Lead Electrical Engineer - Grid Infrastructure

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Lead Electrical Engineer - Grid Infrastructure in Stellenbosch to lead HV substation and transmission line design, ensuring grid reliability and capacity. The role includes technical oversight, project management, and mentoring a team of engineers.

The candidate should have a Master’s in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems), 10+ years in power utility engineering, and Pr.Eng. registration with ECSA. Renewable integration experience is a strong advantage.

Qualifications

• Extensive HV power systems experience and grid infrastructure expertise.
• Proven leadership and mentoring of engineering teams.
• Strong ability to coordinate with stakeholders and manage complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and engineering of high-voltage substations, transmission lines, and related electrical infrastructure.
• Oversee protection schemes, coordination studies, and fault analysis for the grid.
• Manage project execution from conceptualization through commissioning, ensuring budget, schedule and quality.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to engineering teams and project stakeholders.
• Review and approve technical designs, specifications, and calculations.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with planning, operations, and maintenance to integrate new infrastructure.
• Conduct site visits for inspections, feasibility studies, and problem-solving.
• Manage external consultants and contractors involved in projects.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

High voltage engineering

Power systems analysis

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) registration with ECSA

Tools

ETAP

PSS/E

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major utility provider committed to enhancing the regional energy network, is seeking a seasoned and results-driven Lead Electrical Engineer - Grid Infrastructure for their operations in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This senior position will involve leading the design, development, and implementation of critical electrical infrastructure projects, ensuring the reliability and capacity of the power grid. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in high-voltage systems, substation design, transmission lines, and power system protection. You will be responsible for technical oversight, project management, and mentoring a team of engineers. This is an excellent opportunity to take on a leadership role in shaping the future of energy infrastructure in the Western Cape , working for a company dedicated to innovation and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of high-voltage substations, transmission lines, and related electrical infrastructure.
• Oversee the development of protection schemes, coordination studies, and fault analysis for the grid.
• Manage project execution from conceptualization through to commissioning, ensuring adherence to budget, schedule, and quality standards.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to engineering teams and project stakeholders.
• Review and approve technical designs, specifications, and calculations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, codes, and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with planning, operations, and maintenance departments to integrate new infrastructure seamlessly.
• Conduct site visits for inspections, feasibility studies, and problem-solving.
• Manage external consultants and contractors involved in infrastructure projects.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical power utility engineering, with a significant portion focused on grid infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience in leading design and execution of high-voltage projects (e.g., substations, transmission lines).
• Strong knowledge of power system analysis, protection relays, and control systems.
• Proficiency in relevant engineering software (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E, AutoCAD Electrical).
• Proven leadership and project management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Experience with renewable energy integration into the grid is a strong advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with excellent benefits, including medical aid, pension fund, and performance bonuses.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Exposure to large-scale, impactful infrastructure projects in a beautiful region.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance.
• Potential for overtime compensation and project completion bonuses.