Principal Power Systems Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Professional development support

Performance bonus eligibility

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a Principal Power Systems Engineer to lead critical projects in energy infrastructure. You will guide studies, grid interconnection analyses, and protection scheme design across large networks, mentoring a team of engineers.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, 10+ years of experience, and PE/ECSA eligibility, with proficiency in PSS/E, PowerFactory or PSCAD.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering with specialization in Power Systems.
• PE registration or eligibility for ECSA is highly preferred.
• Proven leadership of complex power system projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical execution of complex power system studies including load flow, short circuit, stability, and harmonic analysis.
• Develop and validate power system models using PSS/E, PowerFactory, PSCAD.
• Provide expert grid code and interconnection advisory to clients.
• Design and optimize protection schemes for transmission and distribution networks.
• Manage project timelines, budgets and client relationships.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers.
• Contribute to business development and client engagement.

Skills

Power systems analysis

Team leadership

Grid interconnection

PE registration

Power systems software

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

PhD in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Tools

PSS/E

PowerFactory

PSCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent consultancy firm specializing in energy infrastructure, is seeking an exceptional Principal Power Systems Engineer to lead critical projects from their esteemed Cape Town office. This senior-level position is pivotal in shaping the strategic direction of our power system studies and designs. You will be at the forefront of advising clients on complex grid integration challenges, system stability, and the planning of large-scale power networks. The successful candidate will demonstrate profound expertise in power system analysis, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to mentor a team of talented engineers. This role is essential for driving innovation and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of South Africa's evolving energy landscape in the Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical execution of complex power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, stability, and harmonic analysis.
• Develop and validate power system models using advanced simulation software (e.g., PSS/E, PowerFactory, PSCAD).
• Provide expert advice to clients on grid code compliance, interconnection studies, and asset management strategies.
• Design and optimize protection schemes for transmission and distribution networks.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and client relationships, ensuring successful project delivery.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal writing and client engagement.
• Represent the company at industry conferences and technical forums.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in power system analysis, planning, and design.
• Extensive experience with industry-standard power system simulation tools.
• Deep understanding of power system dynamics, protection principles, and grid interconnection standards.
• Proven experience in leading complex projects and managing engineering teams.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration or eligibility for ECSA registration is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with renewable energy integration challenges is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• As a Principal Power Systems Engineer, you will be rewarded with a highly competitive salary, attractive performance bonuses, and an excellent benefits package that includes private healthcare, a generous pension scheme, and significant investment in your professional development.
• Our client is committed to fostering a supportive and challenging work environment, offering opportunities to work on high-profile projects that impact the national grid.
• The Cape Town office is situated in a prime location, providing a stimulating and collaborative atmosphere for our dedicated team.