Substation Design Engineer – Primary Plant

About the role

WSP’s Power & Energy team in Africa is expanding and seeks Substation Design Engineers (Primary Plant) to work on transmission, distribution and renewable‑energy grid‑connection projects across the continent and internationally.

Key responsibilities

• Develop substation layouts, single‑line diagrams, sections, equipment arrangements, earthing, lighting and lightning‑protection designs.
• Perform design calculations and studies covering clearances, busbars, equipment ratings, insulation coordination and earthing.
• Prepare specifications, reports, schedules, bills of quantities and tender documentation.
• Review supplier and contractor designs and provide support during construction, testing and commissioning.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary and global teams on utility, IPP, solar PV, wind and BESS projects.

Required profile

• BSc, BEng or BTech in Electrical Engineering or equivalent recognised qualification.
• Relevant experience in substation primary plant design.
• ECSA Professional or Candidate registration appropriate to career level.
• Knowledge of IEC, IEEE, SANS, NRS, Eskom or comparable utility standards.
• Experience in transmission, distribution, grid connection or utility‑scale renewable‑energy projects.

Required skills

• Substation primary plant design
• LV/MV/HV/EHV systems up to 765 kV
• Single‑line diagram creation
• Earthing design
• Lightning protection design
• Design calculations (clearances, busbars, equipment ratings, insulation coordination)
• IEC standards
• IEEE standards
• SANS standards
• NRS standards
• Eskom standards

What we offer

• Opportunity to work on diverse power and renewable‑energy projects across Africa and internationally.
• Career development alongside experienced specialists.