Electrical & HVAC Commissioning Engineer

Electrical & HVAC Commissioning Engineer
Location: Buliisa, Uganda (Rotational)
Start Date: Q2 2026
Duration: 12 Months (Renewable)
Sector: Oil & Gas – Upstream / Greenfield Project

About the Opportunity
We are currently recruiting an experienced Electrical & HVAC Commissioning Engineer to support a major onshore oil & gas development in East Africa.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a large-scale greenfield project in a remote and environmentally sensitive area, involving complex facilities including drilling pads, a central processing plant, and extensive pipeline networks.
You will play a key role in ensuring the safe and efficient pre-commissioning, commissioning, and start-up of electrical and HVAC systems, working within a multicultural and technically demanding environment.

Key Responsibilities Commissioning Execution & Oversight

• Define sub-system boundaries and commissioning packages
• Supervise contractor pre-commissioning and commissioning activities (onshore & offshore)
• Witness testing to achieve Mechanical Completion and system acceptance
• Oversee commissioning through to start-up and handover to operations

Technical Authority & Assurance

• Review and approve commissioning procedures, methodologies, and test protocols
• Validate contractor commissioning strategies and execution plans
• Ensure compliance with project standards and technical referential
• Approve electrical energization of systems and validate PSSR for HV systems

Electrical Systems Expertise

• Lead commissioning of HV & MV electrical systems, switchgear, and substations
• Support commissioning of rotating equipment (turbines, compressors, generators)
• Ensure proper integration with control systems (ICSS)
• Coordinate FAT activities at vendor premises

HVAC Systems

• Coordinate and oversee site-wide HVAC commissioning activities
• Liaise with contractors and vendors to ensure performance and compliance

Planning, Reporting & Systems

• Monitor contractor progress and ensure alignment with commissioning schedules
• Provide regular progress reports and planning updates
• Manage punch lists, including tracking, close-out, and certification
• Work with commissioning systems such as ICAPS (or equivalent)

HSE & Compliance

• Ensure all commissioning activities are performed safely and in line with project HSE requirements
• Conduct site audits and promote safe commissioning practices
• Verify competency and certification of personnel involved in HV/MV activities

Training & Handover

• Support training and coaching of operations and maintenance teams
• Ensure smooth system handover and integration with operational teams

Candidate Profile Qualifications

• HND or Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent)
• Valid medical certificate compliant with industry standards

Experience

• Minimum 10–12 years’ experience in oil & gas, petrochemical, or large industrial projects
• Strong experience in pre-commissioning, commissioning, and start-up of electrical systems
• Proven track record with HV & MV systems commissioning
• Experience with commissioning tools such as ICAPS (or similar)
• Background in multi-disciplinary project environments

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of electrical systems, safety standards, and commissioning processes
• Experience supervising contractors and coordinating complex activities
• Good understanding of rotating equipment and utilities systems
• Strong planning, reporting, and organisational skills
• Ability to work in remote, multicultural, and challenging environments
• Proactive problem-solving mindset with a focus on efficiency and value

People are our business worldwide
 
Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.