Grid Integration Engineer - Renewable Energy

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

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Grid Integration Engineer for its Upington, Northern Cape team to lead grid studies and interconnection design for renewables. You will ensure compliance with grid codes and coordinate with operators and equipment manufacturers.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in power systems, hands-on experience with ETAP, PSS/E or DIgSILENT, and strong analytical and communication skills to manage complex interconnection projects in the energy sector.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering with Power Systems specialization.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in power systems engineering, focusing on grid integration.
• Proficient with ETAP, PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory.
• Strong knowledge of grid codes and interconnection standards.
• Experience with PV/wind and energy storage is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Able to work independently and in a team in Upington.

Responsibilities

• Perform power system studies (load flow, short circuit, stability, harmonic) to assess renewable energy impact.
• Develop technical specifications and designs for grid interconnection facilities (substations, transmission lines).
• Ensure compliance with grid codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with grid operators, developers, and equipment manufacturers for interconnection.
• Model renewable energy systems and their interaction with the grid.
• Troubleshoot grid connection and power quality issues.
• Contribute to grid integration strategies and best practices.
• Review and approve interconnection applications and designs.
• Provide technical guidance to project teams throughout the lifecycle.
• Stay updated on grid technologies, energy storage, and smart grid solutions.

Skills

Power systems

Grid integration

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Tools

ETAP

PSS/E

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the development and integration of renewable energy projects, is seeking a highly skilled Grid Integration Engineer to join their technical team in Upington, Northern Cape. This role is paramount to ensuring the seamless and stable connection of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind farms, to the national electricity grid. You will be responsible for performing grid studies, developing interconnection strategies, and ensuring compliance with grid codes and technical standards. This is a critical position for driving the expansion of clean energy in South Africa. The ideal candidate will possess a strong electrical engineering background with specialized knowledge in power systems, grid stability, and renewable energy integration technologies. Your expertise will be vital in overcoming the challenges associated with integrating variable renewable energy sources into the grid in the Northern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, stability, and harmonic analysis, to assess the impact of renewable energy integration.
• Develop technical specifications and designs for grid interconnection facilities, including substations and transmission lines.
• Ensure compliance with national and international grid codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with grid operators, project developers, and equipment manufacturers to facilitate smooth project interconnection.
• Analyze and model the behavior of renewable energy systems (solar PV, wind turbines) and their interaction with the grid.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to grid connection and power quality.
• Contribute to the development of grid integration strategies and best practices.
• Review and approve interconnection applications and designs.
• Provide technical guidance and support to project teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Stay updated on advancements in grid technologies, energy storage, and smart grid solutions relevant to the energy sector.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in power systems engineering, with a specific focus on grid integration of renewable energy sources.
• Proven experience with power system analysis software such as ETAP, PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, or similar.
• Thorough understanding of grid codes, interconnection standards, and power system stability principles.
• Knowledge of renewable energy technologies (PV, wind) and their control systems.
• Familiarity with energy storage systems and their integration is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in Upington.
• Understanding of the South African power system and regulatory environment is highly advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and significant opportunities for professional growth and development within the renewable energy field. This role provides the chance to work on high-impact projects that are shaping the future of the energy sector in South Africa. Join our client and be at the forefront of sustainable energy integration.