Senior Electrical Test and Commissioning Engineer

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid and retirement fund

Travel allowances

Project-specific bonuses

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Test and Commissioning Engineer for projects in the Kimberley region of the Northern Cape. You will lead high‑voltage testing, pre‑commissioning, and handover for substations and power plants, ensuring energization and reliability.

You will plan, execute, and document tests on transformers, switchgear, protection relays, and control schemes, collaborating with project teams while upholding safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in testing and commissioning high‑voltage electrical power systems.
• Experience with protection relays (ABB, Siemens, GE) and testing using Omicron or similar equipment.
• Strong understanding of substation design, power system protection principles, and grid codes.
• Proficient in interpreting electrical schematics, control diagrams, and technical specs.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for energized equipment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong report writing and communication abilities.
• Willingness to travel extensively within Northern Cape and other provinces.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test and commissioning plans for HV equipment (transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, relays).
• Perform site testing and troubleshooting to verify installation and operation.
• Conduct pre‑commissioning checks, functional tests, and full load commissioning.
• Analyze test results and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare commissioning reports, test documentation, and handover packages.
• Collaborate with project managers, site engineers, and clients to ensure smooth commissioning.
• Ensure all activities comply with safety standards, procedures, and regulations.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
• Maintain knowledge of testing equipment and techniques.
• Participate in post‑commissioning reviews for continuous improvement.

Skills

Power system protection

High-voltage testing

Protection relays testing

Electrical schematics

Safety procedures

Analytical thinking

Report writing

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Omicron test equipment

Protection relays testing

High voltage testing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of electrical infrastructure solutions, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Electrical Test and Commissioning Engineer for projects in the Kimberley region. This role is critical for ensuring the successful energization and operational readiness of new and upgraded electrical systems, substations, and power plants. You will be responsible for planning, executing, and documenting a wide range of testing procedures on high-voltage equipment and protection systems. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise in power system protection and control, meticulous attention to detail, and a proven ability to manage complex commissioning processes. Join a dynamic team dedicated to ensuring the reliability and safety of South Africa's power infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive test and commissioning plans for high-voltage electrical equipment, including transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, and protection relays.
• Perform site testing and troubleshooting of electrical systems to verify correct installation and operation.
• Conduct pre-commissioning checks, functional tests, and full load commissioning of power systems.
• Analyze test results, identify discrepancies, and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare detailed commissioning reports, test documentation, and operational handover packages.
• Collaborate with project managers, site engineers, and clients to ensure smooth commissioning processes.
• Ensure all testing and commissioning activities adhere to safety standards, project procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and support to junior commissioning engineers and technicians.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of testing equipment and techniques.
• Participate in post-commissioning reviews and provide feedback for continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the testing and commissioning of high-voltage electrical power systems.
• Proven experience with protection relays (e.g., ABB, Siemens, GE) and their testing using Omicron or similar equipment.
• Strong understanding of substation design, power system protection principles, and grid codes.
• Proficiency in interpreting electrical schematics, control diagrams, and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for working on energized electrical equipment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong report writing and communication abilities.
• Ability to travel extensively within the Northern Cape and potentially other provinces.
• Professional registration with ECSA is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including medical aid and a retirement fund, and opportunities for professional development and training in the latest testing technologies.
• You will work on challenging and critical infrastructure projects within the Kimberley area and beyond.
• We foster a collaborative and safety-conscious work environment with a strong emphasis on technical excellence.
• This role provides significant career growth opportunities within a reputable organization.
• Additional benefits include travel allowances and project-specific bonuses.