Master Electrician

Transnet Company; Christiana; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Transnet invites applications for an Electrical Substations Artisan based in Christiana. You will inspect, test, fault-find and repair substations, traction power supplies, and associated HV equipment to support reliable train operations.

The role covers fault diagnosis, transformer maintenance, relay testing, and high-voltage safety, requiring a strong safety mindset and good teamwork. A valid driver license and relevant courses are essential for service delivery.

Qualifications

• Grade 12/N3 is required with a trade trade test red seal.
• Minimum 5 years of artisan experience in electrical work.
• Valid code B driver's license is preferred.
• Completed courses for 6.6kV/11kV AC and 3kV DC traction systems.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, test, fault find and repair substations and traction power systems.
• Service high voltage circuit breakers and transformers and monitor for faults.
• Perform pre-trip inspections and attend emergency breakdown calls.
• Maintain batteries, PLC readings and ensure safe storage of equipment.
• Adhere to safety and business standards in all maintenance tasks.
• Prepare reports for Technical Supervisor on work performed.

Skills

Analytical ability

Problem solving

Fault finding

Teamwork

Report writing

Schematic diagrams reading

Decision making

Time management

First aid

Fire fighting

Computer Literacy

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Conflict Management

Project Management

Leadership

Team building

Root cause analysis

Quality orientated

Education

Grade 12/N3

Trade Test red seal

Tools

OBML modules

Electrical power systems course

6.6kV / 11kV training

Job description

• Operating Division: Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM)
• Employee Group: Permanent
• Department: RN-COR-CEN-ELE-Subs & Distrib B-KYN-CAR
• Location: Christiana
• Reporting To: Technical Supervisor
• Grade: H3
• Reference: req6010

The closing date is on 19/10/2026. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that HR has received the application before the closing date of the advertisement.

Position Purpose

To ensure reliable operationalservice of Electrical Sub-stations for train operations and transmissiondistribution and Traction systems. Under general supervisioninspect, test, fault finding, repairs and maintain substations traction powersupplies, overhead track equipment and transmission lines (all types) to ensureavailability and efficient supply of electric power and support for thecontinuous operations of the company’s electric substation and signallingwithin company for the running of trains and other operational requirements inaccordance with sound knowledge of substation circuitry, safety and businessstandards.

Position Outputs

• 1. Responsible for finding and investigating electrical faults within the substation and signal supply points and fixing them after thorough investigation has been conducted based on the approved maintenance program received from the Supervisor or instruction received from the centralised electrical control office Service and maintain high voltage circuit breakers, minimum and bulk oil, SF6 gas and vacuum breakers to detect malfunctioning and any leakages/damages and determine resistance and load for appropriate action plan.
• 2. Service and maintain transformers (main and auxiliary) to detect malfunctioning and any leakages/damages and determine if they are in good working condition and decide whether immediate or pre-planned action is required.
• 3. Check earthing of current and voltage transformers and the block jointing of secondary side cables to ensure that they are in good working condition by performing the following activities.
• 4. Service and maintain 3kV DC silicon diode rectifier and wave filter equipment to detect malfunctioning and any leakages/damages and determine resistance and load for appropriate action plan.
• 5. Examine the 3Kv DC Busbar and the under-voltage relay to determine any earth leakage circuits and ensure that under-voltage relay drop out and pick up operations are correct.
• 6. Service and maintain high speed circuit breakers to ensure that they are in good condition and repair any detected failures and malfunctions in accordance with sound knowledge of substation circuitry, safety, and business standards.
• 7. Service and maintain batteries and battery chargers to ensure that they are in good working condition by checking connection for tightness and adjust them accordingly where applicable and boost charge current in accordance with safety standards and battery ampere hour capacity.
• 8. Ensure that the equipment is regenerated by obtaining reading from the PLC microprocessor, analyses and rectifies faults.
• 9. Responsible for the safe storage and control of equipment and material kept on his/her vehicle.
• 10. Carries out good housekeeping to ensure the working area, machinery and tools are kept clean and tidy after all repairs and maintenance work has been completed.
• 11. Perform general administration related to the job by compiling and submitting reports to the Technical Supervisor for work performed and other related matters.
• 12. Carries out pre-trip inspection on equipment, road vehicles, road-rail vehicles, employee protective equipment and lifting equipment to ensure that they are in good condition and usable.
• 13. Attend to emergency callouts on breakdowns and any equipment failures.
• 14. 25kv maintenance of outdoor and Vacuum Circuit Breakers ,11KV OCB and fault finding on faulty breakers.
• 15. Seal leaking and sweating Transformers.
• 16. Be able to adjust tap changers on the transformer as per required voltages.
• 17. Trouble shooting on telecontrol equipment.
• 18. Stringing of substation flying busbars.
• 19. Installation of 11kv and 25kv Auxiliary Transformers.
• 20. High Voltage and medium voltage joining and termination.

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12/N3
• Trade Test red seal
• Minimum of 5 Years experience as an artisan
• Working at Heights
• Completed all the OBML modules
• Be in possession of code B driver's license and be competent and prepared to drive such a vehicle
• Passed 6.6kV and 11kV AC course or Electrical power systems course (3 months duration)
• Passed training on 3kV DC, 25kv AC, 50KV AC (Electrical Traction System) and Electrical power systems course
• A red/brown certificate 6.6kv AC, 11kV AC, 25kV AC, 50Kv AC and 3kV DC
• Physically fit
• Medical fitness
• Good visual acuity

Competencies

• KNOWLEDGE:
  • Electrical maintenance
  • Electrical system
  • Safety policy and procedures/Act 85
  • High voltage safety instruction
  • Fleet management policy and procedures
  • Electrical Norms and standards
  • Material and equipment
  • Wiring premises
  • (SABS0142 of 1993)
  • SANS 3000-4
  • High voltage
• SKILLS:
  • Analytical ability
  • Problem solving
  • Fault finding
  • Teamwork
  • Report writing
  • Schematic diagrams reading
  • Decision making and business acumen.
  • Time management
  • First aid
  • Fire fighting
  • Computer Literacy
  • Communication/Networking
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Conflict Management
  • Negotiation
  • Project Management
  • Decision Making
  • Supervisory
  • Root cause analysis
  • Work under pressure
  • Leadership
  • Team building
  • Ability to manage and coordinate resource and teams efficiently
• ATTITUDIES:
  • Quality orientated
  • Self confidence
  • Cost conscious
  • Results orientated
  • Reliable
  • Safety conscious
  • Senses of urgency
  • Responsible
  • Positive attitude
  • Fair decision making
  • Approachable
  • Leadership
  • Right temperament

Equity Statement

Preference will be given to suitably qualified Applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Organisation/Operating Division.

Disclaimer

If you have not heard from Transnet within 90 days, please consider your application as unsuccessful.