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.

WSP South Africa is looking for candidates holding BSc or BEng in Electrical Engineering or similar. Primarily functioning as a Senior Substation 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 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.

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 engineering drawings for any configuration of substation and producing working drawings for construction – drawings shall include SLDs, general arrangements, bay layouts, earthing layouts, busbar arrangements (tubular and strung), lighting layouts, lighting protection drawings, etc.

Perform engineering calculations and analysis, including load flow, short circuit, and protection co‑ordination studies – examples include modelling of earth mats using proprietary software such as CDEGS.

Selection of appropriate substation equipment, such as transformers, instrument transformers and circuit breakers.

Preparation of design reports, calculations, and drawings to stakeholder requirements, which are pre‑requisite requirements for the basis of the design.

Preparation of detailed substation and associated equipment specifications including equipment technical data sheets and bills of materials.

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, 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, 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 budgets 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 & 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.

Strong client relationship and team culture.

International and local travel when required.

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.

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

6+ years’ engineering experience in the field of Distribution and Transmission substation design.

Professional registration…