SA - OT Principal Engineer - Cape Town - Mainstream Renewable Power Ltd.

Description

Summary of Role:

As an OT Principal Engineer, you will manage the Systems Section and ensure 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 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).

Key Responsibilities:

• Systems Compliance:
  • Engage with OEMs to determine specifications of plant.
  • Approve technical content of any changes made by OEMs.
  • 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.
  • Facilitate integration of communication and control systems.
  • Download, analyse and process all metering and supply quality data.
  • Prepare Signal List Testing documentation for RETEC submission.
  • Liaise with RETEC and the NSP with respect to statutory evaluations.
  • Manage the technical requirements of the Data Analytics Centre.
  • Ensure the facilities have the latest Cyber Security firmware and software.
  • Evaluate 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.
  • Ensure the facility remains compliant with any changes in the Grid Codes.
  • Analyse the installed equipment to ensure it stays aligned with modern technologies and implement changes where necessary.
  • Support the Construction Team on Utility interactions.
  • Support the Construction Team with grid connection and energisation.
  • Assist with the regular review of contracts and service agreements.
  • Audit all Handover documentation.
  • Assist the department with NERSA audits.
• Investigations:
  • Facilitate investigations into causes of non-compliance.
  • Determine and implement applicable mitigation strategies.
  • Develop strategies to mitigate recurring problems and enhance safety.
  • Compile reports and training material if required.
  • Compile discipline-specific technical instructions and bulletins for field implementation to mitigate risks of developed technologies.
  • Mentor the development of solutions to solve problems.
  • Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with safety and specification standards.
• 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.
  • Perform regular Communication and Grid Code Compliance audits.
  • Ensure that the Metering data is available, accurate and downloaded monthly for billing and reporting purposes.
  • Automate reporting from the Data Analysis Centre Software.
  • Custodian of Data Historian (Archives).
• Technical Leadership:
  • Assume a functional leading role on applicable technologies for all facilities.
  • Assume a key role in all statutory technical data submissions with external stakeholders (Eskom / Nersa / IPPO etc).
  • Develop the technical competency of external consulting engineers and operators on site.
  • Identify skills and training requirements and gaps based on existing and emerging technology developments.
  • Assess applicable technical training material for suitability for use.
  • Transfer skills and mentor new staff.

Requirements:

• A degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 5 Years of 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 RTUs (Modbus, SQL, DNP3 / IEC 61850 etc).
• 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.
• Extensive use of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows.
• Fluent in the English language (written and spoken).

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

• Understanding of wind turbine/solar PV technologies.
• Knowledge of wind farm/solar farm design.
• Knowledge of the national HSE and Electrical Standards of South Africa.
• Knowledge of Utility Connections and protection.
• Knowledge of other applicable Grid Codes (Operating and Metering Codes).
• Knowledge of engineering software (AutoCAD, GIS, programming).

What we offer:

We offer you the opportunity to work in a dynamic and entrepreneurial organisation, to be part of a diverse workplace with regards to gender, age and cultural background in the most exciting industry in the world today. You will receive a very competitive total benefits package including an excellent base salary and bonus scheme.

Career development:

• Excellent training (an average 54 hours a year).
• Career progression.
• Self-paced online learning portal for micro courses across a range of functional and interpersonal skills.

Shared financial success:

• A competitive, industry benchmarked and cost-of-living linked salary, reviewed annually.
• Performance bonus.
• Salary contribution to your pension fund and private medical cover.

Work/life balance:

• WFH in a hybrid working arrangement.
• Generous annual leave, plus a community or charity work day each year.
• Paid maternity, parental, adoptive and bereavement leave.
• Parental transitional coaching.

True diversity & inclusion:

• Equal opportunity targets.
• GWEC Women in Wind and Mainstream Women in Renewables programmes.
• You can be you, whatever your gender, colour or sexual orientation.

Care for health & wellbeing:

• Life cover.
• Free Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.