Protection and Control Engineer - Power Systems

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote salary package

Medical aid

Life insurance

Pension fund

Annual leave

Training & conferences

Remote work tools & support

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Protection and Control Engineer for remote work across the country. You will design, implement and test protection schemes and control systems for high-voltage networks, ensuring stability and safety of the power grid.

The role requires 6+ years in electrical power system protection, expertise with digital relays (SEL/GE/ABB/Siemens) and hands-on experience with ASPEN/ETAP. You’ll work independently from home while supporting critical infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of hands-on experience in electrical power system protection and control engineering.
• Deep knowledge of protection principles for power system apparatus.
• Experience with digital protective relays and related software.
• Familiarity with SCADA and protective communication protocols.
• Strong documentation and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and specify protection schemes for HV equipment.
• Configure and commission digital protective relays.
• Perform fault analysis and disturbance recording analysis.
• Develop protection settings files, coordination studies and diagrams.
• Collaborate with grid operations and planning to align protections.
• Provide technical support during energization, maintenance, fault investigations.
• Stay updated on protection tech, standards, and best practices.
• Create and review testing procedures for relays and schemes.
• Contribute to protection design standards and guidelines.

Skills

Protection principles

Digital relays configuration

Power system studies

SCADA familiarity

Independent remote work

Education

BEng or BSc in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Aspen

ETAP

Relay test software

Job description

Our client, a key player in the South African electricity utility sector, is seeking a specialized Protection and Control Engineer to join their dedicated team. Although the position is based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , this role is fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, testing, and maintenance of protection schemes and control systems for high-voltage electrical networks. This is a critical role ensuring the stability, reliability, and safety of the power grid. Ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives on technical challenges and values the autonomy of remote work. This position requires a deep understanding of power system protection principles and modern digital relays. You will be a vital part of our mission to maintain a robust and dependable electricity supply.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and specify protection schemes for power system equipment, including generators, transformers, busbars, and transmission lines.
• Configure and commission digital protective relays (e.g., SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens) using manufacturer-specific software.
• Perform fault analysis and disturbance recording analysis to ensure optimal protection settings and identify system issues.
• Develop and maintain protection settings files, coordination studies, and logic diagrams.
• Collaborate with grid operations and planning teams to ensure protection systems align with network requirements.
• Develop technical specifications for protection and control equipment.
• Provide technical support for protection-related issues during system energization, maintenance, and fault investigations.
• Stay updated on the latest developments in protection technology, standards, and best practices.
• Create and review testing procedures for protection relays and schemes.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of protection design standards and guidelines.

Requirements

• BEng or BSc in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in electrical power system protection and control engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of protection principles for various power system apparatus.
• Proficiency with modern digital protective relays and associated configuration/testing software.
• Experience with power system simulation tools for protection studies (e.g., ASPEN, ETAP).
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and communication protocols relevant to protection and control.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially for technical documentation.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote work setting.
• Must be a South African citizen or have valid work authorization.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remote salary package, including performance incentives and comprehensive medical aid and life insurance benefits.
• Employees are eligible for a generous pension fund contribution and substantial annual leave.
• The company provides excellent opportunities for professional growth, including specialized training courses, conference attendance, and support for further qualifications.
• You will have the flexibility to work from home while contributing to critical national infrastructure projects.
• Remote work tools and support are provided to ensure productivity and connectivity.