Senior Electrical Engineer - Power Distribution & Grids

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 98,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension

Professional development

Job security

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Electrical Engineer for a key utility in Queenstown, SA. You will lead planning, design, and upgrade of the distribution network, including substations and cables, while ensuring grid stability and regulatory compliance.

The role requires a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and Pr. Eng registration with ECSA, with 8+ years in power distribution and grid operations. Strong leadership and stakeholder skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and Pr. Eng registration with ECSA.
• 8+ years in electrical power distribution and grid operations.
• Strong knowledge of protection, load management, and grid stability.
• Experience with power system analysis software (DigSilent, ETAP).
• Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and stakeholder skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and oversee expansion and upgrades to distribution network.
• Perform load flow, fault level, and protection studies.
• Develop specs for transformers, switchgear, and conductors.
• Ensure reliability, asset management, and maintenance strategies.
• Investigate power quality issues and coordinate corrective actions.
• Manage projects from conception to completion within budget and schedule.
• Ensure compliance with electrical standards and safety regulations.
• Mentor junior engineers and liaise with contractors and regulators.
• Contribute to long-term capital investment plans for the network.

Skills

Electrical power distribution

Grid stability

Project management

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Pr. Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

DigSilent PowerFactory

ETAP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key utility provider in the Eastern Cape, is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer with extensive experience in power distribution and grid management. This role, based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape , is critical for ensuring the reliable and efficient operation of the regional electricity network. You will be involved in the planning, design, maintenance, and upgrade of the distribution infrastructure, including substations, overhead lines, and underground cables. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of grid stability, protection systems, and regulatory compliance within the power utility sector. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to essential services in the Queenstown area and surrounding regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and oversee the implementation of projects related to the expansion and upgrading of the electrical distribution network.
• Conduct technical studies, including load flow analysis, fault level calculations, and protection coordination.
• Develop specifications for electrical equipment such as transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, and conductors.
• Ensure the reliability and integrity of the electrical grid through effective maintenance strategies and asset management.
• Investigate power quality issues, outages, and system disturbances, recommending and implementing corrective actions.
• Manage electrical projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to budget, schedule, and quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant electrical standards, safety regulations, and environmental policies.
• Supervise and mentor junior engineers and technical staff involved in distribution network operations.
• Liaise with internal departments, external contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Contribute to the development of long-term capital investment plans for the distribution network.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Professional registration as an Engineer (Pr. Eng) with ECSA is mandatory.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in electrical power distribution systems and grid operations.
• Strong knowledge of protection systems, load management, and grid stability principles.
• Experience with power system analysis software (e.g., DigSilent PowerFactory, ETAP).
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex electrical schematics and network diagrams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong project management and leadership capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Experience within a South African municipal or national utility environment is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid and pension.
• Opportunities for further professional development and specialized training.
• Job security within an essential services provider.
• A key role in maintaining and improving the electrical infrastructure for the Eastern Cape .
• Relocation assistance may be available for the successful candidate moving to Queenstown .