Electrical Engineers

Motla; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Motla in Cape Town seeks a Senior Electrical Engineer to lead electrical design and technical reviews of renewable energy evacuation infrastructure. You’ll own designs from concept to commissioning, including substations, switching stations and overhead lines, while driving grid connection compliance.

You will guide junior engineers, review contractor submittals, and ensure project quality and risk management, with travel to sites across South Africa as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ post-qualification experience in electrical engineering.
• Direct, hands-on experience with 11kV to 132kV substations and overhead lines.
• Knowledge of grid connection requirements and renewable energy evacuation systems.
• Engineering degree (B.Eng or BSc Eng) with ECSA registration or eligibility.
• Strong protection, earthing, switching and power system fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design of energy evacuation systems from 11kV to 132kV.
• Develop and review overhead line designs including route inputs and structures.
• Prepare single line diagrams, layouts and protection coordination studies.
• Interface with utilities and grid authorities on approvals and codes.
• Review contractor designs and technical submissions.
• Prepare technical specifications and evaluate tenders.
• Provide site support during construction, testing and handover.
• Prepare technical reports and design documentation to standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to Motla's standards.
• Manage technical risk and escalate issues to Office Manager/Director.

Skills

11kV to 132kV experience

Protection & control

Grid connection knowledge

Electrical design

Mentoring junior engineers

Technical reporting

Travel readiness

Hands-on electrical design

Education

B.Eng or BSc Eng in Electrical Engineering

ECSA registration or eligible

Tools

Power system analysis software

Job description

Company Description Motla is a South African renewable energy engineering company that has been partnering with leading organizations since 1997 to build sustainable energy solutions. The company delivers turnkey Solar PV systems, Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS), and electrical engineering consulting services across Southern Africa. With over R2 billion in capital projects managed and more than 1,500 installations, Motla serves commercial, industrial, agricultural, and utility-scale clients. The team brings extensive engineering expertise, supported by a strong track record in energy audits and grid-independence strategies, with offices across all nine provinces. Motla’s projects focus on reliable, clean energy solutions that address load-shedding and long-term energy resilience.

Role Description The Senior Electrical Engineer will lead the electrical design and technical review of renewable energy evacuation infrastructure, including substations, switching stations, overhead lines and associated grid connection works. The role covers projects from concept and design through procurement, construction support and commissioning, and requires a hands-on engineer who can take technical ownership and make sound decisions under project pressure.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• ·Lead the electrical design of energy evacuation systems from 11kV through to 132kV, including substations, switchgear arrangements, protection and control schemes, and metering.
• ·Develop and review overhead line designs, including route selection inputs, conductor and structure selection, clearances, and earthing.
• ·Prepare and review single line diagrams, layouts, protection coordination studies, earthing studies and equipment specifications.
• ·Interface with utilities, network operators and grid authorities on connection requirements, technical approvals and grid code compliance.
• ·Review and evaluate contractor and vendor designs, drawings and technical submissions.
• ·Prepare technical specifications and evaluate tenders to support procurement.
• ·Provide technical support during construction, commissioning and handover, including inspections, testing and resolution of site queries.
• ·Prepare technical reports, calculations and design documentation to project and client standards.
• ·Mentor junior and intermediate engineers and contribute to Motla's technical standards and quality processes.
• ·Manage technical risk on assigned projects and elevate issues to the Office Manager and Director as needed.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• ·Minimum of 10 years' post-qualification experience in electrical engineering.
• ·Direct, hands-on experience with 11kV to 132kV substations and overhead lines. This is essential.
• ·Demonstrable knowledge of grid connection requirements and renewable energy evacuation systems.
• ·Relevant engineering qualification (B.Eng or BSc Eng in Electrical Engineering or equivalent) and ECSA registration, or eligibility to register.
• ·Sound knowledge of protection, earthing, switching and power system fundamentals.
• ·Familiarity with South African electrical standards and grid codes.
• ·Strong technical report writing and drawing review skills.
• ·Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel to project sites across South Africa.

Please note: Candidates who do not meet the essential experience requirements above should not apply. Shortlisted candidates will be assessed on their technical knowledge in the interview, which will include practical questions on 11kV to 132kV substation and overhead line design.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE

• ·Direct involvement with Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects, including bid, design or construction phases.
• ·Experience with higher voltage systems above 132kV.
• ·Experience in an EPCM or consulting engineering environment.
• ·Experience with power system analysis software and design tools.

REPORTING LINE AND LOCATION

This position is based in Motla's Cape Town office. The successful candidate will report directly to the Office Manager and the Director.