Principal Power Systems Engineer — Grid Modernization Leader

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 represents a prominent national utility infrastructure company in South Africa seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer specializing in Power Distribution. The role blends remote work flexibility with essential on-site duties at the Pretoria headquarters for critical meetings, reviews, and team collaboration.

You will lead design and planning for high/medium voltage distribution, oversee substations and upgrades, and mentor a team of engineers while aligning with regulators and

Qualifications

• 10–12 years of progressive experience in electrical power distribution.
• Expertise in protection coordination, switchgear, transformers, and line design.
• Experience with HV/MV networks and grid modernization initiatives.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder interaction skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead HV/MV distribution system design and planning.
• Develop standards and best practices for design, operation and maintenance.
• Oversee substations, upgrades, and extensions.
• Conduct load forecasting, fault analysis, and protection studies.
• Mentor engineers and foster technical excellence.
• Collaborate with regulators and departments to ensure project success.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve grid reliability and resilience.
• Provide technical consultation for operations and emergencies.
• Review engineering documents and proposals.
• Stay updated on industry trends and regulatory changes.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Pr. Eng (ECSA) registration

Tools

PSS/E

ETAP

DIgSILENT

Job description

Principal Electrical Engineer - Power Distribution

About the Role Our client is a prominent national utility infrastructure company with significant operations across South Africa , including Pretoria . They are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Principal Electrical Engineer specializing in Power Distribution to join their engineering leadership team. This hybrid role requires a blend of remote work flexibility and essential on-site presence in our Pretoria headquarters for critical meetings, site reviews, and team collaboration. You will be at the forefront of designing, planning, and overseeing the development and maintenance of the company's extensive power distribution networks. This position demands deep technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a forward-thinking approach to grid modernization, smart grid technologies, and ensuring reliable power supply to a vast customer base. Your role will be pivotal in shaping the future of energy distribution in the region. Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and design of high-voltage and medium-voltage power distribution systems.
• Develop and implement standards and best practices for network design, operation, and maintenance.
• Oversee complex projects, including substation design, network upgrades, and extensions.
• Conduct advanced engineering studies such as load forecasting, fault analysis, and protection coordination.
• Mentor and guide a team of electrical engineers, fostering technical excellence and professional development.
• Collaborate with regulatory bodies, stakeholders, and other departments to ensure compliance and project success.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and methodologies for enhancing grid reliability, efficiency, and resilience.
• Provide expert technical consultation and support for operational issues and emergency response.
• Review and approve key engineering documents, designs, and technical proposals.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and evolving regulatory landscapes in power distribution.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in Power Systems.
• Minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in the electrical power distribution sector.
• Extensive knowledge of power system analysis tools and software (e.g., PSS/E, ETAP, DIgSILENT).
• Proven experience in managing large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of protection systems, switchgear, transformers, and overhead/underground line design.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Ability to balance remote work with required on-site attendance in Pretoria .
• Strategic thinking and a results-oriented approach.

Benefits Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, comprehensive benefits including medical aid, pension fund, and performance bonuses. This hybrid role provides the opportunity to work on critical national infrastructure projects with significant impact. Professional development, continuous learning, and opportunities for advancement are key focuses. Join a leading organization in Pretoria that is committed to powering the nation reliably and sustainably. This role is based in Pretoria with hybrid flexibility.