Senior Electrical Testing and Commissioning Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Travel & accommodation allowances

Medical aid & retirement benefit

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Testing and Commissioning Engineer in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga to lead HV testing, commissioning and energization of substations, transformers, switchgear and protection relays. You will interpret test results, troubleshoot issues and ensure safety compliance on large power projects.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor's in electrical engineering, 7+ years in HV testing/commissioning, and experience with Omicron/Doble protection relay software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in electrical testing and commissioning, with HV emphasis.
• Knowledge of IEC and IEEE standards.
• Proficiency with a wide range of electrical testing equipment and diagnostic tools.
• Experience with protection relay testing software (Omicron, Doble).
• Ability to interpret complex electrical schematics and drawings.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and leadership skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and work extended hours.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre‑commissioning checks, functional tests and commissioning for HV equipment.
• Develop and review testing/commissioning plans, procedures and reports.
• Interpret single‑line diagrams and equipment manuals to guide testing.
• Use specialized test equipment to perform HV tests.
• Analyze results, identify faults, and recommend corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot complex electrical issues during commissioning.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and site procedures.
• Supervise and mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Coordinate with project managers, site engineers, clients and manufacturers.
• Support energization of electrical systems.

Skills

Electrical testing

High‑voltage systems

Relay testing software

Schematic interpretation

Analytical problem solving

Leadership & communication

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Omicron Test Universe

Doble

Electrical test equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the energy and infrastructure sector, is actively seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Testing and Commissioning Engineer to join their dedicated team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This critical role focuses on the safe and effective testing, commissioning, and energization of high-voltage electrical equipment and systems, including substations, power transformers, switchgear, and protection relays. You will lead testing activities, interpret test results, troubleshoot issues, and ensure that all commissioned equipment meets stringent performance and safety standards. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned engineer to take on significant responsibility, work on diverse projects, and contribute to the reliable operation of vital power infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute pre-commissioning checks, functional tests, and commissioning procedures for high-voltage electrical equipment (e.g., transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, protection relays, generators).
• Develop and review detailed testing and commissioning plans, procedures, and reports.
• Interpret technical specifications, single-line diagrams, and equipment manuals to guide testing activities.
• Utilize specialized test equipment (e.g., TTR meters, winding resistance testers, micro-ohmmeters, relay test sets) to perform tests.
• Analyze test results, identify discrepancies or faults, and recommend corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose complex electrical issues during commissioning.
• Ensure all testing and commissioning activities are carried out in strict accordance with safety regulations, site procedures, and project requirements.
• Supervise and mentor junior testing and commissioning engineers and technicians.
• Liaise with project managers, site engineers, clients, and equipment manufacturers throughout the commissioning process.
• Provide technical expertise and support during the energization of electrical systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in electrical testing and commissioning, with a strong emphasis on high-voltage power systems.
• Extensive knowledge of high-voltage equipment operation, testing principles, and relevant international standards (e.g., IEC, IEEE).
• Proficiency in using a wide range of electrical testing equipment and diagnostic tools.
• Experience with protection relay testing software (e.g., Omicron Test Universe, Doble).
• Proven ability to interpret complex electrical schematics and engineering drawings.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Certified or eligible for professional registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel extensively to project sites and work extended hours as project demands require.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Generous travel and accommodation allowances.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for specialized training and professional development.
• Exposure to challenging and large-scale power projects.
• A robust safety culture and supportive team environment.