Senior Power Systems Protection Engineer

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Power Systems Protection Engineer for a fully remote position within South Africa. You will design, test, and commission protection schemes for generation, transmission, and distribution networks, supporting remote teams across the country.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in protection engineering, expertise with ASE2000, CAPE, ETAP, Omicron, and Doble, and a strong grasp of SA and international standards (IEC, ANSI, NRS).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in power system protection engineering.
• Strong knowledge of protection fundamentals for generators, transformers, lines, and feeders.
• Experience with protection relaying software and test equipment.
• Familiarity with SA and international standards (IEC, ANSI, NRS).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement protection schemes for high-voltage substations, power plants, and distribution networks.
• Specify protective relays, control systems, and associated equipment.
• Develop protection system settings and coordination studies.
• Perform testing and commissioning of protection systems, including factory and site acceptance tests.
• Troubleshoot and resolve protection system faults and maloperations.
• Review engineering designs and technical documentation prepared by others.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Stay updated on advancements in protection technology, standards, and best practices.
• Contribute to the development of protection standards and philosophies.
• Collaborate effectively with project teams, asset management, and operations personnel in a remote setting.

Skills

Power systems protection

Remote collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ASE2000

CAPE

ETAP

Omicron

Doble

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in energy infrastructure development and management, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Power Systems Protection Engineer for a fully remote position. This role is integral to ensuring the stability, reliability, and safety of complex electrical grids. You will be responsible for the design, application, testing, and commissioning of protection systems for generation, transmission, and distribution networks. As a remote-first company, we empower our engineers to work from anywhere within **South Africa**, providing them with the tools and support needed to excel. This is a fantastic opportunity to leverage your expertise in a critical area of the energy sector, contributing to significant projects from a location that suits you best. Our commitment to innovation and employee growth makes this a rewarding career path for dedicated professionals. We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring insights relevant to the **Eastern Cape** energy landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement protection schemes for high-voltage substations, power plants, and distribution networks.
• Specify protective relays, control systems, and associated equipment.
• Develop protection system settings and coordination studies.
• Perform testing and commissioning of protection systems, including factory and site acceptance tests.
• Troubleshoot and resolve protection system faults and maloperations.
• Review engineering designs and technical documentation prepared by others.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in protection technology, standards, and best practices.
• Contribute to the development of protection standards and philosophies.
• Collaborate effectively with project teams, asset management, and operations personnel in a remote setting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in power system protection engineering.
• Strong understanding of protection principles for generators, transformers, transmission lines, and distribution feeders.
• Proficiency with protection relaying software (e.g., ASE2000, CAPE, ETAP) and test equipment (e.g., Omicron, Doble).
• Experience with SCADA systems and communication protocols used in power systems.
• Knowledge of relevant international and **South African** standards (e.g., IEC, ANSI, NRS).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, suitable for remote collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote environment.
• Must be eligible to work remotely from **Port Elizabeth**, Eastern Cape or other approved locations within **South Africa**.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, life insurance, and retirement savings options.
• As a fully remote role, you will benefit from unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and certifications, are readily available.
• Performance bonuses and potential for career advancement are key components of our employee value proposition.

Join us in shaping the future of a reliable and secure energy grid.