Electrical Engineer - Substations and Transmission

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks an experienced Electrical Engineer to join the energy infrastructure team in Sandton. You will design, manage, and oversee HV substations and transmission projects to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in power systems, Pr.Eng/ECSA eligibility, and hands-on expertise with ETAP, PSS/E or DIgSILENT. This role offers growth, rigorous standards, and opportunities to influence the national grid resilience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years of power systems experience (HV substations).
• Pr.Eng with ECSA or eligible for registration.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer high-voltage substations up to 400kV.
• Manage electrical aspects from concept to commissioning.
• Perform load flow, short circuit, and protection studies.
• Develop specifications, drawings, and tender documents.
• Oversee contractors and ensure safety and timelines.
• Ensure compliance with SANS, IEC, IEEE standards.
• Conduct site inspections during construction and testing.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide the team.

Skills

Power systems engineering

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Pr.Eng registration or eligible

Tools

ETAP

PSS/E

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major national energy infrastructure company, is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to join their dedicated team focusing on substations and transmission infrastructure in the Sandton, Gauteng area. This critical role involves the design, project management, and oversight of high-voltage substation projects, ensuring compliance with rigorous safety and technical standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in power systems engineering, with a deep understanding of substation equipment, protection systems, and grid integration. You will play a key part in maintaining and upgrading South Africa's vital energy network. We are looking for a highly competent, safety-focused engineer who can manage complex projects and contribute to the reliability of the national power grid. This is an opportunity to work on significant infrastructure projects with lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer high-voltage substations (up to 400kV), including the specification of switchgear, transformers, busbars, and protection schemes.
• Manage the electrical aspects of substation projects from conceptualization through to commissioning.
• Perform detailed engineering studies, including load flow, short circuit analysis, and protection coordination.
• Develop technical specifications, drawings, and tender documents for substation equipment and construction.
• Oversee contractors and vendors during project execution, ensuring adherence to quality, safety, and timelines.
• Ensure all designs and installations comply with relevant national and international standards (e.g., SANS, IEC, IEEE).
• Conduct site inspections and provide technical support during construction, testing, and commissioning phases.
• Investigate technical issues and failures within the transmission network and propose solutions.
• Contribute to the development of long-term asset management and maintenance strategies for substations.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in power systems engineering, with a strong focus on high-voltage substations and transmission lines.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration with ECSA or eligibility for registration.
• In-depth knowledge of substation design principles, equipment (transformers, circuit breakers, etc.), and protection relays.
• Proficiency in power system analysis software (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory).
• Experience managing complex electrical infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations and practices in high-voltage environments.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to project sites across South Africa.
• Must be based in or able to commute to Sandton, Gauteng .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits. Opportunities for advanced training and professional development, including international conferences and courses, are readily available. Employees work on critical national infrastructure projects and contribute to energy security. A dynamic work environment with opportunities for career progression is provided. Performance-based bonuses and excellent leave conditions are part of the package. Join a leading organization that values technical expertise and innovation in the energy sector.