Electrical Design Engineer - Substation & Protection

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Electrical Design Engineer in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, to lead HV/MV substation design and protection work. You will prepare detailed drawings, develop protection philosophies, and ensure compliance with SANS, IEC, and IEEE standards.

The role requires a BEng in Electrical Engineering with 5+ years of substation design and protection experience. Collaboration with project teams and on-site involvement are essential for project success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical engineering, with a focus on substation design and protection.
• Proficiency in substation design software and tools.
• Solid understanding of protection relay coordination and settings calculations.
• Knowledge of South African utility standards (SANS, IEC, IEEE).
• Experience with HV/MV switchgear, transformers, and related equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration or eligibility is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Design HV/MV substations schematics and layouts.
• Specify protection relays, circuit breakers, transformers, and other substation equipment.
• Develop protection philosophies and relay settings.
• Prepare detailed drawings, calculations, and BOQs.
• Ensure designs comply with SANS, IEC, IEEE and client standards.
• Collaborate with project managers, civil engineers, and construction teams.
• Review vendor submittals for design conformity.
• Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and testing.
• Conduct site visits and inspections.
• Stay updated on substation design and protection practices.

Skills

Substation design

Protection coordination

HV/MV switchgear

Protection relay settings

Electrical schematics

Team collaboration

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

BEng Electrical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent engineering and construction firm specializing in energy infrastructure, is seeking a dedicated Electrical Design Engineer with expertise in substations and protection systems to join their team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This role is integral to the design and development of high-voltage (HV) and medium-voltage (MV) substations, ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of power transmission and distribution networks. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of substation design principles, protection relay settings, switchgear application, and relevant South African codes and standards. You will be responsible for preparing detailed engineering designs, specifications, and drawings, and will collaborate with project teams throughout the project lifecycle. We are looking for a technically proficient engineer who is eager to contribute to significant infrastructure projects within the Mpumalanga region. This hands-on design role requires meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving, ensuring that projects are delivered to the highest standards of quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical schematics and layouts for HV/MV substations, including single-line diagrams, equipment specifications, and grounding systems.
• Specify, select, and apply protection relays, circuit breakers, transformers, and other substation equipment.
• Develop protection philosophies and settings for various substation configurations.
• Prepare detailed engineering drawings, calculations, and Bill of Quantities (BOQs).
• Ensure designs comply with relevant national and international standards (e.g., SANS, IEC, IEEE) and client requirements.
• Collaborate with project managers, civil engineers, and construction teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Review vendor submittals and drawings to ensure compliance with design specifications.
• Provide technical support during the construction, commissioning, and testing phases of substation projects.
• Conduct site visits and inspections as necessary.
• Stay updated on the latest technologies and best practices in substation design and protection engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical engineering, with a specific focus on substation design and power system protection.
• Proficiency in substation design software and tools.
• Solid understanding of protection relay coordination and settings calculations.
• Knowledge of South African utility standards and practices.
• Experience with HV/MV switchgear, transformers, and associated equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple tasks.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration or eligibility is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a retirement fund, and opportunities for professional development and further training. You will gain valuable experience working on diverse and critical infrastructure projects in the Mpumalanga region. Join a dynamic team within a well-established company that prioritizes safety, quality, and innovation. We provide a supportive work environment that encourages career growth and skill enhancement. Be part of a team that is essential to the energy infrastructure development in South Africa . Paid leave and other statutory benefits are included. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in substation and protection engineering.