Electrical Design Engineer - Substation

JMG Solutions Ltd; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits a seasoned High Voltage Substation Design Engineer to return to South Africa and lead critical energy infrastructure projects. This role involves overseeing the design of HV substations up to 400kV, ensuring engineering excellence and compliance with regulatory standards. You will collaborate with project managers and multidisciplinary teams, prepare technical drawings, and mentor junior engineers. Join a stable, innovation-driven environment and contribute to the national energy landscape while advancing your career in a leadership role.

Benefits

Long-term career growth

Leadership role in significant projects

Stable work environment

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in HV substation design, delivering projects across various stages.
• Familiarity with South African and international engineering standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of HV substations, ensuring compliance with grid codes and standards.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams on design deliverables and timelines.

Skills

High Voltage Substation Design

Electrical Engineering

Project Management

Technical Drawing Preparation

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Master's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

DigSILENT

Job description

Employment Type: Full-Time

Industry: Power & Energy / Electrical Engineering

To Apply: South African citizen or permanent resident currently working abroad, interested in returning home

Position Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a seasoned High Voltage (HV) Substation Design Engineer to return to South Africa and play a leading role in the design and delivery of critical energy infrastructure projects. This position is ideal for an experienced South African engineer currently working abroad who wishes to bring their expertise home and contribute to the national energy landscape.

As the Lead Substation Design Engineer, you will be responsible for overseeing the design of HV substations (up to 400kV), ensuring engineering excellence, regulatory compliance, and efficient project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of high-voltage substations from concept through to detailed design.
• Ensure compliance with South African grid codes, utility standards, and relevant international engineering practices.
• Coordinate with project managers, civil/structural teams, protection engineers, and clients to align on design deliverables and timelines.
• Prepare and review technical drawings, SLDs, schematics, and construction documents.
• Conduct technical evaluations of equipment specifications and vendor proposals.
• Support procurement processes with technical input and design clarifications.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and drafters.
• Engage in site visits, inspections, and commissioning support when required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (Master’s degree advantageous).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in HV substation design (132kV–400kV preferred).
• Proven track record in delivering substation projects across design stages.
• Familiarity with South African and international standards (SANS, IEC, etc.).
• Experience with design tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, DigSILENT, or similar.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to liaise with multidisciplinary teams and clients.

Why Apply?

• Reconnect with the South African engineering landscape and contribute to energy development.
• Work on nationally significant projects in a leadership role.
• Opportunity for long-term career growth in a stable, innovation-driven environment.