Senior Electrical Commissioning Engineer - Power Projects

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 461,000 - 830,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Electrical Commissioning Engineer for a major contract project near George, Western Cape. You will lead the commissioning team, develop testing procedures, manage site activities, and interface with clients and project management on power generation and distribution systems.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, 10+ years in HV commissioning, and strong leadership, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of commissioning experience on electrical power projects.
• Experience with HV testing and protection systems.
• Proven ability to lead a commissioning team in a project environment.
• Strong communication and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute commissioning plans for power generation and distribution systems.
• Lead and supervise the commissioning team to ensure safe testing and energization.
• Perform pre-commissioning checks, functional tests, and integrated system tests on HV switchgear, transformers, generators, relays, and controls.
• Troubleshoot technical issues during commissioning.
• Coordinate with project management, clients, consultants, and suppliers.
• Review commissioning documentation and approve test reports.

Skills

HV equipment testing

Protection systems

Commissioning methodologies

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major international contractor specializing in large-scale infrastructure and power projects, requires a highly experienced Senior Electrical Commissioning Engineer for a critical project near George, Western Cape . This role is paramount to ensuring the safe, successful, and efficient energization and testing of complex electrical systems and equipment before project handover. You will lead the commissioning team, develop detailed testing procedures, manage site activities, and interface with clients and project management. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in high-voltage equipment, protection systems, and commissioning methodologies, coupled with strong leadership and problem-solving skills. This is a challenging, fixed-term contract opportunity offering significant exposure to a key energy infrastructure development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive electrical commissioning plans and procedures for power generation and distribution systems.
• Lead and supervise the commissioning team, ensuring safe and efficient execution of all testing and energization activities.
• Perform pre-commissioning checks, functional tests, and integrated system tests on high-voltage switchgear, transformers, generators, protection relays, and control systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues identified during the commissioning phase.
• Liaise with the project management team, clients, consultants, and equipment suppliers to coordinate commissioning activities.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety regulations, site procedures, and project specifications.
• Review and approve commissioning documentation, including test reports and handover certificates.
• Manage the interface between different electrical systems and other disciplines during commissioning.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to site personnel and junior engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the commissioning of electrical systems, with a significant focus on power projects (e.g., power plants, substations, transmission lines).
• Extensive knowledge of high-voltage equipment testing, protection systems, and control logic.
• Proven experience with commissioning methodologies and relevant international standards (e.g., IEC, IEEE).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a commissioning team in a project environment.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, particularly under pressure.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and reporting skills.
• Familiarity with project execution phases and contractor management.
• Must be available to work on a contract basis and willing to be based near George for the duration of the project.

Benefits

• This contract position offers a highly attractive daily rate or annual equivalent, reflecting the seniority and specialized nature of the role.
• While it is a contract position, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to gain significant experience on a major infrastructure project in the scenic Western Cape .
• Our client ensures all necessary site support and safety protocols are in place.
• This role is ideal for experienced professionals seeking a challenging, high-impact engagement in the power sector.