Senior Electrical Engineer - Grid Connections

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Generous leave

Professional development

Hybrid work flexibility

Stellenbosch office

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer focused on grid connections to join our Stellenbosch team. You will lead design studies, interact with grid operators, and ensure compliance with South African grid codes for renewables integration.

The role requires a Master’s in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems) and 8+ years of relevant experience, with strong software skills (PSS/E/ETAP/DIgSILENT) and substation expertise. Hybrid work options available from Stellenbosch office.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems.
• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience focused on power systems engineering and grid connections for renewable energy projects.
• In-depth knowledge of South African grid codes and utility interconnection requirements.
• Proven experience with power system analysis software (PSS/E, ETAP, DIgSILENT) for load flow, short-circuit, and stability studies.
• Expertise in substation design, protection relays, switchgear, and associated electrical equipment.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and communication protocols for grid integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical engineering design and technical studies for grid interconnection of renewable energy projects (solar, wind, battery storage).
• Develop and review grid connection applications, impact studies, and technical proposals.
• Specify substation equipment, protection systems, and control schemes for interconnection points.
• Liaise with utility companies, grid operators, and regulatory bodies to facilitate smooth interconnection processes.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant grid codes, standards, and regulations in South Africa.
• Manage the technical aspects of substation and grid connection projects throughout their lifecycle.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and project teams.
• Conduct site visits and technical reviews of existing and proposed interconnection infrastructure.
• Analyze grid stability, fault levels, and power quality issues related to new connections.
• Contribute to the development of company standards and best practices for grid connection engineering.

Skills

Power systems engineering

Grid code knowledge

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Mentorship

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Tools

PSS/E

ETAP

DIgSILENT

SCADA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent developer of renewable energy infrastructure, is actively seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer specializing in Grid Connections to join their innovative team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This role is fundamental to ensuring the seamless and compliant integration of our renewable energy projects into the national grid. You will be responsible for all technical aspects of grid interconnection, from initial studies and negotiations to final commissioning. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in power systems, grid codes, and substation design, coupled with a strong understanding of the South African regulatory landscape. This is a unique opportunity to shape the energy infrastructure of the future and contribute to a sustainable energy transition. The position is based in our Stellenbosch, Western Cape office, with potential for hybrid flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical engineering design and technical studies for grid interconnection of renewable energy projects (solar, wind, battery storage).
• Develop and review grid connection applications, impact studies, and technical proposals.
• Specify substation equipment, protection systems, and control schemes for interconnection points.
• Liaise with utility companies, grid operators, and regulatory bodies to facilitate smooth interconnection processes.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant grid codes, standards, and regulations in South Africa.
• Manage the technical aspects of substation and grid connection projects throughout their lifecycle.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and project teams.
• Conduct site visits and technical reviews of existing and proposed interconnection infrastructure.
• Analyze grid stability, fault levels, and power quality issues related to new connections.
• Contribute to the development of company standards and best practices for grid connection engineering.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems.
• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience focused on power systems engineering and grid connections for renewable energy projects.
• In-depth knowledge of South African grid codes and utility interconnection requirements.
• Proven experience with power system analysis software (e.g., PSS/E, ETAP, DIgSILENT) for load flow, short-circuit, and stability studies.
• Expertise in substation design, protection relays, switchgear, and associated electrical equipment.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and communication protocols for grid integration.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentive program.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous annual leave and company-provided holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and conference attendance.
• Exposure to a wide variety of challenging and large-scale renewable energy projects.
• A stimulating and supportive work environment within our Stellenbosch, Western Cape office.
• Potential for career advancement in a rapidly growing sector.
• Direct impact on the expansion of clean energy infrastructure.