Senior Power Systems Protection Engineer

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career progression

Continuous learning

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Power Systems Protection Engineer for our client in Randburg, Gauteng. You will design, implement, and maintain protection schemes for critical transmission/substation facilities and power generation sites.

You will lead relay setting studies, fault analysis, and power system studies, collaborating with engineering, operations, and asset management. Mentoring junior engineers and staying abreast of protection tech are key parts of the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in power system protection engineering.
• Pr. Eng. registration with ECSA is desirable.
• Experience with protective relaying equipment (GE, SEL, ABB).
• Experience with PSS/E, ETAP, or DigSILENT PowerFactory.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain protection schemes for transmission and distribution substations and power generation facilities.
• Develop and calibrate protective relay settings based on system studies and operational requirements.
• Perform fault analysis and post-disturbance investigations to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, and stability analyses, to assess protection requirements.
• Develop and review technical specifications for protection equipment and systems.
• Ensure compliance with national and international standards for power system protection (e.g., IEEE, IEC).
• Collaborate with engineering teams, field operations, and asset management to ensure coordinated protection strategies.
• Mentor and guide junior protection engineers.
• Stay current with advancements in protection technology, digital relays, and communication protocols.

Skills

Power system protection engineering

Relay settings

Fault analysis

Substation design

SCADA protocols

Communication skills

Mentoring junior engineers

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PSS/E

ETAP

DigSILENT PowerFactory

GE

SEL

ABB

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major utility company responsible for managing critical power infrastructure, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Power Systems Protection Engineer to join their team in Randburg, Gauteng . This role is fundamental to ensuring the safety, reliability, and stability of the electrical grid through the design, implementation, and maintenance of sophisticated protection schemes. You will lead complex projects, analyze system disturbances, and develop strategies to safeguard the power network against faults and other abnormal conditions. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in power system protection principles, relay settings, and relevant industry standards. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the energy supply in Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain protection schemes for transmission and distribution substations and power generation facilities.
• Develop and calibrate protective relay settings based on system studies and operational requirements.
• Perform fault analysis and post-disturbance investigations to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, and stability analyses, to assess protection requirements.
• Develop and review technical specifications for protection equipment and systems.
• Ensure compliance with national and international standards for power system protection (e.g., IEEE, IEC).
• Collaborate with engineering teams, field operations, and asset management to ensure coordinated protection strategies.
• Mentor and guide junior protection engineers.
• Stay current with advancements in protection technology, digital relays, and communication protocols.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in Power Systems. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in power system protection engineering, preferably within a utility environment.
• In-depth knowledge of protective relaying principles, equipment (e.g., GE, SEL, ABB), and application.
• Proven experience in conducting power system studies using software like PSS/E, ETAP, or DigSILENT PowerFactory.
• Strong understanding of substation design, operation, and maintenance practices.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and communication protocols (e.g., DNP3, IEC 61850).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information effectively.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, reflecting the seniority and critical nature of this role.
• You will be part of a stable and respected organization with a strong commitment to employee development and career progression.
• The position is based in Randburg, Gauteng , offering a stable work environment.
• We provide opportunities for continuous learning and engagement with cutting-edge power system technologies.
• Join a team dedicated to maintaining the integrity and reliability of the electrical grid.