Senior Electrical Engineer : Transmission Substations

Engineered Sourcing; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer specializing in Transmission Substations. The role involves designing and enhancing electrical infrastructure, managing projects, and ensuring compliance with specifications. The ideal candidate has a BSc in Electrical Engineering, professional registration with ECSA, and at least 8 years of relevant experience. Strong communication skills and proficiency in electrical design software are essential. This is a full-time position that offers competitive remuneration.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in electrical transmission design and procurement.
• Experience with substation construction and installation.
• Strong communication skills and proficiency in substation software.

Responsibilities

• Design, maintain and enhance electrical infrastructure.
• Manage and coordinate design and procurement activities.
• Conduct technical studies and oversee construction activities.

Skills

Procurement of electrical equipment

Electrical transmission design practices

Substation construction and installation

HV and EHV transmission design

Electrical substation commissioning

Strong communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

AutoCAD / MicroStation

CDEGS / ETAP / Digsilent

Analytical thinker

Education

BSc / BEng / BTech in Electrical Engineering

Professional registration with ECSA (PrEng or PrTech)

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

CDEGS

ETAP

Digsilent

Job description

Our client is a prominent player in supporting energy projects and offering innovative solutions to the challenges of energy transition across Africa. They specialise in various engineering disciplines, including thermal and hydraulic engineering, electricity transmission and distribution networks, as well as solar and wind power, facilitating rapid energy development throughout the continent.

They are currently seeking a talented Senior Electrical Engineer, specializing in Transmission Substations, to join their team.

We invite qualified candidates to apply if they meet the outlined requirements. The responsibilities and criteria listed will be assessed during the interview process and verified through professional references from your previous two positions.

Job Purpose :

The Senior Transmission & Substation Engineer will be responsible for designing, maintaining, and enhancing infrastructure that transmits high-voltage electricity from power generation sources to substations and onwards to distribution systems. This includes transmission lines, substations, and associated equipment. The role involves conducting technical studies, performing calculations, and overseeing construction and maintenance activities.

Key Responsibilities :

• Determine project costs, including materials, labour, and other expenses, to prepare accurate and competitive bids.
• Plan, direct, and manage the full scope of electrical design and supply packages, ensuring timely delivery, adherence to budgets, and compliance with specifications.
• Manage and coordinate key design and procurement activities with suppliers and interface effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Delegate tasks across multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring work is completed on schedule and to a high quality standard.
• Ensure supplier deliverables and interconnected work are completed sequentially and in line with contractual obligations and project timelines.
• Seek opportunities for design optimization and value engineering.
• Communicate project outputs and provide guidance to mitigate impacts on schedule, quality, and costs, including reporting as needed.
• Provide regular progress updates to stakeholders and clients.
• Address issues or delays proactively to reduce risks of schedule overruns and cost increases.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders to resolve technical, budgetary, and scheduling challenges.
• Review project documentation such as design drawings, specifications, inspection reports, and change notices; take appropriate actions when necessary.
• Conduct regular meetings with suppliers and project teams to ensure alignment.
• Identify, mitigate, and escalate risks to support project delivery, minimizing delays and maximizing cost savings.
• Work closely with Quality assurance teams to ensure timely inspections and review inspection reports for corrective actions.
• Monitor performance and KPIs, resolve supplier performance issues proactively, and ensure proper record-keeping throughout the project.

Requirements :

• BSc / BEng / BTech in Electrical Engineering
• Professional registration with ECSA (PrEng or PrTech) or eligibility for registration

Experience :

Minimum of 8 years’ experience in :

• Procurement of electrical equipment for large infrastructure projects
• Electrical transmission design practices
• Substation construction and installation
• HV and EHV transmission design
• Electrical substation commissioning (advantageous)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD / MicroStation, CDEGS / ETAP / Digsilent, and related substation software
• Analytical thinker with problem-solving capabilities
• Experience working with cross-regional teams with a focus on excellence delivery