Senior Electrical Engineer - Power Distribution

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund contribution

Professional development opportunities

On-site role in Stellenbosch

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Electrical Engineer for our client in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role centers on power distribution system design, upgrades, and maintenance of substations, overhead lines, and underground networks.

The position requires a MEng/MSc in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems) with 8+ years of experience, proficiency in CYME/PowerFactory/DIgSILENT/ETAP, and a Pr. Eng. registration with ECSA. On-site role with strong leadership expectations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Power Systems.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in electrical power distribution engineering.
• Proven expertise in distribution system design, protection, and operation.
• Proficiency in distribution system analysis software (CYME, PowerFactory, DIgSILENT, ETAP).
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry best practices for power distribution.
• SCADA systems and distribution automation knowledge is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and planning of electrical distribution network expansion and upgrades.
• Develop engineering designs, specifications, and cost estimates for distribution projects.
• Perform load forecasting and system analysis for reliability and capacity.
• Oversee equipment selection including transformers, switchgear, and protection relays.
• Conduct fault analysis and implement improvements to reduce outages.
• Ensure designs comply with electrical codes and safety regulations.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers.
• Collaborate with operations to address system issues and implement improvements.
• Review designs submitted by external consultants.
• Manage project timelines and budgets for distribution projects.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Master's in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Tools

CYME

PowerFactory

DIgSILENT

ETAP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key utility provider, is seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Engineer with a strong focus on power distribution systems to join their esteemed team in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**. This role is essential for maintaining and enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the region's electrical distribution network. You will be responsible for the design, planning, and oversight of upgrades and maintenance for substations, overhead lines, and underground networks. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of distribution system operations, protection, and fault analysis. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to the stability and growth of the power infrastructure in the beautiful **Stellenbosch** area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and planning of electrical distribution network expansion and upgrades.
• Develop detailed engineering designs, specifications, and cost estimates for distribution projects.
• Perform load forecasting and system analysis to ensure network capacity and reliability.
• Oversee the selection and application of distribution equipment, including transformers, switchgear, and protection relays.
• Conduct fault analysis and implement solutions to improve system performance and minimize outages.
• Ensure all designs and projects comply with relevant electrical codes, standards, and safety regulations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineering staff.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to address system issues and implement improvements.
• Review and approve engineering designs submitted by external consultants.
• Manage project timelines and budgets effectively for assigned distribution projects.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Power Systems.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in electrical power distribution engineering.
• Proven expertise in distribution system design, protection, and operation.
• Proficiency in distribution system analysis software (e.g., CYME, PowerFactory DIgSILENT, ETAP).
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry best practices for power distribution.
• Experience with SCADA systems and distribution automation technologies is desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong project management and leadership capabilities.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is required.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate complex technical concepts.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement fund contribution, and opportunities for ongoing professional development.
• This on-site role in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape** provides a stable and rewarding career path within a critical infrastructure sector.
• You will be part of a team dedicated to ensuring a reliable power supply for the community.
• Employees benefit from a supportive work culture and opportunities to lead significant engineering initiatives within the power distribution domain.
• This is a full-time position.