Substation Primary Plant Engineer

About the role

Zutari is seeking a Substation Primary Plant Engineer to join its Transmission and Distribution Energy Unit. The role involves designing, analysing and commissioning primary plant for substations ranging from 11 kV to over 400 kV across utility and renewable‑energy projects in Africa.

Key responsibilities

• Develop single‑line diagrams, general arrangement drawings, sections, earthing, lighting, lightning, CCTV, trench and conduit layouts for 11 kV‑500 kV substations.
• Perform earthing design in CDEGS (soil modelling in RESAP, detailed analysis in MALZ/HIFREQ).
• Design lighting systems using Relux or Dialux and create 3‑D CAD models for import.
• Execute lightning protection design in CDEGS and SES Shield based on international standards.
• Carry out EMF, corona, noise, RFI, and short‑circuit force calculations in CDEGS and Mathcad.
• Design underground cables up to 500 kV in CDEGS and CYMCAP, including cyclic loading analysis.
• Compile bills of materials, engineering reports, technical specifications and equipment schedules.
• Interpret standards and implement calculation formulas in Excel.

Required profile

• Degree or technologist qualification in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience in primary plant design and commissioning for transmission/distribution projects.
• Familiarity with substation equipment, structures, busbars, cables and conductors up to 500 kV.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and build client relationships.

Required skills

• CDEGS (earthing, EMF, corona, noise, RFI, cable design)
• RESAP, MALZ, HIFREQ
• Relux, Dialux
• CAD (3‑D modelling)
• SES Shield
• Mathcad
• CYMCAP
• Microsoft Excel (advanced formulas)
• Substation primary plant design, earthing, lighting, lightning protection, underground cable design