Senior Electrical Engineer - Grid Connection & Renewable Energy

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement annuity

Performance-based incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to join our Pretoria team, focusing on grid connection for renewable energy projects, including solar and wind farms. You will lead electrical design, perform power system studies, and ensure grid code compliance.

The role demands strong substation experience, protection relay settings, and SCADA familiarity, with a flexible hybrid work model and travel to project sites across South Africa.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in electrical engineering with focus on power systems or renewable energy projects.
• In-depth knowledge of SA grid codes and standards (NERSA, Eskom).
• Proficiency in power system analysis software (PSS/E, PSCAD, ETAP).
• Experience with substations, protection relays, and SCADA systems.
• Willingness to travel across South Africa for projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design and engineering for grid connection of renewable energy projects (solar PV, wind).
• Perform detailed power system studies to ensure grid code compliance.
• Develop electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, protection schemes and equipment specs.
• Liaise with national/regional utilities for grid interconnection processes.
• Review grid connection agreements and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee procurement, installation, and commissioning of electrical equipment.
• Conduct site inspections and provide technical support during construction and energization.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and share grid connection best practices.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks related to grid integration.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Hybrid collaboration

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PSS/E

PSCAD

ETAP

Substation design tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, is seeking a highly competent Senior Electrical Engineer to join their growing team in Pretoria, Gauteng . This role focuses on the critical aspects of grid connection for renewable energy projects, including solar and wind farms. You will be responsible for the electrical design, grid code compliance, and technical liaison with utility providers. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of power system studies, grid interconnection standards, and electrical infrastructure design for large-scale energy projects. This position requires excellent analytical skills, project management capabilities, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. You will play a key role in ensuring the successful integration of clean energy sources into the national grid, contributing significantly to sustainable energy initiatives in South Africa . We are looking for a dedicated professional eager to advance their career in the dynamic field of renewable energy, working in a hybrid model that balances office-based collaboration with remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design and engineering for grid connection of renewable energy projects (solar PV, wind farms).
• Perform detailed power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, fault analysis, and transient stability, to ensure grid code compliance.
• Develop electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, protection schemes, and equipment specifications for substations and transmission lines.
• Liaise with national and regional utility companies to manage the grid application and interconnection process.
• Review and interpret grid connection agreements and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the procurement, installation, and commissioning of electrical equipment, ensuring adherence to design specifications and safety standards.
• Conduct site inspections and provide technical support during construction and energization phases.
• Prepare technical reports, project documentation, and presentations for internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on grid connection best practices.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with grid integration of renewable energy resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in electrical engineering, with a significant focus on power systems, grid connection, or renewable energy projects.
• In-depth knowledge of South African grid codes and standards (e.g., NERSA regulations, Eskom standards).
• Proficiency in power system analysis software such as PSS/E, PSCAD, ETAP, or similar.
• Experience with substation design, protection relay settings, and SCADA systems.
• Strong understanding of the technical challenges and solutions for integrating variable renewable energy sources.
• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team in a hybrid environment.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) with ECSA is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel to project sites across South Africa as needed.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage, a retirement annuity, and performance-based incentives. You will have the opportunity to work on impactful renewable energy projects that contribute to a sustainable future. Professional development is highly valued, with support for further training, certifications, and conference attendance. This hybrid role provides a balance between collaborative office work and the flexibility of remote work. Join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of the green energy transition in South Africa . We promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, offering a dynamic and challenging work environment. Paid leave and other statutory benefits are provided. Be part of a mission-driven organization making a real difference.