Principal Electrical Engineer - Power Systems

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading remuneration package

Excellent retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Principal Electrical Engineer - Power Systems for our Sandton, Gauteng office. This senior role leads design, analysis and implementation of complex power systems for major infrastructure projects, mentoring teams and guiding technical direction.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering with a Power Systems focus, at least 12 years of experience, and Pr.Eng. registration with ECSA.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering with Power Systems specialization
• 12+ years of progressive power systems experience with leadership
• Proven experience with power system analysis software (PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, ETAP)
• PE registration (Pr. Eng.) with ECSA is mandatory
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design and engineering of large-scale power systems (generation, transmission, distribution)
• Perform advanced power system studies (load flow, short circuit, stability, protection coordination) using specialized software
• Develop technical specifications, design documents and project execution plans
• Provide mentorship to electrical engineers and designers
• Oversee work of junior engineers and external consultants
• Serve as a key technical contact for clients, regulators and stakeholders
• Ensure designs comply with national and international standards and best practices
• Contribute technically to proposals and client engagements
• Stay abreast of advancements in power systems and recommend innovative solutions
• Manage project technical risks and ensure quality and safety

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Presentation skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Decision making

Education

Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PSS/E

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

ETAP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious engineering consultancy firm with a global reach, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Electrical Engineer - Power Systems to join their esteemed **Sandton**, **Gauteng** office. This senior role requires extensive expertise in the design, analysis, and implementation of complex power systems for major infrastructure and industrial projects. You will be responsible for leading technical aspects of projects, mentoring engineering teams, and providing strategic technical direction. The position adopts a hybrid working model, requiring key on-site presence for collaboration and client engagement, balanced with remote flexibility. This is a career-defining opportunity to influence high-profile projects and contribute to the advancement of power engineering in **South Africa**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design and engineering of large-scale power systems, including generation, transmission, and distribution networks.
• Perform advanced power system studies (load flow, short circuit, stability, protection coordination) using specialized software.
• Develop comprehensive technical specifications, design documents, and project execution plans.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a team of electrical engineers and designers.
• Oversee and review the work of junior engineers and external consultants.
• Act as a key technical point of contact for clients, regulatory bodies, and project stakeholders.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant national and international standards, codes, and best practices.
• Contribute to business development efforts by providing technical input on proposals and client engagements.
• Stay at the forefront of technological advancements in power systems engineering and recommend innovative solutions.
• Manage project technical risks and ensure the highest levels of quality and safety are maintained.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in Power Systems.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in power systems engineering, demonstrating leadership and technical depth.
• Extensive experience with power system analysis software (e.g., PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, ETAP).
• Proven track record in managing technical aspects of complex power projects.
• Deep understanding of grid integration, renewable energy systems, protection schemes, and power quality.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a hybrid model, demonstrating strong self-management.
• Experience in consulting engineering environments is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading remuneration package and a comprehensive benefits suite, including an excellent retirement fund, performance bonuses, and extensive professional development opportunities. The hybrid work model promotes work-life integration. You will work on some of the most significant power projects in **South Africa** and beyond. Exposure to cutting-edge technology and challenging engineering problems is guaranteed. Our client is committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment in **Sandton**. This is a premier opportunity for a distinguished Principal Electrical Engineer to elevate their career.