Senior Power Plant Electrical Engineer

Placements24; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Leave and training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 client in South Africa's power generation sector seeks a Senior Power Plant Electrical Engineer to oversee electrical design, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of all plant systems in East London.

You will lead HV distribution, protection schemes and PLC/DCS controls, mentor junior engineers and ensure compliance with safety standards and industry codes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• Pr. Eng registration desirable.
• 8+ years in power generation plant electrical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design, installation, and maintenance of all power plant electrical systems.
• Develop and implement electrical preventative maintenance programs.
• Troubleshoot faults and provide effective solutions.
• Ensure compliance with electrical codes and safety regulations.
• Manage electrical projects including budgeting and scheduling.
• Review drawings, specs, and technical documents.
• Perform load flow, short circuit, and protection analyses.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Stay updated with advancements in electrical engineering.
• Participate in safety meetings and site procedures.

Skills

HV electrical

Power distribution

Protection relays

PLC/DCS

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration

Tools

SCADA systems

Protection coordination software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the South African power generation sector, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Power Plant Electrical Engineer to join their operational team in East London . This role is critical for the design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all electrical systems within the power plant, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operation. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with high-voltage equipment, power distribution systems, control systems, and protection relays. You will play a key part in maintaining the integrity of electrical infrastructure that powers the East London, Eastern Cape region. If you are a seasoned electrical engineer with a passion for power generation, this is an excellent opportunity to advance your career.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the design, installation, and maintenance of all power plant electrical systems, including generators, transformers, switchgear, motor control centers (MCCs), and distribution networks.
• Develop and implement electrical preventative maintenance programs to ensure asset reliability and minimize downtime.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose electrical faults and equipment failures, providing timely and effective solutions.
• Ensure all electrical work complies with national and international electrical codes, standards, and safety regulations.
• Manage electrical projects, including scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, and contractor oversight.
• Review and approve electrical drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Perform technical studies, such as load flow, short circuit, and protection coordination analyses.
• Collaborate with operations, mechanical engineering, and maintenance teams to ensure integrated plant performance.
• Mentor junior electrical engineers and technicians, providing technical guidance and support.
• Stay current with advancements in electrical engineering technologies and best practices in the power generation industry.
• Participate in safety meetings and ensure adherence to all site safety procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in electrical engineering within a power generation plant environment (thermal, hydro, or renewable).
• Strong knowledge of high-voltage electrical systems, power distribution, protection schemes, and control systems (PLC/DCS).
• Experience with AC/DC motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and power system studies.
• Familiarity with relevant South African electrical regulations and standards (e.g., SANS).
• Proven troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in a demanding operational environment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in East London , South Africa .

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave and study leave opportunities.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certification.
• Exposure to diverse power generation technologies.
• Stable and secure employment within a critical industry.
• Collaborative team environment focused on operational excellence.
• Career growth prospects within the organization.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates moving to East London .

Contribute to ensuring reliable energy supply for the region.