Senior Electrical Engineer (Power Systems Planning)

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto seeks a Senior Electrical Engineer (Power Systems Planning) to lead long-term grid planning, load forecasting, and integration of new generation. The role blends site engagement with detailed analysis and reporting in a hybrid work model.

You will assess substations, transmission projects, and distributed generation, adhering to South African grid codes. A Master's degree and strong software skills (PSS/E, ETAP, PowerFactory) are required, with mentoring responsibilities

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Power Systems Engineering is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct power system planning studies: load flow, short circuit, stability, contingency analysis.
• Develop long-term network expansion plans to meet future demand.
• Feasibility studies for substations, transmission lines, and distributed generation connections.
• Develop and maintain load forecasting models.
• Ensure compliance with grid codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with operations, asset management, and project teams.
• Prepare technical reports, recommendations, and investment justifications.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and their impact on power system planning.
• Assist in asset management strategies and capital investment plans.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.

Skills

Power system planning

Load forecasting

Regulatory frameworks

Analytical skills

Report writing

Team mentorship

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Power Systems Engineering

Professional registration (Pr. Eng) desirable

Tools

PSS/E

ETAP

PowerFactory

Job description

About the Role Our client, a major utility company responsible for power distribution and infrastructure, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Electrical Engineer (Power Systems Planning) to join their team in Soweto. This role is critical for the long-term planning and development of the electricity network, ensuring its reliability, capacity, and future readiness. You will be responsible for conducting power flow studies, load forecasting, system expansion studies, and ensuring the integration of new generation sources and technologies. This Hybrid position offers a blend of essential on-site work for operational engagement and remote flexibility for detailed analysis and reporting. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of power system operations, planning methodologies, and relevant South African regulatory frameworks. Your expertise will be vital in shaping the future of the region's power infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct power system planning studies, including load flow, short circuit, stability, and contingency analysis.
• Develop long-term network expansion plans to meet future demand and integration requirements.
• Perform feasibility studies for new substations, transmission lines, and distributed generation connections.
• Develop and maintain load forecasting models.
• Ensure compliance with relevant grid codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with operations, asset management, and project teams.
• Prepare technical reports, recommendations, and investment justifications.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and their impact on power system planning.
• Assist in the development of asset management strategies and capital investment plans.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Power Systems Engineering or a related field; Professional registration (Pr. Eng) is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in power system planning, analysis, or design within an electricity utility or consultancy.
• In-depth knowledge of power system analysis software (e.g., PSS/E, ETAP, PowerFactory).
• Strong understanding of network planning principles, load forecasting, and system reliability concepts.
• Familiarity with South African grid codes, regulations, and electricity market structures.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a Hybrid environment and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Experience with renewable energy integration studies is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits.
• We provide significant opportunities for professional development, including specialized training, participation in industry forums, and career advancement programs.
• The hybrid work model promotes work-life balance while ensuring crucial site and team engagement.
• This role offers the chance to make a substantial impact on the reliability and future development of the region's essential power infrastructure.