Lead Protection and Control Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid & provident fund

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Lead Protection and Control Engineer to guide protection system design for HV substations and transmission networks. You will lead relay settings, fault analysis, and system coordination while mentoring a team to ensure reliability and safety.

You will shape technical standards and collaborate with project teams across the region, applying the latest practices in power system protection. Cape Town-based role with strong career growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with Power Systems focus.
• Minimum of 10 years in power system protection and control.
• Deep knowledge of protection relays and practical application.
• Proficiency in protection system analysis software.
• Experience with SCADA and comms protocols (DNP3/IEC 61850).
• Demonstrated leadership; PE registration desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of protection schemes for HV systems.
• Develop and verify relay settings for protection devices.
• Conduct fault studies and analyze disturbances for corrective action.
• Oversee testing and commissioning of protection equipment.
• Maintain technical standards and project documentation.
• Mentor protection engineers and coordinate with teams.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance for reliability.
• Stay updated on new protection tech and best practices.

Skills

Protection & control leadership

Relay settings & coordination

Fault analysis

Team leadership

Substation design principles

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

ASPEN

ETAP

DNP3

IEC 61850

Protection relays (SEL/GE/ABB)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent utility infrastructure provider, is actively seeking a Lead Protection and Control Engineer to join their esteemed engineering department in **Cape Town**. This critical leadership position is responsible for the strategic direction and execution of protection and control system designs for high-voltage substations and transmission networks across the region. You will play a key role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and operational integrity of the power grid. The successful candidate will bring a wealth of expertise in relay settings, system coordination, and fault analysis, alongside strong leadership qualities. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence the operational standards and technological advancements within the South African power sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of protection and control schemes for high-voltage electrical systems.
• Develop and verify relay settings for various protection devices, ensuring optimal system coordination and fault discrimination.
• Conduct comprehensive fault studies and analyze system disturbances to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Oversee the testing and commissioning of protection and control equipment.
• Develop and maintain technical standards, specifications, and documentation related to protection systems.
• Mentor and guide a team of protection engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Collaborate with project teams, operations, and maintenance personnel to ensure seamless integration and reliable performance of protection systems.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and industry best practices in power system protection.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems focus preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in power system protection and control engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of protection relays (e.g., SEL, GE, ABB) and their application.
• Proficiency in protection system analysis software (e.g., ASPEN, ETAP).
• Experience with SCADA systems and communication protocols (e.g., DNP3, IEC 61850).
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Strong understanding of substation design principles and grid codes.
• Excellent technical writing and presentation skills, particularly for the **Cape Town** office.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration is highly desirable.

Benefits

• This role comes with a highly competitive salary, an attractive bonus structure, comprehensive medical aid and provident fund benefits, and significant opportunities for career advancement.
• Our client values continuous learning and supports professional development through training and conference attendance.
• You will be part of a forward-thinking organization committed to maintaining a secure and stable power supply for **Cape Town** and the wider region.