Power Systems Protection Engineer

Placements24; O Mente; On-site; EUR 46,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and pension support

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Power Systems Protection Engineer to design and maintain protective schemes for generation, transmission, and distribution networks. The role includes fault analysis, relay coordination, device selection, and protection documentation to ensure reliable grid operation.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in protection engineering, strong analytical skills, and expertise with ETAP, PSS/E, and Aspen OneLiners. Willingness to travel across regional sites is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with a Power Systems specialization.
• Minimum 5 years in power systems protection engineering.
• Experience with protective relaying principles and protection software.
• Ability to travel across sites within the region.

Responsibilities

• Design, commission, and maintain protective relaying schemes for generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
• Perform fault studies, load flow analyses, and transient stability studies to evaluate system performance.
• Select protection relays, circuit breakers, and equipment based on system requirements.
• Develop protection coordination studies to ensure selective tripping during faults.
• Analyze disturbances, troubleshoot protection malfunctions, and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop and update protection system documentation (SLDs, schematics, setting files).
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and best practices.
• Collaborate with design engineers, field personnel, and stakeholders on protection matters.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Stay current with advancements in protection technology and methodologies.

Skills

Fault analysis

Protection coordination

Relays and protection

ETAP

PSS/E

Aspen OneLiners

Substation design

Circuit breakers

Transformers

Instrument transformers

Analytical skills

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems

Tools

ETAP

PSS/E

Aspen OneLiners

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading utility service provider, is seeking a highly skilled Power Systems Protection Engineer to join their dedicated team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This vital role involves ensuring the reliability and safety of the power grid by designing, implementing, and maintaining protection schemes for electrical systems. You will be responsible for analyzing fault conditions, selecting appropriate protection devices, and optimizing system performance to prevent damage and ensure continuous power supply. This position requires a deep technical understanding of power system dynamics and protection principles. If you are an experienced protection engineer looking to make a significant impact on grid stability, this is an excellent opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, commission, and maintain protective relaying schemes for generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
• Perform fault studies, load flow analyses, and transient stability studies to evaluate system performance.
• Select appropriate protection relays, circuit breakers, and associated equipment based on system requirements.
• Develop and implement protection coordination studies to ensure selective tripping during fault conditions.
• Analyze system disturbances, troubleshoot protection system malfunctions, and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop and update protection system documentation, including single-line diagrams, schematics, and setting files.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, codes, and utility best practices.
• Collaborate with design engineers, field personnel, and other stakeholders on protection-related matters.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Stay current with advancements in protection technology and methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in Power Systems.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in power systems protection engineering.
• Strong understanding of power system fundamentals, including fault analysis, load flow, and stability.
• In-depth knowledge of protective relaying principles, technologies, and applications (e.g., overcurrent, differential, distance, directional relays).
• Experience with protection software (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E, Aspen OneLiners) and relay testing equipment.
• Familiarity with substation design and equipment such as circuit breakers, transformers, and instrument transformers.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a project team.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to various sites within the region.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, and a generous pension fund.
• Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, including specialized training and support for professional registration.
• This role provides the chance to work on critical infrastructure projects that ensure the stability and reliability of the power supply.
• Join a stable organization with a strong commitment to employee welfare and career growth within the essential energy sector.