Remote Lead Electrical Engineer - Smart Grid Technology

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a fully remote Lead Electrical Engineer to spearhead smart grid initiatives, including grid automation, DERs, and AMI, while basing operations from Cape Town. You will drive critical projects in a distributed team setup, shaping the future of energy with innovative solutions.

You will lead design, development, and deployment, mentor distributed engineers and software teams, and collaborate with product management and R&D to define roadmaps.

Qualifications

• Must have 10+ years in electrical engineering, with 5+ in lead roles.
• Expertise in smart grid technologies such as SCADA, AMI, DNP3, IEC 61850.
• Strong knowledge of power electronics, control systems, and data analytics.
• Proven experience leading remote or distributed teams.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, deployment of smart grid solutions.
• Architect scalable electrical systems for renewable energy integration.
• Develop and implement power system algorithms and control strategies.
• Oversee the project lifecycle from concept to commissioning.
• Provide technical leadership to distributed engineers and software developers.
• Collaborate with product management and R&D to define roadmaps.
• Ensure designs comply with IEEE, IEC standards and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct technical reviews and provide feedback to team members.
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate new technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Remote team leadership

Project management

Power systems

Smart grids

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

PSCAD

DNP3

IEC 61850

Job description

About the Role

As a fully remote Lead Electrical Engineer, you will spearhead the development and implementation of our client's next-generation smart grid technologies. Operating from **Cape Town**, this role is designed for an expert who thrives in a distributed team environment. You will take ownership of critical projects, driving innovation in areas such as grid automation, demand response, and renewable energy integration. This position requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of electrical engineering principles and a passion for creating more efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy networks. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams globally, influencing the strategic direction of our smart grid solutions. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of energy from anywhere in the world, with full remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of smart grid solutions, focusing on advanced metering, grid monitoring, and control systems.
• Architect scalable and robust electrical systems for renewable energy integration and distributed energy resources (DERs).
• Develop and implement sophisticated power system algorithms and control strategies.
• Oversee the entire project lifecycle, from conceptualization and feasibility studies to final implementation and commissioning.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a distributed team of electrical engineers and software developers.
• Collaborate with product management and R&D teams to define roadmaps and identify new technological opportunities.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., IEEE, IEC) and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct in-depth technical reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate new technologies and components.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems or Smart Grids.
• 10+ years of experience in electrical engineering, with at least 5 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated expertise in smart grid technologies, including SCADA, AMI, DNP3, IEC 61850, and grid automation.
• Strong understanding of power electronics, control systems, and data analytics in the context of power grids.
• Proven experience in leading remote or geographically dispersed engineering teams.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, PSCAD, or equivalent.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a strategic mindset.
• Outstanding communication and collaboration skills, essential for a remote role.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance and a generous retirement savings plan. Our client is committed to fostering a flexible work environment, providing opportunities for professional growth through online courses, certifications, and participation in international conferences. You will be part of an innovative and forward-thinking company that values diversity and inclusion, contributing to the global transition towards a smarter and more sustainable energy future from your base in **Cape Town**.