Remote Lead Electrical Engineer - Smart Grid Technologies

Placements24; Kempton Park; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Private medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Professional development

30 days annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Remote Lead Electrical Engineer to steer smart grid initiatives across South Africa. You will design, implement, and optimize grid modernization projects, lead a distributed engineering team, and align with operations, IT and regulatory teams.

The role demands deep power systems knowledge, experience with SCADA, AMI, protection schemes, and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in power systems.
• PhD is a plus for leadership roles and advanced research capabilities.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) with ECSA or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and deployment of advanced smart grid solutions including SCADA, AMI, and IoT integration.
• Architect and implement robust protection schemes and control strategies for complex grids.
• Oversee integration of renewables and energy storage into existing grid infrastructure.
• Mentor and manage a remote engineering team, providing technical direction and fostering innovation.
• Coordinate with operations, IT and regulatory teams to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Develop and review technical specifications, drawings, and project documentation for smart grid deployments.
• Analyze grid performance data to identify optimization opportunities and cost reductions.
• Stay abreast of DER and cybersecurity best practices in grid infrastructure.

Skills

Leadership

Remote leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Independent work

Education

Master's in Electrical Engineering

PhD (adv.)

Pr.Eng / ECSA

Tools

PSS/E

ETAP

DNP3

Modbus

IEC 61850

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a global leader in sustainable energy solutions and is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Remote Lead Electrical Engineer to spearhead our smart grid technology initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in designing, developing, and deploying next-generation smart grid infrastructure that enhances reliability, efficiency, and resilience of energy networks. This role demands a deep understanding of power systems, digital technologies, and innovative approaches to grid management. You will lead a distributed team of talented engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture, and will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy distribution and consumer engagement. This position is based in Tembisa, Gauteng but is accessible to remote candidates nationwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of advanced smart grid solutions, including SCADA systems, IoT integration, and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).
• Architect and implement robust power system protection schemes and control strategies for complex grids.
• Oversee the integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems into the existing grid infrastructure.
• Manage and mentor a remote team of electrical and software engineers, providing technical direction and fostering innovation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across various departments, including operations, IT, and regulatory affairs, to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes.
• Develop and review technical specifications, engineering drawings, and project documentation for smart grid deployments.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of grid performance data to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for optimization and cost reduction.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and industry standards in smart grid and distributed energy resources (DERs).
• Champion best practices in cybersecurity for grid infrastructure and data management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in Power Systems or a related field. A PhD is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical engineering, with a strong focus on grid modernization, smart grid technologies, and power systems.
• Proven experience in leading and managing engineering teams, preferably in a remote setting.
• Expertise in power system analysis software (e.g., PSS/E, ETAP) and grid simulation tools.
• In-depth knowledge of communication protocols (e.g., DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850) and cybersecurity principles for critical infrastructure.
• Familiarity with IoT platforms and data analytics for grid operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects concurrently in a remote environment.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) with ECSA or equivalent professional certification.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers exceptional flexibility and the autonomy to manage your work environment. Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and expertise. A comprehensive benefits package includes private medical aid, a generous provident fund, and life insurance. We invest in your growth with extensive professional development opportunities, including access to online courses, industry conferences, and continuous learning platforms. Generous annual leave of 30 days is provided.

Our client is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applications from all qualified individuals.