Principal Electrical Engineer - Energy Systems

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

State-of-the-art technology & tools

Competitive remuneration & incentives

Medical aid & provident fund

Generous leave & development

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced electrical systems for energy projects, including renewables integration and grid support.

You will mentor engineers, drive technical integrity, liaise with clients and regulators, and oversee projects from concept to commissioning, with a focus on reliability and performance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized institution.
• Pr. Eng registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical engineering, focused on the energy sector.
• Experience with renewable energy integration and grid codes.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of complex electrical systems for energy projects, including power plants, substations, and grid integration solutions.
• Provide expert technical guidance and oversight to engineering teams throughout project lifecycles.
• Conduct detailed feasibility studies, load flow analysis, short circuit calculations, and protection coordination studies.
• Develop technical specifications, design documents, and project execution plans.
• Ensure compliance with national and international electrical engineering standards and codes.
• Manage technical risks and identify mitigation strategies for electrical systems.
• Review and approve design drawings, calculations, and equipment specifications.
• Collaborate with project managers, clients, and other disciplines to ensure integrated and optimized project delivery.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and advancements in electrical engineering and renewable energy integration.
• Mentor and develop junior electrical engineers, fostering technical excellence and professional growth.

Skills

Leadership

Power systems analysis

Renewable energy

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Education

Master's in EE

Tools

PSS/E

ETAP

PSCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious engineering consultancy at the forefront of the energy transition, is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Principal Electrical Engineer to join their dynamic team in Cape Town. This senior role will focus on the design, development, and implementation of advanced electrical systems for a variety of energy projects, including power generation, transmission, and distribution, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy integration. You will be responsible for leading technical teams, providing expert advice, and ensuring the technical integrity and performance of complex electrical infrastructure. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise, a strategic mindset, and a proven ability to manage challenging projects from concept to commissioning. You will play a key role in shaping the future of energy infrastructure in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA, contributing to sustainable and reliable energy solutions. This position demands exceptional analytical skills, a rigorous approach to problem-solving, and the ability to mentor junior engineers. You will liaunt with clients, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders, ensuring alignment and successful project outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your extensive knowledge and leadership capabilities in a role that significantly impacts the energy landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex electrical systems for energy projects, including power plants, substations, and grid integration solutions.
• Provide expert technical guidance and oversight to engineering teams throughout project lifecycles.
• Conduct detailed feasibility studies, load flow analysis, short circuit calculations, and protection coordination studies.
• Develop technical specifications, design documents, and project execution plans.
• Ensure compliance with national and international electrical engineering standards and codes.
• Manage technical risks and identify mitigation strategies for electrical systems.
• Review and approve design drawings, calculations, and equipment specifications.
• Collaborate with project managers, clients, and other disciplines to ensure integrated and optimized project delivery.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and advancements in electrical engineering and renewable energy integration.
• Mentor and develop junior electrical engineers, fostering technical excellence and professional growth.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized institution.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, with a significant focus on the energy sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in power systems analysis, design, and protection.
• Experience with renewable energy integration (solar, wind, battery storage) and grid codes.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage complex engineering projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong understanding of relevant industry standards (e.g., SANS, IEC, IEEE).
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience with simulation software (e.g., PSS/E, ETAP, PSCAD) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package with performance incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical aid, provident fund, and life cover.
• Generous annual leave and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to work on flagship renewable energy projects.
• Relocation assistance available for candidates relocating to Cape Town.
• Access to state-of-the-art technology and tools.