Protection and Control Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work with site visits

Medical aid and life insurance

Retirement fund and professional dev.

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly specialized Protection and Control Engineer to join our client in the energy sector. The role is remote with occasional site visits to Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on designing, implementing, and maintaining protection schemes for HV substations and power systems.

You will work across the full lifecycle from concept to commissioning, applying relay settings (SEL, GE, ABB), coordinating studies, and mentoring junior engineers while ensuring grid stability

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems.
• 8+ years of experience in power system protection and control.
• Experience with SEL, GE, ABB relays.
• Proficiency with protection analysis software for fault calculations and coordination studies.
• Familiarity with IEEE, IEC, SANS standards.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work remotely with occasional site travel.

Responsibilities

• Design protection schemes for MV/HV power systems.
• Apply protective relays and coordinate studies.
• Develop relay setting files using manufacturer software.
• Oversee testing and commissioning of protection systems.
• Troubleshoot complex protection issues and provide expert support.
• Collaborate with grid operators and engineers.
• Stay updated on latest technologies and standards in protection and control.
• Maintain protection diagrams, reports and procedures.
• Mentor junior engineers.
• Participate in risk assessments and safety reviews.

Skills

Power system protection

Relay coordination

Fault analysis

Protection software

High voltage knowledge

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems

Tools

Protection analysis software

Protection relays (SEL/GE/ABB)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the utility and energy sector, is seeking a highly specialized Protection and Control Engineer to join their growing team, operating remotely with occasional site visits to projects in and around Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is central to ensuring the stability, reliability, and safety of the electrical grid by designing, implementing, and maintaining protection schemes for high-voltage substations and power systems. You will be involved in the entire lifecycle of protection systems, from concept and design to commissioning and ongoing support. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise in power system protection principles, relay settings, and associated technologies, coupled with a strong analytical ability and a proactive approach to problem-solving. This remote position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on critical infrastructure from a flexible location.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop protection schemes for medium and high-voltage power systems, including substations and transmission lines.
• Select and apply protective relays, coordination studies, and fault analysis.
• Develop settings files for protective relays using manufacturer-specific software.
• Oversee and assist with the testing and commissioning of protection and control systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex protection system issues, providing expert technical support.
• Collaborate with grid operators, project engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure system integrity.
• Stay updated on the latest technologies and standards in power system protection and control.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including protection diagrams, setting reports, and testing procedures.
• Participate in risk assessments and safety reviews related to protection systems.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Power Systems.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience specifically in power system protection and control engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of protection principles, relaying logic, and equipment (e.g., SEL, GE, ABB relays).
• Proficiency with protection analysis software for fault calculations and coordination studies.
• Experience with SCADA and telecommunication systems as they relate to protection and control.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards (e.g., IEEE, IEC, SANS).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of explaining complex technical concepts.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote work environment.
• Occasional travel to Richards Bay or other project sites may be required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remote salary package with performance incentives and a comprehensive benefits scheme including medical aid, life insurance, and a retirement fund.
• Professional development is prioritized, with funding for advanced training, certifications, and conference attendance.
• This role provides the autonomy of remote work while contributing to crucial projects within the energy sector.
• You’ll be part of a forward-thinking company that values expertise and offers opportunities for significant career growth.
• The role supports participation in industry forums and continuous learning to stay at the forefront of protection and control engineering.