Grid Modernization Specialist

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive salary

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Grid Modernization Specialist to drive planning, implementation and oversight of smart grid initiatives in South Africa. This remote role focuses on integrating technologies like ADMS, DERMS and AMI to improve reliability and resilience across the grid.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in power systems, 7+ years in the utility sector, and the ability to collaborate across engineering, IT and operations teams from a distributed work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years in the utility sector focusing on grid operations or power systems.
• Proven experience with ADMS, DERMS, AMI, or other grid modernization tech.
• Strong understanding of power systems, grid infrastructure, and control systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder interaction skills.
• Familiarity with utility cybersecurity standards.
• Experience with data analysis and visualization tools a plus.
• Located in Benoni, Gauteng or willing to travel for meetings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans for grid modernization projects.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies for grid enhancement.
• Manage the implementation of AMI, SCADA, and DERMS.
• Analyze grid performance data to identify improvements and issues.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations and IT for seamless integration.
• Develop technical specifications and procurement documents.
• Ensure compliance with standards, regulations and cybersecurity practices.
• Provide technical guidance to project teams and stakeholders.
• Monitor progress, manage risks and ensure timely delivery.
• Research trends and best practices in grid modernization.

Skills

ADMS

DERMS

AMI

Power systems

Project management

Data analysis

Cybersecurity

Stakeholder comms

Grid operations

Education

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering / related field

Tools

SCADA

AMI tools

DERMS platforms

Power system analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading utility infrastructure company, is seeking a forward-thinking Grid Modernization Specialist to join their team. This role is crucial for the planning, implementation, and oversight of initiatives aimed at upgrading and modernizing the electrical grid. You will focus on integrating new technologies such as smart meters, advanced distribution management systems (ADMS), and distributed energy resources (DERs) to enhance grid reliability, efficiency, and resilience. This is a remote position, allowing you to contribute to critical infrastructure projects from anywhere in South Africa. Our client is dedicated to fostering a collaborative remote work culture, powered by advanced digital communication tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans for grid modernization projects.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and solutions for grid enhancement.
• Manage the implementation of smart grid technologies, including AMI, SCADA, and DERMS.
• Analyze grid performance data to identify areas for improvement and potential issues.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and IT departments to ensure seamless integration of new systems.
• Develop technical specifications and procurement documents for grid modernization equipment and software.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to project teams and stakeholders.
• Monitor project progress, manage risks, and ensure timely delivery of modernization initiatives.
• Research emerging trends and best practices in grid modernization and smart grid development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the utility sector, with a focus on grid operations, smart grid technologies, or power systems engineering.
• Proven experience with ADMS, DERMS, AMI, or other grid modernization technologies.
• Strong understanding of power system principles, grid infrastructure, and control systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with utility cybersecurity standards and protocols.
• Experience with data analysis and visualization tools is a plus.
• Located in Benoni, Gauteng or ability to travel as needed for critical project meetings or site visits.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and retirement fund contributions.
• This remote role provides significant flexibility, allowing for a healthy work-life balance.
• You will be instrumental in shaping the future of the electrical grid, working on impactful and innovative projects.
• Our client fosters a culture of continuous learning and provides opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Join a leading company that is driving the energy transition and contributing to a more reliable and sustainable energy future.