Substation Design Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Substation Design Engineer for our Mossel Bay team in the Western Cape. The role focuses on the design and development of high‑voltage substations for power transmission and distribution projects, with emphasis on protection and control systems and compliant engineering drawings.

You will collaborate with project teams and clients, perform critical calculations, and ensure designs meet SANS, IEC, and IEEE standards. Travel within the Western Cape is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in substation design engineering.
• Proficiency with high-voltage substation components and systems.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical layouts, single-line diagrams, and schematics for HV substations (up to 400kV).
• Select and specify transformers, switchgear, busbars, and switchgear.
• Develop protection and control system designs including relay settings and logic.
• Carry out load flow, short-circuit, grounding, and lighting protection calculations.
• Produce detailed drawings, technical specs, and BOMs.
• Coordinate with civil, structural, and mechanical disciplines.
• Support procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Perform site surveys in Mossel Bay and surrounding areas.
• Review vendor drawings and submittals for quality and compliance.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Substation design

CAD software

Protection & control

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

MicroStation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the energy sector , is seeking a skilled Substation Design Engineer to join their dedicated team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, ZA . This role is pivotal in the design and development of high-voltage substations for power transmission and distribution projects. You will be responsible for producing detailed engineering designs, schematics, and specifications, ensuring compliance with national and international standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in electrical engineering, particularly in substation components, protection, and control systems. This is a hands‑on role requiring close collaboration with project teams, construction personnel, and clients. If you are passionate about power infrastructure and possess meticulous attention to detail, this opportunity in Mossel Bay is ideal for you. We are committed to developing the energy infrastructure of the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical layouts, single-line diagrams, and schematics for high-voltage substations (up to 400kV).
• Select and specify substation equipment, including transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, and busbars.
• Develop protection and control system designs, including relay settings and logic diagrams.
• Perform engineering calculations for load flow, short circuits, grounding, and lightning protection.
• Prepare detailed engineering drawings, technical specifications, and bill of materials.
• Coordinate designs with other disciplines, such as civil, structural, and mechanical engineering.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., SANS, IEC, IEEE) and project specifications.
• Provide technical support during the procurement, construction, and commissioning phases of substation projects.
• Conduct site surveys and inspections to gather necessary information and verify design elements in Mossel Bay and surrounding areas.
• Review and approve vendor drawings and submittals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in substation design engineering.
• Proven experience with high-voltage substation components and systems.
• Proficiency in using CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, MicroStation) for electrical design.
• Experience with substation simulation or analysis software is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of power system protection principles and control system applications.
• Knowledge of relevant South African and international electrical standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly preferred.
• Must be willing to travel as required for project needs within the Western Cape region.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid, a provident fund, and opportunities for professional development.

This role offers the chance to work on significant infrastructure projects within the energy sector , contributing directly to the reliability and expansion of the power grid. The role is based in our well‑equipped offices in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, ZA . We offer a stable work environment and opportunities for career advancement. Join a team of dedicated professionals shaping the future of energy infrastructure.