Remote Lead Electrical Engineer - Smart Grid Innovator

Placements24; Gauteng; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement contributions

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Lead Electrical Engineer to spearhead smart grid technologies from anywhere in South Africa. The role focuses on designing, developing, and deploying next‑generation grid infrastructure that enhances reliability, efficiency, and resilience of energy networks.

You will lead a distributed team, define technical roadmaps for grid modernization, oversee SCADA/DMS/EMS deployments, and collaborate with utilities, technology providers, and regulators.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive electrical engineering experience, with a minimum of 5 years in smart grid technologies, power systems, or utility operations.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and managing complex projects.
• Familiarity with grid modernization concepts, distributed energy resources (DERs), microgrids, and AMI.
• Familiarity with grid protocols (DNP3, IEC 61850) and cybersecurity principles.
• Experience with power system analysis tools and software.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and lead teams in a fully remote environment.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of smart grid technologies and solutions.
• Define technical roadmaps and strategies for grid modernization and digitalization projects.
• Oversee the engineering team in the design and implementation of SCADA, DMS, EMS, and other grid control systems.
• Manage the integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems into the grid.
• Develop specifications for new grid technologies and assess their feasibility and impact.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of electrical engineers and specialists.
• Collaborate with utility partners, technology providers, and regulatory bodies to drive innovation and adoption of smart grid solutions.
• Ensure designs and implementations meet performance, reliability, security, and regulatory standards.
• Manage project risks, budgets, and schedules for key smart grid initiatives.
• Contribute to thought leadership and represent the company in industry forums.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Communication

Remote team leadership

Problem solving

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering

Pr Eng registration preferred

Tools

Power system analysis tools

DNP3

IEC 61850

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Lead Electrical Engineer to spearhead smart grid technologies from anywhere in South Africa. The role focuses on designing, developing, and deploying next‑generation grid infrastructure that enhances reliability, efficiency, and resilience of energy networks.

You will lead a distributed team, define technical roadmaps for grid modernization, oversee SCADA/DMS/EMS deployments, and collaborate with utilities, technology providers, and regulators.