Principal Project Engineer : Substations

WSP Job Opportunity: Principal Project Engineer - Transmission & Distribution

WSP is one of the most diverse consulting firms in Africa.

We are seeking leaders who share our guiding principles: valuing our people and reputation; being locally dedicated with an international scale; focusing on the future and challenging the status quo; fostering collaboration; and maintaining an empowering culture with accountability.

We are committed to diversity and equity in employment.

Job Description

Key Role: Primarily functioning as a principal project engineer for transmission and distribution projects.

The candidate should have significant experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams involved in the conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design and delivery of substations with voltages ranging from LV (AC/DC) to kV AC.

Experience in kV AC would be beneficial.

The candidate can be based in Johannesburg, Durban, or Cape Town.

Key Responsibilities

1. Management of multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver complex substation projects up to kV AC.
2. Assist in preparing conceptual or functional designs, specifications, bills of quantity, and tender documents for substation projects (11kV to kV) according to international standards for clients in Southern Africa and internationally.
3. Manage project schedules, budgets, and resources to ensure timely and within-budget completion.
4. Ensure compliance with industry standards such as IEC, IEEE, SANS, and client standards.
5. Coordinate project activities with stakeholders and other disciplines for successful delivery.
6. Manage communication with clients and stakeholders, providing updates and addressing concerns.
7. Lead meetings and prepare minutes.
8. Prepare cost estimates and budgets for project viability.
9. Review project scope, methodology, schedules, and budgets for proposals.
10. Maintain relationships with internal divisions, external contractors, and clients.
11. Stay updated on technical quality management procedures and specifications.

Health and Safety

Model standards for SHEQ performance, contribute to risk identification, promote company values, and ensure a safe working environment. Be aware of health and safety impacts on substation construction contracts.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering from an recognized institution.
• 15+ years' project engineering experience in transmission and distribution (substations).
• Professional registration with recognized engineering and project management institutions.
• Experience with system studies and secondary plant design is advantageous.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Fluent in spoken and written English.
• Ability to work remotely and collaborate via software like Microsoft Teams.
• Strong technical report writing skills.
• Effective time, quality, and effort management within constraints.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Additional Information

WSP offers work-life balance, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive environment that values individual needs.