Electrical Design Engineer - Substations

Placements24; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Electrical Design Engineer focused on high‑voltage substations for our client in Randburg, Gauteng. You will design substations up to 400 kV, prepare schematics and layouts, and perform load flow and protection studies to ensure compliance with international standards.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, 6+ years HV substation design experience, and proficiency in ETAP, PSS/E and AutoCAD Electrical.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 6+ years in high‑voltage substation design.
• Proficient with ETAP, PSS/E, AutoCAD Electrical.

Responsibilities

• Design HV substations up to 400 kV, including layouts and schematics.
• Prepare protection, earthing, and cable schedules.
• Perform load flow, short‑circuit, and protection studies.
• Select equipment: transformers, switchgear, busbars.
• Ensure compliance with SANS, IEC, IEEE and client specs.
• Collaborate with project managers, civil engineers and construction teams.
• Provide procurement and commissioning support.
• Assist tender/document preparation for new projects.
• Troubleshoot design issues during implementation.
• Stay updated on industry best practices.

Skills

HV substation design

load flow analysis

protection coordination

team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ETAP

PSS/E

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished engineering firm specializing in power infrastructure, is seeking a highly competent Electrical Design Engineer with a focus on substations to join their esteemed team in Randburg, Gauteng . This role is integral to the design and development of high-voltage substation projects, encompassing conceptualization, detailed design, and technical support throughout the project lifecycle. The ideal candidate will possess a robust understanding of electrical engineering principles applied to substation design, including power systems, protection, earthing, and lightning protection. You will be responsible for producing accurate and compliant design documentation, ensuring projects meet all technical specifications, safety standards, and client requirements. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to contribute to critical energy infrastructure projects in Randburg and across the region. The hybrid work arrangement allows for focused design work and collaborative team interaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Design high-voltage substations (up to and including 400kV), including layout, single-line diagrams, and equipment specifications.
• Prepare detailed engineering drawings and documentation, such as protection schematics, earthing designs, and cable schedules.
• Perform load flow, short-circuit, and protection coordination studies using relevant software.
• Select and specify substation equipment, including transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, and busbars.
• Ensure designs comply with national and international standards (e.g., SANS, IEC, IEEE) and client specifications.
• Collaborate with project managers, civil engineers, and construction teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Conduct technical reviews and provide support during the procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Assist in the preparation of tender documents and proposals for new substation projects.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues that may arise during project implementation.
• Stay updated on the latest technologies and best practices in substation design and power systems engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in the design of high-voltage electrical substations.
• Strong proficiency in electrical design software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, PSS/E) and calculation tools.
• Thorough understanding of substation components, protection schemes, earthing principles, and lightning protection.
• Knowledge of relevant South African national standards and international codes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong technical communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple design tasks and meet project deadlines.
• Experience with project lifecycle from concept to commissioning.
• Must be registered with ECSA as a Professional Engineer or Technologist, or eligible for registration.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits. Employees will have the opportunity to work on challenging and high-profile substation projects in Randburg , gaining exposure to cutting-edge technologies. We provide a supportive and collaborative work environment that encourages professional growth and continuous learning. This hybrid role offers flexibility, balancing focused independent work with essential team collaboration. Excellent career progression opportunities are available for high-performing individuals within our dynamic organization. Be part of shaping the future of South Africa's power infrastructure.