Principal Electrical Engineer - Infrastructure Development

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive medical aid

Retirement annuity contribution

Professional growth opportunities

International exposure

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Electrical Engineer in Sandton to lead electrical design for major infrastructure and urban development projects. The role focuses on high/low voltage systems, substations, and public lighting, driving delivery excellence and technical leadership.

You will mentor engineers, review designs, liaise with clients and authorities, and contribute to business development. A Master’s in Electrical Engineering and Pr Eng registration with 10–12 years’ experience are

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering (required).
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) with ECSA is mandatory.
• 10–12 years progressive experience in electrical engineering with infrastructure focus.
• Experience designing/managing electrical aspects of large-scale property or municipal projects.
• Knowledge of MV/LV distribution, protection, and earthing design.
• Public lighting design and control systems experience.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, and PSS/E.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design for major infrastructure projects (residential estates, industrial parks, utilities).
• Develop master electrical infrastructure plans (high/low voltage, substations, network extensions).
• Oversee public and street lighting design and control systems.
• Ensure compliance with municipal requirements, SANS, and utility specs.
• Perform load forecasting, fault level calculations, and grid impact studies.
• Mentor engineers and technicians; review designs and reports.
• Liaise with clients, authorities, and utility providers.
• Contribute to proposals and client presentations.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Mentoring

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Pr Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

AutoCAD

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

PSS/E

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading multidisciplinary consultancy involved in significant infrastructure development projects across South Africa. They are seeking an experienced Principal Electrical Engineer to lead electrical design aspects for major urban and regional development initiatives, based in their prominent Sandton, Gauteng office. This senior role requires a visionary leader with extensive experience in power distribution, utility infrastructure, and public lighting systems for large-scale projects. You will be responsible for technical oversight, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex electrical infrastructure solutions that shape urban landscapes. This is a key position within a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design for major infrastructure projects, including residential estates, industrial parks, and public utilities.
• Develop master electrical infrastructure plans, encompassing high and low voltage distribution, substations, and network extensions.
• Oversee the design and implementation of public and street lighting systems, including control and management solutions.
• Ensure compliance with municipal requirements, national standards (SANS), and utility specifications.
• Conduct complex technical analyses, including load forecasting, fault level calculations, and grid impact studies.
• Manage and mentor a team of electrical engineers and technicians, fostering technical excellence.
• Review designs, specifications, and technical reports prepared by the team.
• Liaise effectively with clients, government authorities, utility providers, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal writing and client presentations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant technologies, regulations, and best practices in electrical infrastructure engineering.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) with ECSA is mandatory.
• A minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, with a strong focus on infrastructure development and power distribution.
• Proven experience in designing and managing electrical aspects of large-scale property developments or municipal infrastructure projects.
• In-depth knowledge of MV/LV distribution systems, protection, and earthing design.
• Experience with public lighting design and control systems.
• Proficiency in relevant design and analysis software (e.g., AutoCAD, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSS/E).
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience managing engineering teams.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to travel as required for project needs and client meetings in the Sandton area and beyond.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with the seniority of the role, including significant bonuses and comprehensive executive medical aid.
• A generous retirement annuity contribution is provided.
• Opportunities for professional growth, international exposure, and leadership development are abundant.
• The company fosters an environment of innovation and collaboration, working on flagship projects that impact communities.
• This role is based in a prime Gauteng location, offering excellent work-life balance support and employee wellness programs.
• Join a prestigious firm renowned for its technical expertise and project execution.