Senior Substation Engineer - Grid Infrastructure

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Substation Engineer to strengthen its client’s grid infrastructure development team in Benoni, Gauteng. The role focuses on design, implementation, and maintenance of high-voltage substations essential for power transmission.

You will lead complex projects, ensure safety and technical standards compliance, and collaborate with field teams to enhance reliability of the national grid.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering is required.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in substation engineering including design, project management and site supervision.
• Demonstrated expertise in high-voltage AC substation design principles and practices.
• Proficiency with substation design software and simulation tools (CDEGS, ETAP, PSS/E) and knowledge of protection relays, SCADA.
• Excellent project management, leadership and communication skills; ability to work under pressure.
• Experience with Gauteng region projects or similar utility infrastructure environments.
• Willingness to be based in Benoni and travel to project sites as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and engineering of high-voltage substations, including layout, equipment selection and protection schemes.
• Develop technical specifications for substation equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, isolators and busbars.
• Oversee substation construction, installation and commissioning activities.
• Perform detailed engineering calculations, including load flow, short-circuit analysis and grounding studies.
• Ensure compliance with national and international standards (SANS, IEC, IEEE).
• Manage project timelines, budgets and resources.
• Conduct site inspections and provide technical support to construction and maintenance teams.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to substation operations.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation and project proposals.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders including utility companies and regulatory bodies.
• Mentor junior substation engineers and provide technical guidance.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

HV Substation Design

Project Management

Leadership

Communication

SCADA Knowledge

Protection Relays

CDEGS

ETAP

PSS/E

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CDEGS

ETAP

PSS/E

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant entity in the Energy sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Substation Engineer to enhance their grid infrastructure development team in Benoni, Gauteng . This role is crucial for the design, implementation, and maintenance of high-voltage substations that are vital for power transmission and distribution. You will lead complex engineering projects, ensure compliance with stringent safety and technical standards, and contribute to the reliability of the national power grid. The position requires a dedicated professional to be based on-site in Benoni , collaborating closely with project teams and field personnel. This is an exceptional opportunity to take on challenging responsibilities within a critical infrastructure domain of the Energy industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of high-voltage substations, including layout, equipment selection, and protection schemes.
• Develop technical specifications for substation equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, isolators, and busbars.
• Oversee substation construction, installation, and commissioning activities.
• Perform detailed engineering calculations, including load flow, short-circuit analysis, and grounding studies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international standards (e.g., SANS, IEC, IEEE).
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Conduct site inspections and provide technical support to construction and maintenance teams.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to substation operations.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and project proposals.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders, including utility companies and regulatory bodies.
• Mentor junior substation engineers and provide technical guidance.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in substation engineering, encompassing design, project management, and site supervision.
• Demonstrated expertise in high-voltage AC substation design principles and practices.
• Proficiency in substation design software and simulation tools (e.g., CDEGS, ETAP, PSS/E).
• Strong understanding of protection relays, control systems, and SCADA applications.
• Excellent project management, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage complex technical challenges.
• Experience with projects in the Gauteng region or similar utility infrastructure environments.
• Willingness to be based in Benoni and travel to various project sites as needed.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits program including medical aid, retirement fund, and opportunities for continuous professional development and specialized training.
• This role provides a significant platform for career advancement within the essential Energy sector, contributing directly to the stability and growth of power infrastructure in Benoni, Gauteng .