Lead Electrical Grid Engineer

Placements24; London Borough of Newham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance-based incentives

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a major energy utility in East London, Eastern Cape, to hire a Lead Electrical Grid Engineer. You will oversee the design, operation, and maintenance of the electrical distribution grid, ensuring stability, reliability, and efficiency while guiding multi-disciplinary teams across projects and upgrades.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems), 7+ years of experience, proficiency in load flow and protection studies, and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with Power Systems focus.
• 7+ years in electrical grid engineering for distribution systems.
• Experience with load flow, fault studies, and protection.
• Leadership and ability to mentor a team.
• Strong communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with SA utility standards is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, planning, and implementation of grid infrastructure.
• Oversee grid operation and maintenance to meet safety and performance targets.
• Manage grid upgrade projects including substations and lines.
• Analyze grid data to optimize load flow and power quality.
• Develop strategies for renewable integration into the grid.
• Provide technical leadership to engineers and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with electrical codes and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with planning, operations, and project teams.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans.
• Prepare technical reports and project documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Tools

SCADA systems

Power system analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent utility provider in South Africa's Energy sector, is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Electrical Grid Engineer. This senior position, based in East London, Eastern Cape, will be responsible for overseeing the design, operation, and maintenance of the electrical distribution grid. You will play a key role in ensuring grid stability, reliability, and efficiency, as well as managing projects related to grid upgrades and integration of new energy sources. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in power systems engineering, excellent leadership capabilities, and a thorough understanding of grid management principles. Join a vital organization contributing to the energy security of the region and advancing grid infrastructure from the strategic location of East London.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering efforts for the design, planning, and implementation of electrical distribution grid infrastructure.


• Oversee the operation and maintenance of the grid, ensuring compliance with safety standards and performance targets.


• Manage grid upgrade projects, including substation enhancements, line capacity expansion, and technology integration.


• Analyze grid performance data to identify issues, optimize load flow, and improve power quality.


• Develop and implement strategies for the integration of renewable energy sources and other distributed generation into the grid.


• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of electrical engineers and technicians.


• Ensure compliance with all relevant national electrical codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.


• Collaborate with planning, operations, and project management teams to ensure seamless grid operation and development.


• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for grid-related challenges.


• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and project documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in Power Systems.


• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in electrical grid engineering, with a focus on distribution systems.


• Proven experience in grid design, analysis (e.g., load flow, fault studies), and operation.


• Strong understanding of power system protection, control, and SCADA systems.


• Experience with the integration of renewable energy and distributed generation technologies.


• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.


• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with various stakeholders.


• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.


• Familiarity with South African utility standards and regulations.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, a pension fund, and performance-based incentives.


• This role provides excellent opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and career growth within a leading energy utility.


• You will work on impactful projects that are crucial for the region's development.


• This position is based in East London, Eastern Cape, a significant economic and industrial center.