Senior Electrical Engineer - Power Distribution

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical and retirement benefits

Hybrid work model

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer for a hybrid role based in Nelspruit. You will lead design and upgrades of electrical distribution systems, perform advanced power-system studies, and ensure regulatory compliance. Mentorship of junior engineers and coordination with field teams are key aspects of the role.

The position requires a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, 7+ years in distribution engineering, and preferably Pr. Eng. with ECSA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• Minimum 7 years in electrical power distribution engineering.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of distribution planning, design and operation principles.
• Experience with SCADA and distribution automation is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of electrical distribution systems including substations and cabling.
• Perform load flow, short circuit, and protection studies for distribution networks.
• Develop technical specifications for equipment and materials.
• Oversee project delivery and upgrades to distribution infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with SANS and safety regulations.
• Investigate power quality issues and outages, and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and review drawings.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for distribution projects.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) with ECSA (preferred)

Tools

ETAP

PSS/E

CYME

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent utility and infrastructure provider, is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer with expertise in power distribution to join their team in Nelspruit . This role is integral to the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of the electrical distribution network. You will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of the power supply to customers. The position involves complex problem-solving, project management, and collaboration with various stakeholders, including field crews, regulatory bodies, and other engineering disciplines. This is a hybrid role, requiring both office-based work and site visits, offering a balance between structured design and practical implementation in the Nelspruit region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of electrical distribution systems, including substations, overhead lines, and underground cabling.
• Perform load flow analysis, short circuit calculations, and protection coordination studies for the distribution network.
• Develop technical specifications for electrical equipment and materials.
• Oversee the implementation of new projects and upgrades to the distribution infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with national electrical codes, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Investigate and resolve power quality issues, outages, and system disturbances.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to support system reliability and operational efficiency.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Review and approve engineering designs and construction drawings.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation for distribution projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in electrical power distribution engineering.
• Strong understanding of distribution system planning, design, and operation principles.
• Proficiency in power system analysis software (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E, CYME).
• Knowledge of relevant South African National Standards (SANS) and electrical safety regulations.
• Experience with SCADA systems and distribution automation technologies is desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• The hybrid work model provides a degree of flexibility.
• This role, based in Nelspruit , offers the chance to work on critical infrastructure projects that are essential to the region's development and economic growth.
• Join a stable organization with a commitment to engineering excellence and employee well-being.