Lead Electrical Engineer - Grid Integration

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary package

Medical aid and pension benefits

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer focused on grid integration in Rustenburg. You will oversee a team of engineers, drive grid connection designs, and perform in-depth power system studies to ensure reliable integration of renewables into the grid.

You will collaborate with regulators and grid operators, ensure compliance with codes, and guide protection schemes while advancing transmission and distribution initiatives in a modern energy context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Master's degree with Power Systems specialization preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive electrical engineering experience with emphasis on power systems and grid studies.
• Extensive experience with grid integration of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, storage).
• Proficiency with power system analysis software: ETAP, PSS/E, PSCAD or equivalents.
• Knowledge of protection relays, substation design, and transmission line engineering.
• Pr.Eng. registration with ECSA is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design and implementation of grid connection solutions for generation facilities.
• Perform detailed power system studies: load flow, short circuit, stability, protection coordination.
• Develop and review grid interconnection studies and technical proposals.
• Ensure compliance with national and international grid codes and standards.
• Provide expert advice on protection schemes and equipment selection.
• Manage engineering teams, mentor junior engineers, oversee project deliverables.
• Collaborate with regulators, grid operators and stakeholders for approvals.
• Troubleshoot grid integration issues and develop effective solutions.
• Contribute to strategic planning of transmission and distribution upgrades.
• Stay updated on grid technologies, energy storage, and distributed generation.

Skills

Power systems analysis

Leadership/Team management

Problem solving

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering

Master's in Power Systems (preferred)

Tools

ETAP

PSS/E

PSCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major utility company operating in the North West province, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Electrical Engineer specializing in Grid Integration . This critical role, based in Rustenburg , will be responsible for ensuring the stable and reliable integration of new energy sources, including renewable power plants, into the existing electrical grid. You will lead a team of engineers, providing technical guidance and strategic direction to address the challenges of a modernizing power network. This position requires deep technical expertise in power systems analysis, grid codes, and protection systems. The successful candidate will play a key role in safeguarding grid stability and optimizing energy flow in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. This is an on-site position requiring full dedication to the company's operations in the specified location.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design and implementation of grid connection solutions for power generation facilities.
• Perform detailed power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, stability, and protection coordination analyses.
• Develop and review grid interconnection studies and technical proposals.
• Ensure compliance with national and international grid codes and standards.
• Provide expert advice on power system protection schemes and equipment selection.
• Manage engineering teams, mentor junior engineers, and oversee project deliverables.
• Collaborate with regulatory bodies, grid operators, and other stakeholders to facilitate project approvals.
• Troubleshoot complex grid integration issues and develop effective solutions.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of the company's transmission and distribution network upgrades.
• Stay current with advancements in grid technologies, energy storage, and distributed generation.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized institution.
• A Master's degree with a specialization in Power Systems is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, with a strong focus on power systems, grid studies, and interconnection.
• Extensive experience with grid integration of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, battery storage).
• Proficiency in power system analysis software such as ETAP, PSS/E, PSCAD, or equivalent.
• Thorough understanding of protection relays, substation design, and transmission line engineering.
• Knowledge of relevant South African grid codes and regulatory requirements.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound engineering judgments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with diverse stakeholders.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) registration with ECSA is mandatory.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package designed to attract top talent, along with performance-based incentives.
• A comprehensive benefits program includes excellent medical aid coverage, a robust pension fund, and life insurance.
• The role provides significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading utility company.
• You will work on challenging and high-impact projects that are crucial for the energy security of the region.
• Relocation assistance may be available for candidates relocating to Rustenburg .
• This role is based on-site, offering a stable and predictable work environment.