Senior Power Systems Planner

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Competitive salary with annual bonus

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng seeks an experienced Senior Power Systems Planner to forecast demand, plan grid expansion, and ensure long-term reliability of the power network across Gauteng and surrounds. You will use advanced modeling tools to evaluate investments and develop robust expansion plans.

The role requires a Master's/PhD in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems) and 8+ years in planning/analysis, with strong communication and collaboration across stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering with a Power Systems focus.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in power system planning, analysis, or operations.
• Expertise in power system modeling and simulation software (PSS/E, PowerWorld, PSCAD).
• Strong understanding of reliability, grid codes and market operations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and written/verbal communication skills.
• Experience with integrated resource planning (IRP) and long-term energy scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term (10–20 year) power system expansion plans considering demand growth and renewables.
• Conduct detailed load forecasting and generation adequacy studies.
• Perform power flow, stability, and reliability analyses using advanced software.
• Evaluate technical and economic feasibility of transmission lines, substations, and generation projects.
• Collaborate with regulatory bodies, internal departments and external stakeholders.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to management and planning committees.

Skills

Power systems modeling

Analytical thinking

Report writing

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Tools

PSS/E

PowerWorld

PSCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Power Systems Planner to join their strategic planning division in Sandton. This role is essential for forecasting future electricity demand, planning grid expansion, and ensuring the long-term reliability and capacity of the power network in Gauteng and surrounding areas. You will utilize sophisticated modeling tools and analysis techniques to assess system needs, evaluate investment options, and develop robust expansion plans. This hybrid position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, both in-person and remotely, to shape the future of energy infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop long-term (10-20 year) power system expansion plans considering demand growth, renewable integration, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Conduct detailed load forecasting and generation adequacy studies.
• Perform power flow, stability, and reliability analyses using advanced simulation software.
• Evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of new transmission lines, substations, and generation projects.
• Collaborate with regulatory bodies, internal departments, and external stakeholders on planning initiatives.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and present findings to management and planning committees.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in power system planning, analysis, or operations.
• Expertise in power system modeling and simulation software (e.g., PSS/E, PowerWorld, PSCAD).
• Strong understanding of power system reliability principles, grid codes, and market operations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and written/verbal communication skills.
• Experience with integrated resource planning (IRP) and long-term energy scenario development.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and annual performance bonus.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and convenience.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with generous employer contributions.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and influence on energy infrastructure strategy.