Electrical Engineer - HV and MV Operations

Teraco Data Environments

2024/12/17 Gauteng

Job Reference Number: EEHVMVO

Department: Infrastructure Management

Industry: Information Technology

Job Type: Permanent

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

The Electrical Engineer – HV and MV Operations will serve as the primary interface between the local electricity utility provider (Municipality/Eskom) and Teraco's Data Centre Operations, Design, and Build teams.

Job Description

OBJECTIVES

The Electrical Engineer – HV and MV Operations will ensure optimum, efficient, and reliable performance, maintenance, and timely repair of Distribution Systems including Distribution Substations (132kV/33kV/11kV/6.6kV) feeding Teraco Transformer. This role requires an experienced electrical engineer with deep knowledge of utility operations, substations, high-voltage (HV) and medium-voltage (MV) systems, along with the diplomatic acumen to navigate municipal departments effectively. Utility supply to Teraco comes via 7 substations with a total scale of more than 400MVA.

Utility Liaison

MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

1. Act as the main point of contact between Teraco and the local electricity utility provider.
2. Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders within the local utility to implement strategies to streamline communication.
3. Proactively escalate and track progress on electrical supply failures, collaborating with Eskom and/or Municipal Energy Department teams to ensure timely resolution.
4. Regularly monitor and report on third-party performance.

1. Monitor and evaluate the performance of utility operated (Eskom/Municipality) Distribution Systems supplying power to Teraco data centres.
2. Provide technical oversight for the completion of outstanding substation projects, including switchgear upgrades, transformer installations, and GIS (Gas-Insulated Switchgear) maintenance.
3. Highlight and resolve utility-related challenges that impact Teraco's power availability and operational costs.
4. Identify areas of energy efficiency and reliability improvement for Utility Distribution Systems (e.g. HV/MV Lines, GISs, HV/MV switchgear, Transformers & batteries, protection) including innovative technologies and practices.
5. Perform regular equipment inspections to identify and address potential issues proactively to reduce impact on HV/MV transformers, switchgear, and associated components.
6. Oversee annual electrical maintenance shutdown to ensure time efficiency and appropriate level of maintenance at substation level.
7. Drive the transformation from reactive to preventative maintenance related to utility environments/infrastructure.
8. Support Municipal Energy Department to ensure all electrical systems are maintained in accordance with Municipal standards, International best practices, and OEM requirements.
9. Bridge the skills gap between Teraco and local electricity utility providers.
10. Serve as 3rd line escalation for complex technical escalations related to utility environments/infrastructure and collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve emergencies promptly to minimize impact.
11. Deep involvement in RCAs and tracking of correctives related to utility environments/infrastructure.
12. Co-ordinate own activities with Data Centre Operations.

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
2. High energy level.
3. Deep troubleshooting capability.
4. Ability to read and understand technical documents, processes, and procedures.
5. Good planning skills.
6. Proactive problem solver and quick response to potentially critical situations.
7. Ability to work independently & a positive team player.
8. Conducts oneself professionally, exhibits high levels of tolerance and patience.
9. Responsible for continued learning and self-development.
10. Comprehend, and follow work plans, sequence of operations, standard operating procedures, and process flow diagrams.
11. Coaching and mentoring of technical team members.
12. Advanced Microsoft Office skills.
13. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure during emergencies.
14. Knowledge of SCADA and how it works.

1. A relevant bachelor’s degree (e.g. Electrical Engineering).
2. Proficient knowledge of substation design, operation, and maintenance including switchgear, transformers, HV/MV, and GIS systems.
3. Relevant Electrical certifications or Government Certificate of Competency.
4. Registered with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
5. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in HV/MV systems in a power utility distribution company (e.g., Eskom or Municipal Energy Department).
6. Proven track record of engaging with Utility stakeholders to achieve infrastructure improvements.
7. Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills to navigate departmental dynamics and influence decision-making.
8. Own transport. Note: may include travel to various sites. Local via own transport.