Power Systems Protection Engineer

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Travel allowance

Annual leave

Engineering tools access

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape seeks an experienced Power Systems Protection Engineer to design, set and test protective relaying schemes for generation, transmission and distribution systems. The role blends office engagement with on-site collaboration in a hybrid model to ensure grid reliability.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in protection engineering, expertise with ETAP/PSS/E/ASPEN and modern digital relays, and strong analytical, communication, and schematic interpretation

Qualifications

• BEng or BSc in Electrical Engineering with Power Systems specialization.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in power system protection.
• Experience with protective relays (overcurrent, differential, distance, voltage) settings.
• Proficiency with fault studies using ETAP, PSS/E, ASPEN.
• Experience with digital protective relays and configuration software.
• Strong understanding of power system stability, grounding and fault phenomena.
• Familiarity with testing equipment for protective relays (Omicron).
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to read complex electrical schematics and diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Design and specify protective relaying schemes for transformers, lines, generators and motors.
• Determine relay settings based on system studies and equipment characteristics.
• Develop test procedures and perform commissioning tests for protective relays.
• Analyze disturbances and performance data to identify protection issues and improvements.
• Maintain and update protection system documentation (single-line diagrams, diagrams, settings files).
• Collaborate with planning, operations and field teams for protection performance.
• Stay current with protection tech, including digital relays and cybersecurity.
• Provide technical support to junior engineers and field personnel.
• Participate in root cause analysis of faults and protection failures.
• Contribute to development of protection standards and guidelines.

Skills

Power systems protection

Protective relays configuration

Fault analysis

Communication skills

Education

BEng / BSc Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Tools

ETAP

PSS/E

ASPEN

Omicron

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent utility services provider, is seeking an experienced Power Systems Protection Engineer to join their team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This role operates on a hybrid basis, requiring regular engagement at our regional office while allowing for flexible remote work arrangements. You will be responsible for the design, setting, testing, and maintenance of protective relaying schemes for generation, transmission, and distribution systems. This position is critical to ensuring the stability, reliability, and safety of the power grid. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical mind, meticulous attention to detail, and a comprehensive understanding of power system dynamics and protection principles. You will work on a variety of challenging projects, contributing directly to the integrity of our electrical infrastructure. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in a vital industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and specify protective relaying schemes for power system equipment, including transformers, lines, generators, and motors.
• Determine appropriate relay settings based on system studies, fault analysis, and equipment characteristics.
• Develop test procedures and perform commissioning tests for newly installed or modified protective relays and schemes.
• Analyze system disturbances and performance data to identify protection-related issues and recommend improvements.
• Maintain and update protection system documentation, including single-line diagrams, logic diagrams, and settings files.
• Collaborate with system planning, operations, and field maintenance teams to ensure effective protection system performance.
• Stay current with advancements in protection technology, including digital relays and cybersecurity for protection systems.
• Provide technical expertise and support to junior engineers and field personnel.
• Participate in root cause analysis of power system faults and protection failures.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of protection standards and guidelines.

Requirements

• BEng or BSc in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in Power Systems.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in power system protection engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in the application and settings of various types of protective relays (e.g., overcurrent, differential, distance, voltage).
• Proficiency with power system analysis software for fault studies (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E, ASPEN).
• Experience with modern digital protective relays and their configuration software.
• Strong understanding of power system stability, grounding, and fault phenomena.
• Familiarity with testing equipment and techniques for protective relays (e.g., Omicron).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, crucial for hybrid collaboration.
• Ability to interpret complex electrical schematics and system diagrams.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including annual bonuses and excellent medical aid coverage.
• A company pension fund is in place.
• Professional development is actively encouraged, with opportunities for advanced training, certifications, and attending industry conferences.
• The hybrid work model offers a balance between office‑based teamwork and remote flexibility.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance provided for site visits.
• Generous annual leave and other benefits are standard.
• Employees have access to advanced engineering tools and resources.
• This role presents a significant opportunity for growth and impact within the essential services sector, contributing to the reliability of power supply in the region.