Senior Electrical Engineer

Ioco Pty Ltd; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer in Pretoria to lead design and commissioning of protection systems for power networks. The ideal candidate has 5-8 years' experience, strong knowledge of SCADA systems, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. Responsibilities include mentoring junior engineers, client engagement, and ensuring system performance compliance. This role requires local and international travel, with a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years in Power System Protection, Telecontrol, and Substation Automation.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers.
• Proven track record in commissioning and fault analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and approval of protection and telecontrol systems.
• Perform complex system studies and relay coordination.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers.
• Prepare and review technical reports and project documentation.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.

Skills

Power System Protection

Relaying settings

Substation Automation

SCADA / RTU integration

Communication protocols

Technical report writing

Engineering design software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional registration with ECSA (PrEng)

Postgraduate degree in power systems protection or automation

Tools

AutoCAD

ZWCAD

Microstation

DigSilent Powerfactory

Matlab Simulink

PowerSim

Job description

We are looking for a Senior Electrical Engineer to lead the design, configuration, testing, and commissioning of protection and telecontrol systems for transmission and distribution networks.

The role includes developing complex protection schemes, conducting advanced fault analysis, and ensuring safe and reliable power system performance.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you will provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and support project planning, risk assessment, and client engagements.

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, be professionally registered with ECSA (PrEng), and have 5–8 years' proven experience in power system protection, relay settings, commissioning, and substation automation.

Strong knowledge of SCADA / RTU integration, communication protocols, and power system studies is essential, with vendor-specific training and postgraduate qualifications considered advantageous.

What you'll do:

• Review and approve protection and telecontrol system designs and settings.
• Perform complex system studies, relay coordination, and fault simulations.
• Lead site commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of relays, RTUs, and communication systems.
• Provide technical guidance and training to junior engineers.
• Prepare and review technical reports, project documentation, and as‑built drawings.
• Participate in client meetings, technical reviews, and project planning sessions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, company procedures, and industry best practices.
• Provide technical support to BD and Sales
• Provide support for GE / IST, A‑eberle protection, control and automation products.
• Evaluate customer inquiries and technical feasibility of projects.

Your Expertise:

• Function related experience: 5‑8 years in Power System Protection, Telecontrol, and Substation Automation.
• Proven track record in protection system design, relay settings, commissioning, and fault analysis.
• Experience leading technical teams and mentoring junior engineers.
• Hands‑on experience with site testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting complex electrical systems.
• Proficiency in engineering design software: AutoCAD, ZWCAD, Microstation.
• Strong technical report writing skills.
• Ability to manage and interact with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Computer literacy with good working knowledge of relevant OEM product software and power systems simulation packages: DigSilent Powerfactory, Matlab Simulink, PowerSim.
• Ability to effectively communicate with team members and customers.
• Excellent understanding and interpretation of project specifications, drawings, single‑line diagrams, and data sheets.
• Excellent understanding of electrical network load flow and fault level studies.
• In‑depth knowledge of power system protection principles, telecontrol systems, and substation automation.
• Strong understanding of relay types, SCADA / RTU integration, and communication protocols (IEC, DNP3, Modbus, etc.).

Qualifications:

• Essential: Matric Certificate; Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (B.Eng / B.Sc Eng Electrical).
• Professional registration with ECSA (PrEng) is required.
• Preferred: Postgraduate degree or specialized training in power systems protection or automation.
• Certifications or vendor‑specific training on protection relays (e.g., GE, ABB, SEL) and SCADA systems.
• Project management or leadership training.

Location:

Pretoria

Work environment:

5 days at Office and Client sites

Travel:

Local and International travel as and when required