Principal Electrical Design Engineer - High Voltage Systems

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work infra

Flexible hours

Development opportunities

Global projects

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Electrical Design Engineer to drive the design of high voltage substations and complex power system studies. The role emphasizes remote work, mentoring junior engineers, and delivering technically excellent HV solutions for major infrastructure projects.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years in HV engineering, advanced degrees, and P.E. registration or eligibility, with hands-on experience in PSS/E/ETAP/PSCAD and strong stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering with Power Systems focus.
• 12+ years of progressive electrical engineering experience, HV focus.
• Registration as Professional Engineer with ECSA or eligible.
• Strong knowledge of HV substation design and power system studies.
• Experience with HV design software (PSS/E/ETAP/PSCAD).

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design of HV substations up to 400kV.
• Oversee comprehensive power system studies (load flow, short circuit, stability).
• Develop detailed designs, specs and drawings for HV equipment and lines.
• Ensure compliance with IEC, NRS, IEEE standards.
• Mentor and lead a team of electrical engineers and designers.
• Engage with clients and regulators to define requirements.

Skills

HV design

Power systems

Leadership

Project management

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering

P.E. with ECSA (eligible)

Tools

PSS/E

ETAP

PSCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized engineering consultancy, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Electrical Design Engineer to join their fully remote team. This senior role focuses on the design and development of complex high voltage (HV) systems for major infrastructure and industrial projects across South Africa and internationally. We are looking for a visionary leader with extensive expertise in HV engineering, substation design, and power system studies. This position offers the ultimate flexibility of remote work, allowing you to leverage your skills from anywhere. You will be instrumental in shaping critical projects, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional analytical abilities, a deep understanding of HV equipment, and a proven track record of delivering complex engineering solutions. You will collaborate virtually with a global network of experts and clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design of high voltage substations (up to 400kV), including configuration, equipment selection, and protection schemes.
• Perform and oversee complex power system studies, such as load flow, short circuit, transient stability, and arc flash analyses.
• Develop detailed engineering designs, specifications, and drawings for HV equipment, transmission lines, and earthing systems.
• Ensure designs comply with national and international standards (e.g., IEC, NRS, IEEE).
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a team of electrical engineers and designers.
• Review and approve design documentation prepared by others.
• Engage with clients, project managers, and regulatory bodies to define project requirements and ensure technical alignment.
• Contribute to tender preparation, feasibility studies, and conceptual design phases.
• Stay at the forefront of HV technology trends and best practices, driving innovation.
• Manage design risks and ensure the technical integrity and safety of all designs.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, with a significant focus on high voltage systems design.
• In-depth knowledge of HV substation design, grid integration, power system protection, and control systems.
• Proficiency in advanced power system analysis software (e.g., PSS/E, ETAP, PSCAD).
• Demonstrated experience leading major HV projects from conception to commissioning.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work autonomously in a remote setting and manage complex projects.
• Registered or eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer with ECSA.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience in proposal development.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest technical and safety standards.

Benefits

• An industry-leading salary package commensurate with extensive experience.
• Comprehensive remote work infrastructure support.
• Opportunities to work on landmark projects shaping the future of energy.
• Continuous professional development and access to cutting-edge technology.
• Flexible working hours and location.
• Be a key technical authority in a respected global consultancy, contributing expertise remotely to projects such as those potentially impacting Sandton, Gauteng.