Electrical Protection Engineer

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 98,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Electrical Protection Engineer for a QA-focused role in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. The candidate will design, test, and commission protection schemes for HV substations, transmission lines, and generation facilities, ensuring grid reliability and safety.

The ideal candidate holds a BEng in Electrical Engineering with Power Systems Protection, 7+ years in utility protection, and familiarity with SCADA integration, protection relays, and protection testing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with specialization in Power Systems Protection.
• 7+ years of experience in electrical protection engineering, preferably in utilities.
• Familiarity with protection relays (overcurrent, distance, differential, pilot) and protection testing equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and implement protection schemes for HV systems (transmission lines, transformers, generators, busbars).
• Select protection relays and equipment based on system requirements and fault studies.
• Perform fault calculations and settings for protection relays.
• Develop test procedures and conduct commissioning tests for protection systems.
• Analyze disturbances and provide troubleshooting support for protection equipment failures.
• Ensure compliance with national/international protection standards and utility specs.
• Collaborate with design teams, field engineers, and operations staff.
• Maintain documentation of protection schemes, settings, and test reports.

Skills

Protection relays

Fault analysis

Power systems protection

SCADA integration

Diagnostics skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems Protection)

Tools

Omicron

Doble

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major utility provider responsible for the transmission and distribution of electricity, is seeking an experienced Electrical Protection Engineer to join their dedicated team. This role, based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, is critical for maintaining the reliability and safety of the electrical network. You will be responsible for the design, setting, testing, and commissioning of protection schemes for high-voltage substations, transmission lines, and generation facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of protection relays, fault analysis, and power system dynamics. This is an opportunity to work on essential infrastructure projects, ensuring the stable supply of power to a significant region. Your expertise will be vital in safeguarding the integrity of the power grid in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, and surrounding areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and implement protection schemes for high-voltage electrical systems, including transmission lines, transformers, generators, and busbars.
• Select appropriate protection relays and associated equipment based on system requirements and fault studies.
• Perform detailed fault calculations and settings for protection relays.
• Develop test procedures and conduct commissioning tests for protection systems.
• Analyze system disturbances and provide technical support for troubleshooting protection equipment failures.
• Ensure compliance with national and international protection standards and utility specifications.
• Collaborate with design teams, field engineers, and operations personnel.
• Maintain accurate documentation of protection schemes, settings, and test reports.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in protection technology and methodologies.
• Mentor junior protection engineers and technicians.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in Power Systems Protection.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in electrical protection engineering, preferably within a utility environment.
• In-depth knowledge of different types of protection relays (e.g., overcurrent, distance, differential, pilot) and their applications.
• Experience with protection testing equipment and software (e.g., Omicron, Doble).
• Proficiency in fault analysis and power system studies.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and their integration with protection schemes.
• Understanding of relevant South African national standards and regulations.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and a robust retirement fund. You will have opportunities for continuous professional development, including specialized training courses and certifications. This role provides exposure to critical infrastructure projects within Queenstown, Eastern Cape, and the chance to work with a team of experienced professionals. The company fosters a supportive work environment committed to safety and operational excellence. Join us in ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity to communities.