Senior Grid Operations Engineer

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Grid Operations Engineer for its Kimberley, Northern Cape control center. You will monitor the provincial grid in real time, manage power flows and voltages, and coordinate restoration after disturbances, working with generation, transmission and distribution partners.

The role requires a strong background in power systems, SCADA, and SA grid codes, with excellent analytical and communication skills. A Pr.Eng. is preferred, and a shift-based environment is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 6+ years in power system operations, grid control, or planning.
• Pr. Eng. registration with ECSA desirable.
• Knowledge of load flow, stability, and protection.
• Experience with SCADA and grid monitoring software.
• Familiarity with South African grid codes and operating principles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a shift-based environment and handle high-stress situations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor real-time status of the provincial electricity grid and respond to abnormal conditions.
• Manage power flow and voltage levels to ensure grid stability.
• Coordinate actions to restore grid after disturbances or emergencies.
• Operate grid control systems and associated software applications.
• Liaise with generation facilities, transmission operators, and distribution companies.
• Contribute to grid planning studies and provide operational input.
• Ensure compliance with grid codes, regulations, and procedures.
• Prepare operational reports and analyze grid performance data.
• Respond to alarms and alerts promptly.
• Participate in on-call rotations for emergencies.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Minimum 6 years in power system operations/grid control/planning

Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA desirable

Power system fundamentals: load flow, stability, protection

Experience with SCADA and grid monitoring software

Familiarity with South African grid codes

Analytical, problem-solving, decisive under pressure

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Shift-based work and high-stress management

Tools

SCADA systems

Grid monitoring software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the national energy infrastructure, is seeking a highly competent Senior Grid Operations Engineer to join their control center team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This role is pivotal in ensuring the reliable and stable operation of the provincial electricity grid. You will be responsible for monitoring grid performance, managing power flows, responding to disturbances, and coordinating with various stakeholders to maintain grid integrity and security of supply. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of power system dynamics, grid operations, protection systems, and relevant regulatory frameworks. This position requires an analytical and decisive engineer with proven experience in real-time grid operations and excellent communication skills. We are looking for a proactive individual committed to upholding the highest standards of grid reliability and efficiency. Your expertise will be crucial in managing the complexities of the energy network in Kimberley and the wider Northern Cape, contributing directly to the nation's energy security. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career within a vital industry, working with cutting-edge technology and a dedicated team in a region undergoing significant energy development.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor the real-time status of the provincial electricity grid, identifying and responding to abnormal conditions.
• Manage power flow and voltage levels to ensure grid stability and compliance with operating limits.
• Direct and coordinate actions to restore the grid following disturbances or emergencies.
• Operate grid control systems and associated software applications.
• Liaise with generation facilities, transmission operators, and distribution companies.
• Participate in grid planning studies and provide operational input.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant grid codes, regulations, and operating procedures.
• Prepare operational reports and analyze grid performance data.
• Respond to and resolve system alarms and alerts promptly.
• Participate in an on-call rotation for emergency response.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in power system operations, grid control, or power system planning.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of power system fundamentals, including load flow, stability, and protection.
• Experience with SCADA systems and grid monitoring software.
• Familiarity with South African grid codes and operating principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a shift-based environment and handle high-stress situations.
• Commitment to ensuring grid reliability and security of supply.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in grid operations.
• Be part of a critical infrastructure team in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
• Work with advanced grid technology and contribute to energy security.
• A stable and rewarding career in the essential energy sector.