Senior Grid Connection Engineer

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Fully remote

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Grid Connection Engineer to lead grid integration for solar and wind projects across South Africa. This fully remote role requires deep expertise in power systems, Eskom grid codes, and regulatory requirements, with strong negotiation and technical leadership across provinces including North West.

You will oversee interconnection studies, coordinate with utilities, and mentor project teams while maintaining high standards of safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering specializing in Power Systems.
• Master's degree is a strong advantage.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in power system engineering with emphasis on grid connections for renewable energy.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical evaluation of grid connection feasibility for renewable projects.
• Prepare and submit grid connection applications to Eskom and municipalities.
• Oversee studies: load flow, short circuit, stability, protection coordination.
• Negotiate interconnection agreements with grid operators and utilities.
• Ensure compliance with grid codes, standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide expert guidance on grid connection strategies and best practices.
• Review and approve grid interconnection designs.
• Stay updated on evolving grid connection requirements and technologies.
• Troubleshoot during construction and commissioning related to grid integration.

Skills

Power systems knowledge

Communication

Negotiation

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

PSS/E

ETAP

PowerFactory

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding developer of utility-scale renewable energy projects, is looking for a highly competent Senior Grid Connection Engineer to join their dynamic team. This role, based remotely but with significant interaction across **South Africa**, will be instrumental in ensuring seamless and compliant grid integration for new solar and wind energy facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of power system engineering, grid codes, interconnection standards, and regulatory requirements specific to **South Africa**. You will lead the technical aspects of grid connection applications, studies, and negotiations with the national utility and Eskom. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa, while requiring close collaboration with project teams and stakeholders across various provinces, including opportunities to engage with projects in the **North West** region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical evaluation of grid connection feasibility for new renewable energy projects.
• Manage the preparation and submission of grid connection applications to Eskom and relevant municipalities.
• Oversee and interpret power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, stability, and protection coordination studies.
• Engage directly with grid operators and utility engineers to negotiate interconnection agreements and resolve technical challenges.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable grid codes, technical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams, project managers, and external consultants throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide expert technical guidance on grid connection strategies and best practices.
• Review and approve designs related to grid interconnection equipment and infrastructure.
• Stay abreast of evolving grid connection requirements, new technologies, and industry trends.
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving issues that arise during the construction and commissioning phases related to grid integration.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Power Systems. A Master's degree is a strong advantage.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in power system engineering, with a significant focus on grid connections for renewable energy projects.
• In-depth knowledge of Eskom's grid connection requirements and South African grid codes.
• Proficiency in power system analysis software (e.g., PSS/E, ETAP, PowerFactory) is essential.
• Proven experience managing the technical aspects of grid interconnection studies and approvals.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with experience presenting technical information to diverse audiences.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.
• Familiarity with renewable energy projects in regions like the **North West** is beneficial.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Fully remote working arrangement offering significant flexibility.
• Contribution towards professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Opportunity to shape the grid integration strategy for impactful renewable energy projects.
• Collaborative and innovative team environment.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.