Power Systems Protection Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24, based in Vereeniging, South Africa, seeks a Power Systems Protection Engineer to design, implement, test and maintain protective relaying for HV transmission and distribution networks. This hybrid role is based in Vereeniging with travel to project sites.

The ideal candidate holds a BEng in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems) with 5+ years in protection engineering, experience with GE/Siemens/SEL relays, Omicron/Doble testing, and strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in power system protection engineering within utility or consulting environments.
• In-depth knowledge of power system theory, fault calculations, and symmetrical components.
• Proficiency with protection relaying hardware (GE, Siemens, SEL) and software.
• Experience with testing equipment (Omicron, Doble) and testing procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and excellent written/verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Design and specify protective relaying schemes for transmission and distribution substations and power plants.
• Develop and review protection settings for various relay types (overcurrent, distance, differential, busbar).
• Perform fault analysis and simulations to validate protection system designs.
• Conduct factory and site acceptance testing of protective relaying equipment.
• Commission new protection systems and troubleshoot existing ones.
• Develop and maintain documentation (single-line diagrams, schematics, protection philosophy).
• Collaborate with grid operations, planning engineers, and field maintenance teams in Gauteng.

Skills

Power systems protection

Fault analysis

SCADA integration

Protection settings

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Tools

GE relays

Siemens relays

SEL relays

Omicron testing

Doble testing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major utility provider in South Africa , is seeking a highly qualified Power Systems Protection Engineer to join their esteemed engineering division. This hybrid role, based in the industrial heartland of Vereeniging, Gauteng , focuses on the design, implementation, testing, and maintenance of protective relaying systems for high-voltage power transmission and distribution networks. The successful candidate will ensure the reliability, stability, and safety of the electrical grid by safeguarding against faults and equipment failures. This is a critical position that requires a deep understanding of power system dynamics and protection principles. You will be instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the energy infrastructure, contributing to the reliable supply of electricity across the nation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and specify protective relaying schemes for transmission and distribution substations and power plants.
• Develop and review protection settings for various types of relays (e.g., overcurrent, distance, differential, busbar protection).
• Perform fault analysis and simulations to validate protection system designs.
• Conduct factory and site acceptance testing of protective relaying equipment.
• Commission new protection systems and troubleshoot existing ones.
• Develop and maintain documentation, including single-line diagrams, schematics, and protection philosophy documents.
• Analyze system disturbances and recommend improvements to protection strategies.
• Collaborate with grid operations, planning engineers, and field maintenance teams in Gauteng .
• Stay updated on the latest technologies and standards in power system protection.
• Provide technical expertise and support to other departments and project teams.
• Ensure compliance with relevant national and international standards for power system protection.
• Participate in hazard identification and risk assessment related to protection systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in Power Systems.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in power system protection engineering within a utility or consulting environment.
• In-depth knowledge of power system theory, fault calculations, and symmetrical components.
• Proficiency with protection relaying hardware (e.g., GE, Siemens, SEL) and software.
• Experience with testing equipment (e.g., Omicron, Doble) and testing procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple tasks.
• Understanding of SCADA systems and their integration with protection schemes.
• Familiarity with South African grid codes and regulations.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to project sites within Gauteng and beyond.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, generous annual bonus opportunities, and excellent medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Employees are provided with ample opportunities for professional development, including specialized training courses and support for professional registration.
• The company promotes a culture of innovation and technical excellence within the Vereeniging area.
• This role offers the chance to work on significant infrastructure projects that underpin the nation's energy security.
• Standard leave and sick leave policies apply.