Senior Engineer - Substation Design bei Allied Talent Partners
Allied Talent Partners · Johannesburg, Südafrika · Hybrid
- Senior
- Optionales Büro in Johannesburg
Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.
High-Level Overview
Client:
Our client is a multinational technical consultancy in the renewable energy sector with more than 22 years of experience, and a track record of over 100GW renewable energy projects delivered across 40+ countries. With a team of 180+ highly skilled engineers and experts, and offices in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, the company has established a reputation for leadership in renewable energy consulting and technical delivery.
Project:
To support continued expansion, the client is recruiting a Senior Engineer – Substation Design for its operations in South Africa. The role will focus on the detailed design and engineering of AIS and GIS substations (up to 420 kV), solar plant integration, and MV/HV system design, while overseeing end-to-end project coordination. This position is critical to integrating renewable energy projects into South Africa’s grid infrastructure and contributing directly to the country’s energy transition. It requires strong technical expertise in electrical design, system studies, and equipment sizing, combined with excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
Role and Responsibilities
Role: Senior Engineer – Substation Design
Direct Report: Manager
Candidates Required: 1
Key Deliverables:
Core Technical Design
Direct Report: Manager
Candidates Required: 1
Key Deliverables:
Core Technical Design
- Perform short-circuit and load flow studies (P&Q) using ETAP.
- Conduct earthing calculations (IEEE 80, IS 3043), lightning risk assessments, and lightning protection design.
- Carry out transmission line conductor sizing, short-circuit force calculations, and HV/LV power and control cable sizing.
- Develop detailed designs for solar plants, switchyards, MV/HV systems, and AIS/GIS substations (up to 420 kV).
- Prepare GA drawings, erection key drawings, clearance diagrams, BOQs, mimic diagrams, and interlocking logic diagrams.
- Size and select key substation components including transformers, CTs, and VTs (with knee-point voltage calculations), lightning arresters, disconnectors, battery chargers, and control/relay panels; prepare detailed BOQs, relay panel schematics, mimic diagrams, and interlocking logic diagrams; ensure SAS architecture is aligned with utility guidelines.
- Interpret and prepare schematics for MV panels, control panels, and SAS architecture.
Project Delivery Support
- Perform pre-dispatch inspections and pre-commissioning tests for substation and solar plant equipment.
- Support commissioning and testing of control and relay panels.
- Provide site-based technical oversight to ensure alignment with design and specifications.
- Lead internal and external project coordination from initiation through completion.
- Prepare complete technical specifications and RFP documents.
- Ensure compliance with international standards (IEC, IEEE, ANSI, SEC, IS) as well as South African/Eskom grid codes and utility guidelines.
- Work closely with India-based project managers during the initial months for delivery alignment
Knowledge, Tools & Compliance
- Apply AutoCAD, MS Office, ETAP, PVsyst, SketchUp, and Dialux in project delivery.
- Prepare design memoranda, checklists, technical reports, and presentation materials.
- Support knowledge transfer and contribute to technical blogs.
- Ensure compliance with the Integrated Management System (IMS).
Requirements
Experience Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BE/B.Tech).
- 7+ years of experience in substation design and engineering, preferably from consultancy or EPC backgrounds.
- Candidates should have demonstrable experience working on large-scale renewable projects, ideally contributing to portfolios totalling at least 1 GW.
- Demonstrated expertise in utility-scale solar PV and switchyard projects.
- Strong understanding of AIS/GIS substation engineering, equipment sizing, and system studies
Technical Requirements:
- Proficiency in substation design standards and codes (IEC, IEEE, ANSI, SEC, IS).
- Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD and MS Office; exposure to ETAP, PVsyst, SketchUp, and Dialux is an advantage.
- Ability to interpret and prepare control schematics, protection schemes, and interlocking logic diagrams.
Other Skills:
- Excellent communication, presentation and coordination skills for multi-stakeholder engagement.
- Strong technical report writing and presentation skills.
- Ability to lead and take accountability for project deliverables.
Additional Requirement
- Familiarity with South African/Eskom utility standards and regulatory frameworks.
- Cross-country or multicultural project experience in Africa.
- Involvement in business development or technical proposal preparation.
- Willigness to travel and stay as required for projects in South Africa and abroad.
- Commitment to comply with organisational health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards.
Working Arrangement
Location: South Africa – Johannesburg or Cape Town, to be confirmed with initial remote work. Relocation support may be considered for exceptional candidates if office location differs
Location: South Africa – Johannesburg or Cape Town, to be confirmed with initial remote work. Relocation support may be considered for exceptional candidates if office location differs
Travel: Travel as needed for projects within South Africa
Terms of agreement:
Start Date: September 2025
Contracting Period: 12 months, potential pathway to permanent employment
Terms of agreement:
Start Date: September 2025
Contracting Period: 12 months, potential pathway to permanent employment
