Principal Electrical Protection Engineer - Grid Stability

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development support

Leadership role in national infra

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Electrical Protection Engineer in Durban to design, implement and maintain protection systems for high-voltage grids. You will lead protection scheme development, coordinate relay settings, and oversee commissioning while guiding teams across KwaZulu-Natal.

The role demands a Ph.D. or Master’s in Electrical Engineering with Power Systems expertise, strong analytical and leadership skills, and Pr.Eng registration.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with specialization in Power Systems or Protection.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and refinement of protection schemes for HV substations and transmission lines for grid stability.
• Perform fault analysis and coordinate protection settings across power systems.
• Specify and select protection relays, control equipment, and communication systems.
• Oversee commissioning and testing of protection systems for accuracy and functionality.
• Develop strategies for grid modernization and integration of distributed energy resources.
• Mentor protection engineering teams in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Conduct root cause analysis for protection maloperations and recommend actions.
• Ensure compliance with national and international grid protection standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Leadership experience

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems/Protection)

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Power system simulation software

IEC 61850

Protection relays technologies (electromechanical, solid-state, numerical)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key contributor to South Africa's national grid infrastructure, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Electrical Protection Engineer to join their esteemed engineering division in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This senior role demands extensive expertise in the design, implementation, and maintenance of sophisticated protection systems for high-voltage transmission and distribution networks. You will play a critical role in ensuring the stability, reliability, and security of the electrical grid, safeguarding against faults and operational disturbances. This position offers a strategic blend of on-site expertise and remote project collaboration, ideal for an experienced professional looking to make a significant impact in the energy sector within Durban .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and refinement of protection schemes for high-voltage substations and transmission lines, ensuring optimal grid stability.


• Perform detailed fault analysis and coordinate protection settings across interconnected power systems.


• Specify and select appropriate protection relays, control equipment, and communication systems.


• Oversee the commissioning and testing of protection systems, ensuring accuracy and functionality.


• Develop and implement strategies for grid modernization and the integration of distributed energy resources.


• Provide expert technical consultation and mentorship to protection engineering teams in KwaZulu-Natal .


• Conduct root cause analysis for protection system maloperations and recommend corrective actions.


• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international standards and regulations pertaining to grid protection.


• Contribute to the strategic planning and capital investment decisions related to grid infrastructure upgrades.


• Engage with stakeholders, including utility engineers, vendors, and regulatory bodies.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems or Protection.


• Over 10 years of specialized experience in electrical protection engineering for large-scale power grids.


• Deep understanding of symmetrical component theory, fault calculations, and protection coordination principles.


• Extensive knowledge of various protection relay technologies (electromechanical, solid-state, numerical) and communication protocols (e.g., IEC 61850).


• Proficiency in power system simulation software for protection studies.


• Proven ability to lead complex projects and mentor junior engineers.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills essential for complex challenges in Durban .


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration is mandatory.


• Experience with FACTS devices and HVDC systems is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance incentives.


• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.


• Generous support for professional development, conferences, and further education.


• Exposure to cutting-edge grid technologies and challenging projects.


• A leadership role within a critical national infrastructure organization.


• Opportunity to shape the future of South Africa's power grid in KwaZulu-Natal .