Senior Substation Design Engineer

WSP is one of the most diverse consulting firms globally and within Africa. To further our strategic business expansion plan, we are seeking new employees who are loyal, committed, competent, and proud to work for us. We are committed to achieving and maintaining diversity and equity in employment.

Key Role

WSP South Africa is looking for candidates holding BSc or BEng in Electrical Engineering or similar. Primarily functioning as a substation secondary plant design engineer for transmission and distribution projects. The candidate should have experience with leading teams of engineers involved in the preliminary, conceptual, detailed design and construction support of substations with PTMC systems and design, voltages ranging from 400 V LV (AC/DC) to 500kV AC.  Experience with 765 kV AC or DC would be beneficial.  The role will involve technical delivery and project management within a team but also working individually on various projects.

Essential:

• A Degree in Electrical Engineering or similar from an internationally recognized institution. 

• Minimum 15 years’ engineering experience in protection and communication design for power network projects. 

• Professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) or an internationally recognized institution.

Desirable:

• Strong understanding of protection schemes, C&I, SCADA, and substation automation systems.

• Proficiency with design tools such as EPLAN, DigSilent, AutoCAD, PowerFactory, ETAP, PSSE, or similar. 

• Experience in renewable engineering grid projects.

• Familiarity with Eskom standards and Grid code requirements.

• Experience working with utilities, EPCs or engineering consultancies.

• Knowledge of protection relays (e.g., Siemens, ABB, GE, and SEL).

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.

• Must have strong organizational skills and willing to go the extra mile to ensure deliverables are submitted on time

• Must be able to work independently and accurately with minimal supervision

Additional Information

What's in it for you?

What if we can have work-life balance? What if we can be rewarded in ways that support our individual needs? What if we can be accepted for who we are? Here at WSP – we can! WSP recognizes that work is only one part of our lives and making time for the other things in our life is important – be that our families, our friends or ourselves. So, if working from home, working part-time or having flexible start and finish time will help with this let us know as part of your application. As well as rewarding you with competitive pay, WSP offers standard benefits including first class medical cover, generous days annual leave, and paid professional subscriptions. Be you, be happy - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects and maximizes the contribution individuals can bring to WSP. We recognize the benefits that people with varying backgrounds and experiences can bring. Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

• Depending on the project brief, the candidate shall be able to prepare or review conceptual or functional designs, specifications, bills of quantity and tender documents for substation projects (11kV to 500kV) to internationally accepted standards for clients in Southern Africa and internationally.   

• Preparation of detailed protection and communication design packages for any configuration of substation and power network.

• Prepare protection schemes, relay setting philosophy, communication architecture which shall include schematics, single-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, protection and control drawings, interface diagrams, etc.   

• Perform fault studies, relay settings calculations, and coordination reports for transmission and distribution systems. 

• Design and configure protection, automation, and SCADA systems.

• Where the detailed engineering and designs are undertaken by Contractors, review the submitted designs against specifications. 

• Ensure compliance with industry standards such as IEC, IEEE, NRS, SANS and Eskom (or similar) standards. 

• Attend meetings with project stakeholders and prepare minutes. 

• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation and project reports. 

• Provide project engineering support during the construction and commissioning phase of transmission and distribution projects.

• Participate in design reviews, HAZOPs, FATs, SATs, and site commissioning support. 

• Respond 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 budgets for proposals for consultancy services. 

• Maintaining relationships with internal divisions, external contractors, construction teams and clients. 

• Provide technical input for tenders, proposals, and project planning. 

• Keep up to date with all technical quality management procedures, developments & specifications related to the discipline work scope.

• Familiarity with Eskom's (or similar) design standards and best practices for substations. 

• Adhering to all safety regulations and procedures related to electrical work and site safety. 

• Mentor junior engineers.

• Strong client relationship and team culture.

• International and local travel when required.

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 ensuring a safe working environment is always maintained.

• Awareness of key Health and Safety impacts on substation construction contracts.