Principal Substation Design Engineer : Protection, Control and Telecommunications

Job title : Principal Substation Design Engineer : Protection, Control and Telecommunications

Job Location : Gauteng, Johannesburg

Deadline : April 21, 2025

Key Responsibilities

• Depending on the project brief the candidate shall be able to review and approve or prepare detailed or functional designs, specifications, bills of quantity and tender documents for substation protection and control systems to internationally accepted standards for clients in Southern Africa and internationally.
• Selection and configuration of protective relays and other protection and control equipment, such as selection of appropriately rated instrument transformers.
• Preparation of reports, relay settings calculation and coordination studies.
• Develop the protection and control philosophy of the electrical system and produce the associated protection schemes for power systems in transmission and distribution.
• Specify and detail the protection, metering, SCADA, automation, tele protection and telecommunication equipment and infrastructure, including the specification of reliable and secure communications for P&C systems using protocols such as IEC 61850.
• Review detailed designs of substation protection and control systems submitted by contractors against specifications.
• Attend meetings with project stakeholders and prepare minutes.
• Site audits and inputs to Project Scoping.
• Undertake fault investigations and perform post fault analysis.
• Provide project engineering support during the construction and commissioning phase of transmission and distribution projects, including responding to technical queries, factory inspection and witnessing the testing of substation equipment, review of routine and type test results and reports, and monitoring progress of construction on site.
• Preparation and review of project scope, methodology, schedules, and budget for proposals for consultancy services.
• Maintaining relationships with internal divisions, external contractors and clients.
• Keep up to date with all technical quality management procedures, developments and specifications related to the discipline work scope.

Health and Safety

• Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behavior consistent with the company’s health, safety, environmental and quality vision and policies by influencing those around you.
• Contributing to the identification of SHEQ risks and driving processes to achieve Zero Harm.
• Embracing, displaying, and promoting the company values and always ensuring a safe working environment.
• Awareness of key Health and Safety impacts on substation construction contracts.

Qualifications and Experience Required

• A Degree in Electrical Engineering from an internationally recognized institution.
• 15+ years’ engineering experience in the field of protection, control and telecommunications.
• Working towards Professional registration with an internationally recognized institution.
• Proficiency in DigSilent or ETAP.
• Proficiency with CAD design software or similar (MicroStation).
• Past experience with system studies can be an advantage.

Key Competencies and Generic Skills

• Fluent spoken and written English language.
• Ability to work as part of a dispersed and remote team and be able to communicate through collaboration software such as Microsoft Teams.
• Good technical report writing skills.
• Ability to manage time, quality and effort to deliver a quality product within time and cost constraints.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.