Electrical Systems Engineer

Job Description

As Electrical Systems Engineer you will report to the Technical and Project Engineer Manager and will be accountable to assist him with the optimal functionality and availability of all Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (Scada) and communications related aspects pertaining to the safe and efficient operation of all the Renewable Energy facilities as per the Renewable Energy Grid Code (SAREGC V3.0) and related codes, and the operational parameters as specified in the Distribution Customer Use Of System Agreement. (DCUOSA). This role will own the electrical systems integrity of the operating portfolio, spanning asset-level fault diagnosis, maintenance strategy, and HV/MV oversight through to control systems, SCADA, protection schemes, and integration of new technologies. You will also provide engineering support during the design, pre-construction, construction, and energisation phases of Mainstream Renewable Energy, REIPPPP and Bi-lateral project portfolio.

What you will do

• Systems Compliance
  • Engage with OEM's to determine specifications of plant.
  • Approve technical content of any changes made by OEM's.
  • Develop and document SCADA and RTU programs.
  • Manage and programme all on-site HMI's.
  • Integrate and manage all wired and wireless Ethernet and Serial data networks.
  • Facilitates integration of communication and control systems.
  • Download, analyse and process all metering and supply quality data.
  • Liaise with RETEC and the NSP with respect to statutory evaluations.
  • Assist with the management of the Data Analytics Centre.
  • Ensure the facilities have the latest Cyber Security firmware and software.
  • Evaluating new products for application and integration based on parameters such as functionality, integrity and performance.
  • Perform regular tests and assessments to ensure that the equipment operates as per design.
  • Conduct research and development to improve existing systems and develop new technologies.
  • Ensure the facility remains compliant to any changes in the Grid Codes.
  • Analyse the installed equipment to ensure it stays aligned with modern technologies and implement changes where necessary.
  • Supporting the Construction Team on Utility interactions
  • Support the Construction Team with grid connection and energisation.
  • Audit all Handover documentation.
  • Assist the department with NERSA audits.
• Investigations
  • Contribute in investigations into causes of non-compliance.
  • Perform failure analysis and troubleshoot issues with electrical systems.
  • Prepare technical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Determining and implementing applicable mitigation strategies.
  • Compilation of reports and training material if required.
  • Compiling discipline-specific technical instructions and bulletins for field implementation to mitigate risks of developed technologies.
  • Monitoring the development of solutions to solve problems.
• Performance and Data
  • Programme the Data Analytics Centre HMI to reflect the facility status accurately.
  • Monitor system performance as per the required standards.
  • Make recommendations and implement changes to enhance performance monitoring.
  • Investigate causes of poor performance and recommend an improvement strategy.
  • Ensure that regular monitoring and reporting is carried out in line with the applicable Agreements and Grid Codes.
  • Ensure all data systems are functional and backed up.
  • Ensure that the Metering data is available, accurate and downloaded monthly for billing purposes.
  • Automate reporting from the Data Analysis Centre Software.
  • Custodian of Data Historian. (Archives.) Prepare Signal List Testing documentation for RETEC submission.
• Conceptual design for renewable energy power plants, including utility interfaces
• Preparation of technical specifications & referencing to the company's engineering requirements on a regular basis (regular contracts review).
• Design review.
• Quality monitoring and regular review during the construction phase, updating of the quality comments database (Microsoft Excel).
• Supporting the Operations Team on Utility interactions
• Provide technical support and guidance to production and maintenance teams.
• Support the Grid Team with grid connection, energisation, and Matrix / Handover documentation.
• Assist the Construction team on engineering issues and partake in construction team meetings and events, as required
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Technical meetings during the various phases of the projects assisting in development, procurement, construction, and operations.
• Interfacing the Mainstream Partners and other stake holders on technical matters
• Interfacing with and managing external consultants
• Producing technical reports for management
• Ensuring engineering activities are carried out to the highest quality standards.
• Site inspections and site meetings on a regular basis & reporting back to the Engineering team.
• Interaction with Eskom or other utilities during various stages of the projects.

What we require

• A degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 5-Years relevant experience in either Engineering IT Systems, SCADA, Network Design, Network Operations or other related Utility experience.
• Good knowledge of the Renewable Energy and related Grid Codes.
• Good knowledge of Metering systems, installation and data evaluation.
• Good knowledge of the operation of RTU's. (Modbus, SQL, DNP3 / IEC 61850 etc)
• Experience with computer-aided design tools and advanced simulation software.
• Be flexible in terms of working and travel arrangements.
• Regular national travel and international travel will be required as part of the job (driving licence Code B essential, no criminal record or past infringements, no previous Visa rejections).
• Have excellent communication, writing and people skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Be comfortable to both host and partake in technical Engineering meetings and to give presentations to the rest of the company.
• Extensive use of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows.
• Fluent in the English language (written and spoken).

Preference will be given to Candidates that have the following Experience:

• SCADA, Engineering IT and Communications systems.
• Understanding of wind turbine/solar PV technologies
• Knowledge of wind farm/solar farm design.
• Knowledge of industry standards, the national HSE and Electrical Standards of South Africa.
• Knowledge of Utility Connections and protection.
• Knowledge of applicable Grid Codes.
• Knowledge of engineering software (AutoCAD, GIS, dynamic simulation software).