Senior Power Systems Protection Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Remote or hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Power Systems Protection Engineer to lead design, testing, and implementation of protection schemes for high-voltage networks in Richards Bay/ KwaZulu-Natal. The role offers remote or hybrid work with occasional site visits.

The candidate will perform protection studies, selection of relays and breakers, and develop protection philosophy and testing procedures while mentoring junior engineers and coordinating with grid operators and asset teams.

Qualifications

• B.Eng or B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Power Systems.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in power system protection engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of protection principles for transmission and distribution systems.
• Familiarity with South African grid codes and relevant standards.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and commission protective relaying schemes for substations and power generation facilities.
• Perform detailed power system studies, including fault analysis, transient stability, and arc flash studies.
• Select appropriate protection relays, circuit breakers, and associated equipment based on system requirements and industry best practices.
• Develop protection philosophy documents, settings files, and testing procedures.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for protection system issues during commissioning and operational phases.
• Collaborate with grid operators, asset management teams, and other stakeholders to ensure effective protection coordination.
• Review and approve protection designs submitted by external vendors and consultants.
• Stay updated on advancements in protection technology, standards, and methodologies.
• Mentor junior protection engineers and contribute to the team's technical development.

Skills

Power system protection

Protection coordination

SCADA integration

Education

B.Eng or B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

GE MiCOM

SEL AcSELERATOR

Omicron test equipment

ETAP

PSS/E

CYME

SCADA systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the South African energy sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Power Systems Protection Engineer to join their specialized team, with the flexibility of a remote or hybrid arrangement based in or near Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This pivotal role involves the design, implementation, and testing of complex protection schemes for high-voltage transmission and distribution networks. You will be at the forefront of ensuring the reliability and stability of the electrical grid, mitigating risks associated with power system faults. This position offers a unique chance to apply your deep technical knowledge to critical infrastructure projects, contributing to the secure and efficient operation of the South African power network.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and commission protective relaying schemes for substations and power generation facilities.
• Perform detailed power system studies, including fault analysis, transient stability, and arc flash studies.
• Select appropriate protection relays, circuit breakers, and associated equipment based on system requirements and industry best practices.
• Develop protection philosophy documents, settings files, and testing procedures.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for protection system issues during commissioning and operational phases.
• Collaborate with grid operators, asset management teams, and other stakeholders to ensure effective protection coordination.
• Review and approve protection designs submitted by external vendors and consultants.
• Stay updated on advancements in protection technology, standards, and methodologies.
• Mentor junior protection engineers and contribute to the team's technical development.

Requirements

• B.Eng or B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Power Systems.
• A minimum of 8 years of hands‑on experience in power system protection engineering.
• In‑depth knowledge of protection principles for transmission and distribution systems.
• Proficiency with protection relay settings software (e.g., GE MiCOM, SEL AcSELERATOR, Omicron test equipment).
• Experience with power system analysis tools (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E, CYME) for protection studies.
• Understanding of SCADA systems and their integration with protection equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and report‑writing abilities.
• Familiarity with South African grid codes and relevant standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a distributed team, possibly requiring occasional site visits to Richards Bay or other project locations in KwaZulu‑Natal.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and a generous provident fund contribution. This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth, including advanced training and certifications. The flexibility to work remotely or in a hybrid model provides excellent work‑life balance. Join a respected organization at the heart of South Africa's energy infrastructure and contribute to a secure power future, with a focus on the KwaZulu‑Natal region.