Senior Substation Design Engineer

Location: Midrand | Contract Duration: Permanent | Industry: Engineering Consulting (Transmission & Distribution)

The Role 
Our client, a premier global consulting firm, is seeking a professionally registered Senior Substation Design Engineer to lead transmission and distribution projects across Southern Africa and internationally.

This role requires a high-calibre engineer capable of spearheading the preliminary, conceptual, and detailed design of substations ranging from 400 V LV up to 500kV AC. You will operate as a vital technical lead, balancing individual design delivery and project management with the mentoring of junior engineers and direct stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Engineering & Design Delivery: Prepare and review conceptual and detailed engineering drawings for all substation configurations, including Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), general arrangements, bay layouts, earthing layouts, busbar arrangements, and lightning protection drawings.
• Calculations & Technical Analysis: Perform load flow, short circuit, and protection co-ordination studies, including the modelling of earth mats using proprietary software like CDEGS.
• Specifications & Procurement: Select appropriate substation equipment (transformers, circuit breakers, instrument transformers) and compile comprehensive technical documentation, data sheets, bills of materials, and tender packs.
• Contractor Design Reviews: Act as the technical authority to review contractor-submitted designs against rigid client specifications and international benchmarks.
• Construction & Commissioning Support: Provide on-site engineering support during construction phases, address technical queries, conduct factory inspections, and witness equipment testing.
• Proposal & Financial Support: Prepare project scopes, execution methodologies, schedules, and budgets for incoming consultancy service proposals.

• Minimum of 6 years' dedicated engineering experience strictly within distribution and transmission substation design.
• Extensive experience leading design teams through the full life cycle of substations (400 V LV up to 500kV AC essential; experience with 765kV AC/DC is highly beneficial).
• Deep familiarity with Eskom design standards, best practices, and international codes (IEC, IEEE, SANS).
• Proficiency with CAD design software is required; experience with system studies, secondary plant design, and CDEGS modelling software is highly advantageous.
• Must possess a valid driver’s licence and own transport for occasional local and international site travel.

• Undergraduate Degree (BSc or BEng) in Electrical Engineering from an internationally recognised institution.
• Professional Registration (Pr.Eng) with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) or an equivalent internationally recognised professional body (non-negotiable).

• Market-related Cost to Company (CTC) package (commensurate with senior experience and ECSA registration).
• Permanent career path within a globally recognised engineering brand that actively prioritises diversity and professional equity.
• Expected Start Date: As soon as possible (notice periods will be fully respected).