Senior Electrical Engineer - Power Systems & Grid Integration

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development + conference

Hybrid flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to lead power systems and grid integration initiatives in Welkom, Free State. You will drive simulations, protection schemes, and interconnection strategies while coordinating with cross-functional teams to modernize the provincial grid.

The role emphasizes renewable energy integration, grid reliability, and technical mentorship in a hybrid work setting. Candidates should have extensive experience and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with Power Systems focus. Master's or professional registration preferred.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in power systems, grid operations, or renewable energy integration.
• Familiarity with grid codes, IEEE/IEC standards, and protection relaying principles.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex power system studies (load flow, short circuit, transient stability, harmonic analysis).
• Plan and implement renewable energy integration into the grid.
• Design protection schemes and control systems for reliability and safety.
• Review designs from contractors and vendors for compliance.
• Troubleshoot grid operation issues and ensure power quality.
• Ensure compliance with grid codes and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with operations, planning, and project management teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership.

Skills

Power systems analysis

Grid integration

Protection schemes

Analytical thinking

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Master's degree or Pr. Eng preferred

Tools

PSS/E

ETAP

PSCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading utility provider in the Free State, is looking for a highly skilled Senior Electrical Engineer to focus on power systems and grid integration in Welkom, Free State. This pivotal role will involve ensuring the stability, reliability, and efficiency of the provincial power grid, with a specific emphasis on integrating renewable energy sources. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of power system analysis, grid codes, and advanced protection schemes. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer to contribute to the modernization of South Africa's energy infrastructure and play a key role in shaping the future of power distribution in the region. The role requires a blend of analytical expertise and practical application.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct complex power system studies, including load flow, short circuit analysis, transient stability, and harmonic analysis.
• Develop and implement strategies for the seamless integration of renewable energy sources (solar, wind) into the existing grid infrastructure.
• Design and specify protection schemes, control systems, and substation equipment to ensure grid reliability and safety.
• Review and approve technical designs and specifications submitted by external contractors and vendors.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to grid operations, power quality, and system disturbances.
• Ensure compliance with national grid codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, planning, and project management, to achieve strategic objectives.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within the power systems department.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems. A Master's degree or professional registration (Pr.Eng) is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in power system engineering, grid operations, or renewable energy integration.
• In-depth understanding of power system analysis software (e.g., PSS/E, ETAP, PSCAD).
• Knowledge of grid codes, standards (e.g., IEEE, IEC), and protection relaying principles.
• Experience with the integration of renewable energy technologies into utility grids.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work model, balancing remote analysis with on-site project oversight in Welkom and surrounding areas as needed.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and potential performance bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and conference attendance, are readily available.
• This role offers the chance to work on significant projects shaping the future of energy in Free State.
• The company values employee growth and provides a supportive, collaborative work environment with a hybrid flexibility designed to enhance work-life balance.