Project Engineer - Protection

Hitachi Energy; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering company is seeking a Project Engineer - Protection to design control and protection systems for substations in Gauteng, Johannesburg. The ideal candidate will have 6 to 10 years of experience in power systems protection and a strong technical background. Responsibilities include coordinating project milestones and ensuring quality standards are met. This role requires good communication skills and the ability to work under pressure. International travel may be required.

Qualifications

• 6 to 10 years of experience in power systems protection and control.
• ECSA registration is advantageous.
• Excellent technical report writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Designing engineering of substation control and protection systems.
• Develop protection and control concepts for substations.
• Coordinate with Project Managers on project milestones.

Skills

Power systems protection

Control/RTU Systems

Strong communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Switchgear

Transformers

Substations

Job description

Job Title: Project Engineer - Protection

Location: Gauteng, Johannesburg

Application Deadline: August 29, 2025

Description

The Opportunity

• You as a Project Engineer – Protection will be part of Hitachi Energy's business based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Designing engineering of substation control and protection systems, leading up to site commissioning to ensure projects are executed in accordance with Hitachi Energy procedures, contract specifications, schedule commitments, quality standards, and health, safety & environment requirements.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Develop protection and control concepts for transmission and distribution substations in line with customer specifications, working with the project core team.
• Configure protection and control IEDs according to customer specifications and approved detailed designs.
• Create testing procedures for factory acceptance testing to verify functionality in collaboration with the customer.
• Specify and size control cabling, design cable schedules, and support the commissioning team during installation and commissioning stages.
• Coordinate with Project Managers to ensure timely delivery of project milestones and report potential issues affecting schedule or costs.
• Manage the quality of engineering efforts across projects.
• Incorporate lessons learned into continuous improvement actions.
• Communicate effectively, handle customer feedback, and support project managers in project engineering tasks.
• Provide support for sales and tendering processes.
• Attend site clarification meetings and perform site visits.
• Must be eligible to travel internationally.
• Adhere to Hitachi Energy’s core values of safety and integrity, taking responsibility for actions and caring for colleagues and the business.

Your Background

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a relevant diploma with extensive experience.
• 6 to 10 years of experience in power systems protection and control.
• Knowledge of Control/RTU Systems, Switchgear, Transformers, Substations, Power Stations, and commissioning.
• Strong technical knowledge of power systems protection and control.
• ECSA registration is advantageous.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, self-motivated, analytical, and creative.
• Ability to work under pressure, handle stress, work after hours if needed, and travel internationally.
• Excellent technical report writing skills.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.