Office-Based Grid Engineer (Utility-Scale Solar & Wind)

Pty; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy company seeks an Office-Based Grid Engineer to focus on planning and designing grid connections for solar and wind projects. The role involves conducting power system studies, managing stakeholder engagements, and ensuring compliance with Eskom regulations. Ideal candidates have a BSc/BEng in Electrical Engineering, over five years of relevant experience, and proficiency in power system analysis tools.

Qualifications

• BSc/BEng in Electrical Engineering with a focus on power systems.
• 5+ years of experience in power system analysis and design for renewable projects.
• Familiarity with South African Grid Code and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct grid impact assessments and power system studies.
• Develop grid connection designs and ensure compliance with Eskom standards.
• Prepare technical documentation for grid connection applications.

Skills

Power System Analysis

Grid Integration

Technical Documentation

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

BSc/BEng in Electrical Engineering

Tools

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

AutoCAD

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Introduction

The Office-Based Grid Engineer will focus on the planning, design, and coordination of grid connections for utility-scale solar and wind projects. The role includes conducting power system studies, preparing compliance documentation, and managing stakeholder engagement to ensure projects connect to the Eskom grid efficiently and in full compliance with regulatory requirements. The engineer will collaborate closely with project developers, design teams, EPC contractors, and external consultants, providing technical leadership from project inception through to financial close and construction support.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Power System Studies: Conduct grid impact assessments and power system studies, including load flow, short-circuit, dynamic stability, and power quality analysis. Use advanced simulation tools to assess grid hosting capacity and identify required network upgrades.

• Grid Connection Design: Develop and refine grid connection designs, including single-line diagrams for substations, transformers, transmission lines, and switchgear. Ensure all designs meet Eskom standards and align with the South African Grid Code.

• Compliance Documentation: Prepare technical documentation for grid connection applications, including Grid Impact Study reports, dynamic models, protection philosophies, and compliance dossiers. Ensure timely and accurate submissions to Eskom and NERSA.

• Utility Liaison: Act as the primary contact with Eskom’s Grid Access Unit and municipal distributors. Manage CEL and BQ processes, provide required technical information, and ensure all grid access milestones are met.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with internal teams in development, finance, and project management to integrate grid requirements into overall project planning. Provide input on grid-related costs, risks, and scheduling.

• Bid & Contract Support: Provide technical input for REIPPPP bid submissions and feasibility studies. Support negotiations and drafting of technical schedules in PPAs, EPC contracts, and Grid Connection Agreements.

• Design Review & Oversight: Review and approve technical outputs from consultants and contractors. Verify compliance with Eskom and Grid Code requirements, including substation design, protection settings, and SCADA/telemetry systems.

• Construction & Commissioning Support: Support site teams during construction and commissioning phases by clarifying design assumptions, addressing technical queries, and ensuring successful execution of grid compliance testing.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Education: BSc/BEng in Electrical Engineering (specialization in power systems or electrical energy systems preferred).

• Experience: 5+ years in power system analysis, grid integration, or electrical design engineering for large-scale renewable projects (≥30 MW).

• Professional Registration: ECSA registration (Pr.Eng/Pr.Tech Eng) advantageous. Equivalent international registration may be considered with knowledge of South African regulations.

• Software Proficiency: Strong proficiency in DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSSE, ETAP, PSCAD, or similar power system analysis tools.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Solid understanding of the South African Grid Code, NERSA requirements, and related SANS/NRS standards.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience engaging with Eskom or municipal utilities on grid planning and connection processes, including technical discussions and agreements.

Preferred Certifications & Standards

• Professional Status: ECSA registration (Pr.Eng/Pr.Tech) preferred. Membership in professional bodies (e.g., SAIEE, IEEE) beneficial.

• Technical Training: Courses in DIgSILENT or other modeling software, Grid Code compliance, or protection coordination advantageous.

• Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with IEC/IEEE international standards (e.g., IEC 61400, IEC 62116, IEEE 519) in addition to local codes.

• Eskom Processes: Understanding of Eskom’s connection processes, including Self-Build options and RETEC compliance testing.

• Software & IT: Proficiency in AutoCAD, MATLAB/Python, and MS Office for design, analysis, and documentation.

Industry Knowledge & Alignment