Electrical Engineering Specialist - High Voltage Systems

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 482,000 - 964,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote position

Flexible schedule

Occasional travel for milestones

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly specialized Electrical Engineering Specialist with extensive HV experience to work remotely. You will provide expert guidance on HV systems, review designs, and mentor junior staff across a national grid network.

The role requires a Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Power Systems or HV, 10+ years in HV, and PE/Pr. Eng. registration is preferred. Remote work offers flexibility with occasional on-site milestones.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering with HV focus.
• 10+ years experience in HV electrical systems (132kV +).
• Expertise in HV protection, substation design, switchgear and transformers.
• Experience with power system studies (load flow, short circuit, transient stability) using PSS/E/PSCAD/DigSILENT.
• Strong communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• PE/Pr. Eng. or international registration preferred.
• Forensic engineering experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on HV electrical systems including substations, transmission lines, and switchgear.
• Review HV designs, protection settings, and commissioning plans.
• Conduct root cause analysis for HV failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop standards and procedures for HV operations and maintenance.
• Perform feasibility studies and risk assessments for HV upgrades.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with PMs and site teams for safe project execution.
• Stay updated on HV trends and regulatory changes.
• Contribute to long-term asset management of HV equipment.
• Represent the company in industry forums and committees.

Skills

HV protection relays

Substation design

Switchgear

Transformers

Power system studies

PSS/E

PSCAD

DigSILENT PowerFactory

Grid codes

Remote work

Pr. Eng.

Forensic engineering

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems/High Voltage)

Tools

PSS/E

PSCAD

DigSILENT PowerFactory

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the energy sector, is looking for a highly specialized Electrical Engineering Specialist with extensive experience in High Voltage (HV) Systems to join their team remotely. This is a critical role focused on providing expert technical consultation, design review, and problem-solving for our client's extensive HV infrastructure across various operational sites. You will leverage your deep understanding of HV equipment, protection schemes, and grid integration to ensure the reliability, safety, and efficiency of our power network. This fully remote position offers the unique opportunity to apply your specialized knowledge from anywhere, contributing to vital energy projects without the constraints of a physical office. If you are a seasoned HV expert seeking a flexible and impactful role, this is an ideal opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical guidance and support on all aspects of High Voltage (HV) electrical systems, including substations, transmission lines, and switchgear.
• Review and approve HV system designs, protection settings, and commissioning plans submitted by project teams or external consultants.
• Conduct root cause analysis for HV system failures and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Develop and update technical standards, procedures, and best practices for HV operations and maintenance.
• Perform feasibility studies and risk assessments for proposed HV system upgrades or new installations.
• Mentor and advise junior engineers and field technicians on complex HV technical issues.
• Collaborate with project managers, site engineers, and operations teams to ensure safe and efficient project execution.
• Stay current with technological advancements, industry trends, and regulatory changes in the HV domain.
• Contribute to the development of long-term asset management strategies for HV equipment.
• Participate in industry forums and technical committees as a representative of the company.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Power Systems or High Voltage Engineering.
• A minimum of 10 years of in-depth experience with High Voltage (HV) electrical systems (e.g., 132kV and above).
• Proven expertise in HV protection relays, substation design, switchgear, transformers, and underground/overhead lines.
• Demonstrated experience in performing power system studies (e.g., load flow, short circuit, transient stability) using software like PSS/E, PSCAD, or DigSILENT PowerFactory.
• In-depth understanding of grid codes and power system interconnection requirements.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively in a remote setting.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) or equivalent international registration is highly preferred.
• Experience in forensic engineering or failure analysis of HV equipment is a strong asset.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive contractor rate, allowing for significant earning potential. As a fully remote position, you gain unparalleled flexibility and autonomy. Our client provides access to cutting-edge projects and the opportunity to shape the future of the energy infrastructure. You will work with a highly experienced team of professionals and have the chance to influence critical decisions impacting the national power grid. This is an exceptional opportunity for a top-tier HV specialist to leverage their expertise remotely, based anywhere, while contributing significantly to major energy initiatives. Although remote, regular virtual collaboration sessions are expected, and occasional on-site travel may be required for critical project milestones.