Protection and Control Engineer

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 482,000 - 758,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Protection and Control Engineer for an on-site role in Centurion, Gauteng. The engineer will design, implement, and maintain protection schemes and control systems for substations and power plants, ensuring grid reliability and safety.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of 5 years of experience in power utility protection, proficiency with relays (SEL, GE, ABB), and skills in ASPEN OneLiner/ETAP. Collaboration with planning teams and adherence to standards are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of protection and control engineering experience in power utilities or industrial sector.
• Knowledge of power system protection principles (overcurrent, distance, differential, voltage).
• Experience with protection relays (SEL, GE, ABB) and configuration software.
• Proficiency with protection coordination and fault analysis tools (ASPEN OneLiner, ETAP).
• Knowledge of substation automation, SCADA, and communication protocols (DNP3, IEC 61850).
• Familiarity with IEC, IEEE, SANS standards.

Responsibilities

• Design, engineer, and commission protection and control systems for high-voltage substations and power plants.
• Develop protection relay settings, logic diagrams, and sequence of operations.
• Perform fault studies, coordination studies, and arc flash analyses.
• Specify protection relays, circuit breakers, instrument transformers, and related equipment.
• Troubleshoot protection and control systems during testing and operation.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation (philosophies, single-line diagrams, testing procedures).
• Collaborate with system planning to align protection schemes with network upgrades.
• Stay updated on protection tech and best practices.
• Provide technical support and training to field operations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Report writing

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ASPEN OneLiner

ETAP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major utility provider operating across Centurion, Gauteng , is seeking an experienced Protection and Control Engineer to join their grid operations department. This is a critical role focused on ensuring the reliability, security, and efficiency of the electrical transmission and distribution network. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of sophisticated protection schemes and control systems for substations and power plants. This is an on-site position requiring a dedicated professional who can work effectively within a team of highly skilled engineers and technicians. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of power system protection principles, fault analysis, and modern control technologies. You will be involved in challenging projects that demand precision, analytical rigor, and a commitment to safety and operational excellence. The role offers the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment and contribute directly to the stability of the regional power grid. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about power systems engineering and eager to tackle complex technical challenges in Centurion, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, engineer, and commission protection and control systems for high-voltage substations and power generation facilities.
• Develop protection relay settings, logic diagrams, and sequence of operations based on system studies and standards.
• Perform fault studies, coordination studies, and arc flash hazard analyses to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Specify protection relays, circuit breakers, instrument transformers, and other associated equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to protection and control systems during testing, commissioning, and operational phases.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including protection philosophies, single-line diagrams, and testing procedures.
• Collaborate with system planning engineers to ensure protection schemes align with network expansion and upgrades.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in protection and control technology and industry best practices.
• Provide technical support and training to field operations and maintenance personnel.
• Participate in safety reviews and ensure compliance with all safety regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience specifically in protection and control engineering within the power utility or industrial sector.
• In-depth knowledge of power system protection principles, including overcurrent, distance, differential, and voltage protection.
• Experience with various types of protection relays (e.g., SEL, GE, ABB) and their configuration software.
• Proficiency in using simulation software for protection coordination and fault analysis (e.g., ASPEN OneLiner, ETAP).
• Understanding of substation automation systems, SCADA, and communication protocols (e.g., DNP3, IEC 61850).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team on complex projects.
• Familiarity with relevant national and international standards (e.g., IEC, IEEE, SANS).

Benefits

This contract position offers a competitive hourly rate and the opportunity to work on significant infrastructure projects. While specific benefits are determined by the contracting arrangement, this role provides invaluable experience within a leading utility organization in Centurion, Gauteng . You will gain exposure to advanced protection technologies and have the chance to contribute to the stability and reliability of the power grid. Professional development opportunities and potential for contract extension are available. This role is based at our client's central facilities in Centurion, Gauteng , providing a dynamic and challenging work environment.