Principal Electrical Engineer - Transmission Infrastructure

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Leadership development

Impact on national grid

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer in Bloemfontein to lead major HV transmission projects. The role focuses on design, planning, and implementation of transmission infrastructure with high reliability and regulatory compliance.

You will mentor junior engineers, manage complex challenges, and collaborate with utility companies and regulators to support South Africa's energy grid improvements.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering with focus on Power Systems or HV engineering.
• At least 10 years progressive electrical engineering experience, with 5+ years in HV transmission design and PM.
• Registered or eligible for Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) with ECSA.
• Deep knowledge of HV substations, transmission line engineering and protection.
• Experience with power system analysis software (PSS/E, ETAP, PowerFactory).
• Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary teams and large projects.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, engineering, and specification of HV transmission lines, substations and equipment.
• Oversee complex power system studies: load flow, short circuit, stability, protection coordination.
• Manage project execution to meet scope, budget, schedule and quality.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship across project lifecycles.
• Review and approve designs, calculations, and documentation by engineers and contractors.
• Liaise with clients, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Stay current with industry best practices and SA grid codes.

Skills

Leadership

Power systems

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering

Pr Eng registration (ECSA)

Tools

PSS/E

ETAP

PowerFactory

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major contributor to the development and maintenance of South Africa's critical energy infrastructure, is seeking an accomplished Principal Electrical Engineer to lead significant projects within transmission systems. This senior role is based in Bloemfontein, Free State , a region vital to the national power grid. The Principal Electrical Engineer will be responsible for the design, planning, and implementation of high-voltage transmission infrastructure projects, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and compliance with national standards. This position requires extensive technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a strategic vision for the future of energy transmission. You will mentor junior engineers, manage complex technical challenges, and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including utility companies and regulatory bodies. This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a substantial impact on the stability and advancement of the national power network in South Africa and to contribute to the energy transition.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, engineering, and specification of high-voltage transmission lines, substations, and associated electrical equipment (transformers, switchgear, protection systems).
• Oversee and conduct complex power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, stability, and protection coordination.
• Manage project execution, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, schedule, and quality standards.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams throughout project lifecycles.
• Review and approve engineering designs, calculations, and documentation prepared by engineers and external consultants.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Identify and assess technical risks, developing mitigation strategies and solutions.
• Stay current with industry best practices, emerging technologies, and relevant South African electrical codes and standards.
• Contribute to the development of long-term transmission system expansion plans and strategic initiatives.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, with a strong focus on Power Systems or High Voltage Engineering.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, with at least 5 years specifically in high-voltage transmission infrastructure design and project management.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA or eligibility for registration.
• In-depth knowledge of high-voltage substation design, transmission line engineering, and power system protection.
• Expertise in using power system analysis software (e.g., PSS/E, ETAP, PowerFactory).
• Proven experience in leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams and managing large-scale projects.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with South African grid codes and relevant NERSA regulations.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as required.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive-level benefits package.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement annuity.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Direct involvement in shaping the future of South Africa 's energy infrastructure.
• A challenging and rewarding career in Bloemfontein, Free State .