Substation Design Engineer - Transmission & Distribution

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Team environment

Major infrastructure projects

Regional development exposure

Safe workplace

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa's North West region (Mahikeng) is seeking a Substation Design Engineer to join our team. You will design high‑voltage substations, produce electrical layouts, single-line diagrams, and schematics, and specify transformers, switchgear and protection relays to meet client requirements.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with 5+ years of substation design experience, is proficient in AutoCAD, and can collaborate with protection,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering is required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in electrical substation design.
• Proficiency with CAD software and familiarity with relevant standards (SANS/IEC/IEEE).

Responsibilities

• Design high-voltage substations with electrical layouts, single-line diagrams, and schematics.
• Specify transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, and protection relays.
• Develop structural and civil design requirements for foundations, control buildings, and site layouts.
• Ensure designs comply with national and international electrical codes and standards.
• Prepare BOQ and technical specifications for procurement.
• Coordinate with protection, automation, and civil disciplines.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Substation design

AutoCAD

Power systems

Protection relays

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading engineering firm serving the Energy sector, is seeking a talented Substation Design Engineer to join their team in Mahikeng, North West. This role is integral to the design and development of high-voltage substations, essential components of the electricity transmission and distribution network. You will be responsible for creating detailed designs, specifications, and drawings for electrical, structural, and civil aspects of substations, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client requirements. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in electrical engineering with specific experience in substation design and a keen eye for detail. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the reliability and modernization of power infrastructure in the region. The role requires on-site presence, hence the is_remote value is 'No', to facilitate collaboration with site teams and ensure accurate project execution. We are committed to delivering exceptional engineering solutions and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design high-voltage substations, including electrical layouts, single-line diagrams, and schematics.
• Specify power transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, and protection relays.
• Develop structural and civil design requirements for foundations, control buildings, and site layouts.
• Ensure designs comply with national and international electrical codes and standards.
• Prepare Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and technical specifications for procurement.
• Coordinate with other engineering disciplines (e.g., protection, automation, civil).
• Review contractor submittals and respond to technical queries during construction.
• Conduct site visits for design verification and to support construction activities.
• Contribute to project planning, feasibility studies, and cost estimations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the design of electrical substations (up to 132kV or higher).
• Proven experience with substation components such as transformers, switchgear, and protective relays.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD) for electrical drawings.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards (e.g., SANS, IEC, IEEE).
• Strong understanding of power system principles and electrical engineering fundamentals.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for effective teamwork.
• Ability to work effectively in a project-driven environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the Energy sector
• Supportive team environment
• Chance to work on significant infrastructure projects
• Exposure to regional development initiatives
• Safe and inclusive workplace where innovation and technical excellence are rewarded

Join us and contribute to the backbone of the nation's energy supply.