Junior Substation Design Engineer - Primary Plant

Junior Substation Design Engineer - Primary Plant

WSP is one of the most diverse consulting firms in Africa.

To further our strategic business execution plan, we are seeking leaders that share our guiding principles – we value our people and our reputation; we are locally dedicated with international scale; we are future focused and challenge the status quo; we foster collaboration in everything we do and we have an empowering culture and hold ourselves accountable.

We are committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment.

Job Description

Key Role

Primarily functioning as a Junior Substation Design Engineer for transmission and distribution projects.

The candidate should have experience with conceptual, preliminary and detailed design of substations with voltages ranging from LV (AC / DC) to kV AC.

Experience with kV AC or DC would be be beneficial.

The main role involves designing and developing electrical substation layouts and systems, ensuring compliance with standards and regulations, under the guidance of senior and principal design engineers.

The candidate can be based in Johannesburg, Durban, or Cape Town offices.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual or functional designs, specifications, bills of quantity, and tender documents for substation projects (11kV to kV) to meet international standards for clients in Southern Africa and beyond.
• Work as part of a team under the supervision of senior or principal engineers.
• Produce detailed engineering drawings, including SLDs, general arrangements, bay layouts, earthing layouts, busbar arrangements, lighting layouts, and protection drawings.
• Perform engineering calculations such as load flow, short circuit, and protection studies, possibly using proprietary software like CDEGS.
• Select appropriate substation equipment like transformers, instrument transformers, and circuit breakers.
• Prepare design reports, calculations, and drawings aligned with stakeholder requirements.
• Develop detailed specifications and bills of materials for equipment.
• Review contractor submitted designs for compliance when detailed engineering is outsourced.
• Ensure adherence to industry standards such as IEC, IEEE, and SANS.
• Attend stakeholder meetings and document minutes.
• Prepare technical documentation and project reports.
• Support during construction and commissioning, including testing, inspections, and progress monitoring.
• Assist in preparing project scopes, methodologies, schedules, and budgets.
• Maintain relationships with internal teams, contractors, and clients.
• Stay updated with technical quality procedures and standards.

Health and Safety

Model SHEQ standards, promote a safe working environment, and contribute to zero harm initiatives. Be aware of health and safety impacts on substation projects.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized institution.
• 3-5 years of experience in substation detailed design – primary plant.
• Working towards professional registration.
• Proficiency with modelling software like CDEGS or similar is advantageous.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., MicroStation).
• Experience with system studies and secondary plant design is a plus.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Fluent in English, spoken and written.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, comfortable working remotely with tools like Microsoft Teams.
• Strong technical report writing skills.
• Effective time and effort management to meet deadlines within budget.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver quality results.

What We Offer

We support work-life balance, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that accepts and values individuals for who they are. Join us to experience a supportive environment that recognizes your needs and contributions.