Senior Electrical Engineer - Power Generation

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonus opportunities

Professional development support

Safety culture emphasis

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to support operation and maintenance of power generation plant electrical systems, including protective schemes and SCADA. The role focuses on reliability, upgrades, and safety compliance.

You will troubleshoot faults, plan system upgrades, ensure IEC/SANS/OHS compliance, and mentor junior engineers. A BEng in Electrical Engineering and 7+ years in power generation are preferred; Pr.Eng. is desirable.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in electrical engineering with a focus on power generation facilities.
• Strong knowledge of rotating machinery, high-voltage equipment, protection systems, and SCADA/DCS.
• Familiarity with IEC, SANS, and OHS Act safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert electrical engineering support for operation and maintenance of power generation plant equipment.
• Plan and oversee electrical system upgrades and capital projects to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Conduct RCA for electrical failures and mentor junior engineers and staff.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SCADA/DCS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the energy sector with significant operations in power generation, is seeking a dedicated Senior Electrical Engineer to join their team in Nelspruit . This role is essential for supporting the operational integrity, maintenance, and enhancement of electrical systems within our power generation facilities. You will be involved in troubleshooting complex issues, implementing upgrades, ensuring compliance with stringent safety and environmental regulations, and contributing to the reliability of power supply. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in power plant electrical systems, including rotating machinery, switchgear, protection, and control systems. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in a critical industry, working on vital infrastructure and contributing to the energy security of the region. Join a stable and reputable company committed to operational excellence in Nelspruit .

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert electrical engineering support for the operation and maintenance of power generation plant equipment.
• Diagnose and resolve complex electrical faults and failures in areas such as turbines, generators, transformers, switchgear, and control systems.
• Plan and oversee electrical system upgrades, modifications, and capital projects to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Ensure all electrical work and systems comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., IEC, NRS), safety regulations, and environmental policies.
• Develop and review technical specifications, operating procedures, and maintenance strategies for electrical equipment.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for electrical failures and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project teams to optimize plant performance.
• Provide technical training and mentorship to junior engineers and technical staff.
• Participate in safety reviews, HAZOP studies, and risk assessments related to electrical systems.
• Stay informed about new technologies and best practices in power generation electrical engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in electrical engineering, with a substantial focus on power generation facilities (e.g., thermal, hydro, or renewable).
• Proven experience troubleshooting and managing electrical systems in an industrial or plant environment.
• Strong knowledge of rotating machinery, high-voltage equipment, protection systems, and SCADA/DCS.
• Familiarity with relevant electrical codes, standards, and safety protocols (e.g., OHS Act, SANS).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, with potential earnings of up to R per annum , dependent on skills and experience.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a robust retirement fund, and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• The company provides excellent support for professional development, including relevant training courses and opportunities to gain experience across different generation technologies.
• This role is based in Nelspruit , offering a stable career path within a vital industry.
• We foster a culture of safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Generous leave allowances and other employee benefits are provided.