Senior Substation Engineer - High Voltage Specialist

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 130,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Substation Engineer for a critical role in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, focusing on design, construction, commissioning, and maintenance of HV substations. You will lead technical initiatives and ensure safety and reliability across the power transmission network.

The position requires a strong background in power systems engineering, 8+ years of progressive substation experience, and expertise with protection schemes, equipment specs, and modern design tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in substation design, construction, or maintenance.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration or eligibility is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of high-voltage equipment and protection principles.
• Experience with substation design software and simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of high-voltage substations, including layout, equipment selection, and single-line diagrams.
• Develop detailed specifications for substation equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, and instrument transformers.
• Oversee the construction and commissioning phases of substation projects, ensuring adherence to design specifications and safety standards.
• Conduct site inspections and provide technical support during installation and testing.
• Develop and review protection and control schemes for substations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to substation equipment and performance.
• Ensure all substation designs and operations comply with relevant national and international standards (e.g., NRS, IEC).
• Collaborate with project managers, contractors, and utility engineers to ensure project success.
• Prepare technical reports, project documentation, and maintenance strategies.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians, sharing technical expertise in substation engineering.

Skills

Substation design

Power systems engineering

Project leadership

Safety & standards

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Tools

Substation design software

Simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a vital player in South Africa's energy infrastructure, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Substation Engineer to join their engineering team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This role is essential for the design, construction, commissioning, and maintenance of high-voltage substations, which are critical nodes in the power transmission and distribution network. You will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of substation operations, applying your deep expertise in high-voltage equipment and systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in power systems engineering, with a proven track record in substation projects. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the modernization and expansion of Eastern Cape's energy infrastructure and play a key role in maintaining a stable power supply. We are looking for a meticulous and safety-conscious engineer to lead technical initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of high-voltage substations, including layout, equipment selection, and single-line diagrams.
• Develop detailed specifications for substation equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, and instrument transformers.
• Oversee the construction and commissioning phases of substation projects, ensuring adherence to design specifications and safety standards.
• Conduct site inspections and provide technical support during installation and testing.
• Develop and review protection and control schemes for substations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to substation equipment and performance.
• Ensure all substation designs and operations comply with relevant national and international standards (e.g., NRS, IEC).
• Collaborate with project managers, contractors, and utility engineers to ensure project success.
• Prepare technical reports, project documentation, and maintenance strategies.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians, sharing technical expertise in substation engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in Power Systems.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in substation design, construction, or maintenance.
• In-depth knowledge of high-voltage equipment, including transformers, switchgear, busbars, and insulators.
• Proficiency with substation design software and tools, and experience with relevant simulation software.
• Strong understanding of power system protection principles and control systems.
• Proven experience in project management and leading technical teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration or eligibility for registration is highly desirable.
• Commitment to safety and adherence to strict safety protocols in high-voltage environments.
• Familiarity with South African grid codes and standards is a strong advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive medical aid, a retirement fund, and paid annual leave. Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and certifications in high-voltage engineering, are provided. This role is based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, offering the chance to work on critical energy infrastructure projects. Join a dedicated team committed to strengthening South Africa's power network.