Electrical Design Engineer - Substation Automation

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Training opportunities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Electrical Design Engineer specialized in Substation Automation to join our Stellenbosch team. You will design electrical schematics, control panels, and software configurations for high‑voltage substations, ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency.

You will work closely with project managers, site engineers, and clients to meet project requirements. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in substation automation, hands-on experience with SCADA/RTUs/PLCs, and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; Pr.Eng. is advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years of electrical engineering design experience, focused on substation automation and protection systems.
• Proven experience with SCADA, RTUs, PLCs, and protection relays from various manufacturers.
• Proficiency in electrical CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical) and simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of substation operation, protection schemes, and communication protocols (DNP3, IEC 61850).
• Knowledge of SA electrical standards and grid codes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and team collaboration skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to project sites in Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panels for substation automation.
• Specify and select protection relays, SCADA systems, and communication equipment.
• Develop control logic and software configurations for substation functions.
• Ensure designs comply with IEC, IEEE, and NRS standards.
• Perform design QA reviews of documentation.

Skills

SCADA systems

RTUs

PLCs

Protection relays

AutoCAD Electrical

IEC 61850

DNP3

Power system protection

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading provider of engineering solutions for the energy sector, renowned for its innovation in power transmission and distribution infrastructure across South Africa. We are seeking a talented Electrical Design Engineer specializing in Substation Automation to join our esteemed team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This role is central to the design and implementation of advanced automation and control systems for high-voltage substations, ensuring reliability, safety, and efficiency. You will be responsible for developing detailed electrical schematics, control logic, and system configurations for protection, SCADA, and communication networks. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in electrical engineering, specifically within substation design and automation technologies, coupled with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to critical energy infrastructure projects and advance your career within a company that champions technological advancement and professional growth. You will be key in modernizing South Africa's power grid.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panels for substation automation systems.
• Specify and select protection relays, SCADA systems, communication equipment, and other substation automation components.
• Develop control logic and software configurations for various substation functions.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant national and international standards (e.g., IEC, IEEE, NRS).
• Conduct technical reviews and perform quality assurance checks on design documentation.
• Collaborate with project managers, site engineers, and clients to understand project requirements and provide technical support.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and automation issues during the design, commissioning, and operational phases.
• Prepare technical specifications for procurement of electrical and automation equipment.
• Contribute to site acceptance testing (SAT) and commissioning activities.
• Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in substation automation, including digital substations and smart grid concepts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field; relevant professional registration (e.g., Pr. Eng.) is an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical engineering design, with a strong focus on substation automation and protection systems.
• Proven experience with SCADA, RTUs, PLCs, and protection relays from various manufacturers.
• Proficiency in electrical CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical) and simulation tools.
• In-depth understanding of substation operating principles, power system protection schemes, and communication protocols (e.g., DNP3, IEC 61850).
• Knowledge of relevant South African electrical standards and grid codes.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Experience with project management principles is a plus.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to project sites within the Western Cape region.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package aligned with industry standards.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional certifications.
• Involvement in high-profile and technically challenging energy projects.
• A collaborative and innovative engineering environment.
• Career progression opportunities within a growing organization.
• Relocation assistance may be considered.