Senior Electrical Engineer

iOCO Pty Ltd; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A technology services company in Pretoria seeks a Senior Electrical Engineer to lead the design and testing of protection and telecontrol systems. The ideal candidate will mentor junior engineers while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and ECSA registration. The role involves local and international travel, with a permanent position in an office and client site environment.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in Power System Protection, Telecontrol, and Substation Automation.
• Proven track record in protection system design, relay settings, commissioning, and fault analysis.
• Hands-on experience with site testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting complex electrical systems.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve protection and telecontrol system designs.
• Lead site commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of relays and communication systems.
• Prepare and review technical reports and project documentation.

Skills

Power System Protection

Telecontrol

Substation Automation

Relay Coordination

Technical Leadership

Fault Analysis

Project Planning

Client Engagement

Communication Protocols

Technical Report Writing

Education

Matric Certificate

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional registration with ECSA (PrEng)

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:

• Reviewing and approving protection and telecontrol system designs and settings.
• Performing complex system studies, relay coordination, and fault simulations.
• Leading site commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of relays, RTUs, and communication systems.
• Providing technical guidance and training to junior engineers.
• Preparing and reviewing technical reports, project documentation, and as-built drawings.
• Participating in client meetings, technical reviews, and project planning sessions.
• Ensuring 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 of experience 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 levels study.
• 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 61850, DNP3, Modbus, etc.).

Qualifications:

• Essential Qualifications:
  • Matric Certificate
  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (B.Eng/B.Sc Eng Electrical).
  • Professional registration with ECSA (PrEng) is required.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • 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.

Other information applicable to the opportunity:

• Permanent position
• Location: Pretoria
• Work environment: 5 days at Office and Client sites
• Travel: Local and International travel as and when required