineering, and contractors to reduce risk and protect people, assets, and project delivery.

What you will do

• Develop, implement, and maintain HSE management systems, policies, and procedures tailored to transmission works, including live-line work, switchyards, tower erection, stringing, and cabling.
• Lead risk assessments, job safety analyses (JSAs), and permit-to-work processes.
• Conduct safety inspections, audits, and field observations, and track corrective actions and trends.
• Investigate incidents and near-misses, and produce root-cause analyses and effective corrective actions.
• Manage contractor HSE performance and pre-qualification.
• Deliver training and toolbox talks on electrical hazards, working at height, rescue, LOTO, PPE, and emergency response.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and keep guidance up to date with industry standards and best practices.
• Promote a positive safety culture through coaching, reporting systems, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Bachelor’s degree in Safety Engineering , Electrical Engineering , Mechanical Engineering , Civil Engineering , or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of overall experience , including at least 5 years on similar projects , in HSE roles related to power transmission, utilities, or heavy civil works.
• Strong understanding of electrical hazards, high-voltage safety, working-at-height requirements, fall protection, and rescue procedures.
• Experience with risk assessment methodologies, incident investigation, and audit programmes.
• Recognised safety certification such as NEBOSH , IOSH , OSHA , or equivalent.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence both on site and at leadership level.
• Experience with live-line maintenance, substation commissioning, transmission line construction, and cable works.
• Familiarity with IMS , ISO 45001 , ISO 14001 , and applicable local regulatory frameworks.
• Certification in first aid, rope rescue, or other relevant technical specialisations would be an advantage.

Start date: Expected start date in line with the candidate’s notice period.