Associate Power Engineer

About Our Client

Our client is a longterm investor and operator within Africa’s power sector, with a diverse portfolio spanning gas, wind, solar PV, BESS (battery energy storage), and geothermal technologies.

The Associate Power Engineer will form part of the engineering team responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining sound engineering practices across operational assets, assets under construction, and new projects in development.

The role includes supporting plant engineering activities, performing grid code studies, developing simulation models, improving power plant control systems, participating in audits, supporting faultfinding investigations, and managing engineering projects from concept to execution.

Frequent travel to site will be required.

Education

• BSc Eng / B.Eng OR MTech in Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current)
• Valid driver’s licence (essential)

Job Experience & Skills Required

Experience & Knowledge

• Ideally 2 years’ experience in power system operations OR experience in consulting performing power system studies
• Understanding of LV, MV, and HV electrical systems (practical exposure advantageous)
• Experience with wind, solar PV, or battery storage plants (advantageous)
• Knowledge of RMS/EMT dynamic simulations and electrical protection systems
• Exposure to power system simulation tools (PowerFactory, PSCAD, StationWare advantageous)
• Ability to read and understand IEC/SANS technical standards
• Understanding of NERSA grid codes (advantageous)
• Ability to interpret schematics

Software Skills

• MS Word & Excel (strong proficiency)
• Exposure to MS Project & PowerPoint (advantageous)

Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication
• Excellent analytical and organisational skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities
• Self-starter who can operate independently
• Strong collaborative and teamwork mindset
• Attention to detail and structured approach to engineering tasks
• Ability to present to technical audiences and train colleagues

Key Responsibilities

Grid Code Compliance Support

• Assist in developing & maintaining PowerFactory / PSCAD models for wind, solar, and battery facilities
• Perform grid code studies and support grid code compliance activities
• Analyse power quality data and support power quality assessments
• Assist in improving electrical plant control systems

Plant Engineering Support

• Conduct studies to improve plant reliability and performance
• Support internal technical audits of systems and maintenance plans
• Provide coaching and training to technical teams
• Assist plant technicians with fault finding
• Support root cause analysis investigations
• Evaluate electrical components, systems, and applications
• Participate in ISO 55000related activities

Engineering Systems Development

• Administer StationWare configuration management
• Assist in developing engineering systems to support operational assets

Engineering Projects

• Manage engineering projects through conceptual, design, and operational phases
• Confirm component and system capabilities against project requirements
• Develop technical specifications and scope of work packages
• Conduct feasibility studies for new capital projects
• Assist in supplier/contractor evaluation
• Support project delivery within budget, schedule, and quality requirements

General

• Perform additional duties as required by the Power Engineer