Senior Grid Modernization Engineer

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Salary package

Healthcare coverage

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Grid Modernization Engineer for Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA. The role blends on-site project engagement with remote planning, focusing on smart grid technologies and renewable energy integration.

You will lead design, analysis, and implementation across SCADA, AMI, DMS, and EMS systems, while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring regulatory compliance. Hybrid work supports balanced planning and execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; Master's preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of smart grid technologies (SCADA, AMI, DMS, EMS).
• Analyze grid performance data to identify improvements and modernization strategies.
• Develop technical specs and engineering designs for grid upgrades.
• Collaborate with operations, planning, and IT for seamless integration of new tech.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for modernization initiatives.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost–benefit analyses for upgrades.
• Stay updated on grid modernization and DER best practices.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Troubleshoot complex grid issues and develop solutions.

Skills

Power systems engineering

Grid modernization

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent

Tools

SCADA

AMI

DMS

EMS

Power system software (PSS/E/ETAP/CYME)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent utility company committed to modernizing its infrastructure, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Grid Modernization Engineer for their operations in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA. This hybrid role allows for a strategic balance of on-site project engagement and remote planning and analysis. You will be at the forefront of designing and implementing advanced grid technologies, focusing on enhancing grid reliability, efficiency, and integration of renewable energy sources. Your expertise will be crucial in developing smart grid solutions, improving grid resilience against outages, and ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of electricity. We are looking for an innovative engineer with a deep understanding of power systems and a passion for future-proofing our energy infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of smart grid technologies, including SCADA, AMI, DMS, and EMS systems.
• Analyze grid performance data to identify areas for improvement and recommend modernization strategies.
• Develop technical specifications and engineering designs for grid modernization projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, planning, and IT, to ensure seamless integration of new technologies.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for grid modernization initiatives.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for proposed grid upgrades.Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices in grid modernization and distributed energy resources (DERs).
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, codes, and regulations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Troubleshoot complex grid operational issues and develop effective solutions.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field; a Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in power systems engineering, with a significant focus on grid modernization, smart grid technologies, or utility operations.
• Proven experience with SCADA, AMI, DMS, EMS, or similar grid automation systems.
• Strong understanding of power flow, load forecasting, protection systems, and grid stability.
• Experience with distributed energy resources (DERs) and their integration into the grid.
• Proficiency in power system simulation software (e.g., PSS/E, ETAP, CYME).
• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, managing both remote and on-site responsibilities.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
• Opportunity to work on transformative energy projects.
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for career growth.
• Hybrid work flexibility for a better work-life balance.
• Contribution to a reliable and sustainable energy future for Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA.