Power System Protection Engineer

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous leave

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 invites a meticulous Power System Protection Engineer to join their critical infrastructure team in Upington, Northern Cape. You will design, implement, and maintain protection schemes for substations, lines, and generation facilities to safeguard the grid.

You will analyze faults, set protection relays, and ensure compliance with SANS, IEEE, and IEC standards while coordinating with SCADA and field technicians.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, power systems specialization.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in power system protection engineering.
• Strong understanding of protection principles for various equipment and networks.
• Proficient with protection test equipment and simulation software (Omicron, Doble, ETAP, PSS/E, ASPEN).
• ECSA registration is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and commission protection relay settings for transformers, circuit breakers, busbars, and lines.
• Perform fault calculations and system studies (short circuit, stability, arc flash) to determine protection strategies.
• Develop and review protection schemes, single-line diagrams, and logic diagrams.
• Analyze system disturbances and provide root-cause analysis for protection-related issues.
• Ensure compliance with national/international standards (SANS, IEEE, IEC) for power system protection.
• Collaborate with system operators, SCADA engineers, and field technicians to implement and maintain protection systems.
• Prepare technical specifications for protection equipment and participate in procurement processes.
• Develop and deliver training programs on power system protection principles and practices.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Tools

ETAP

PSS/E

ASPEN

Omicron

Doble

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a meticulous and experienced Power System Protection Engineer to join their critical infrastructure team in Upington, Northern Cape . This role is paramount in ensuring the safety, reliability, and stability of the electrical grid by designing, implementing, and maintaining protection schemes for substations, transmission lines, and generation facilities. You will be responsible for analyzing system disturbances, developing protection settings, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This is a vital position for an engineer dedicated to maintaining the integrity of South Africa's power network, especially as it integrates more renewable energy sources.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and commission protection relay settings for various electrical equipment, including transformers, circuit breakers, busbars, and lines.
• Perform fault calculations and system studies (e.g., short circuit, stability, arc flash) to determine appropriate protection strategies.
• Develop and review protection schemes, single-line diagrams, and logic diagrams.
• Analyze system disturbances and provide root cause analysis for protection-related issues.
• Ensure compliance with relevant national and international standards (e.g., SANS, IEEE, IEC) for power system protection.
• Collaborate with system operators, SCADA engineers, and field technicians to implement and maintain protection systems.
• Prepare technical specifications for protection equipment and participate in procurement processes.
• Develop and deliver training programs on power system protection principles and practices.
• Stay updated on the latest technologies and best practices in power system protection, including digital relays and intelligent grid technologies.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of protection philosophies and standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in Power Systems.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in power system protection engineering.
• Strong understanding of protection principles for various types of electrical equipment and network configurations.
• Proficiency with protection relay test equipment (e.g., Omicron, Doble) and simulation software (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E, ASPEN).
• In-depth knowledge of AC/DC network analysis, fault studies, and transient phenomena.
• Familiarity with substation design and operation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid is a plus.
• Registration with ECSA is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave and sick leave benefits.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and advanced certifications.
• Exposure to complex and critical power system infrastructure projects.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• Supportive team environment with experienced professionals.