Lead Substation Design Engineer – South Africa (Ideal Opportunity for South Africans Abroad
- Permanent position available with a considerable portfolio of works for the next 5+ years
- To build your career by assisting in the delivery of ‘leading edge’ engineering projects.
- To work with a vibrant, agile and multi-functional team in delivering projects on time, safely, to budget and to the required quality standards.
- To benefit from Kirby’s Career Development Programmes that will enhance your leadership capability.
- To work with the best.
- Excellent package on offer with room for negotiations
About Kirby Group Engineering
Kirby Group Engineering is an international multi-disciplinary engineering services contractor and leading provider of high-value engineering services to a number of ‘blue chip’ companies. Operating across Ireland, the UK and Europe, Kirby has become the engineering service provider of choice in growth segments such as pharmaceuticals, data centres and power transmission and distribution. Our culture is innovative, collaborative and performance focused. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow and develop in a company committed to developing talent and rewarding performance.
Are you a South African Engineer working abroad? Come home and Lead a team of likeminded Substation Design Engineers on projects in Europe.
We’re hiring a Lead Substation Design Engineer to join a Kirby Group Engineering in South Africa. This is your chance to bring your international engineering expertise home and lead the design of critical high-voltage substation infrastructure that powers millions in Europe.
Whether you’re in the UK, UAE, Australia, Canada, or elsewhere — ideal for South Africans working abroad with demonstrated HV Substation electrical engineer experience and ready to return, this role is tailor-made for you.
About the position – Lead Substation Design Engineer (South Africa)
As the Lead Substation Design Engineer, you’ll spearhead the conceptual and detailed design of high-voltage substations (HV/MV), ensuring technical excellence, compliance with international standards, and mentorship of a growing team of local engineers.
- Lead end-to-end design of substation projects (11kv-400kv) including protection and control systems.
- Drive design review processes, quality control, and technical documentation
- Collaborate with clients, utilities, and OEMs across Ireland & the UK
- Implement modern digital design tools and engineering standards (IEC, IEEE standards)
- Coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams on EPC or turnkey projects
- Support the professional development of junior engineers
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, clients, and contractors
Necessary requirement of the Lead Substation Design Engineer:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering / Electrical Power Engineering or equivalent.
- 8+ years in substation design (from 11kV to 400kV)
- Proven leadership or mentorship experience
- Strong familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, Bentley Substation, or similar
- Experience working with utilities, EPCs, or large infrastructure firms within Ireland, United Kingdom or Europe
- South African citizen or permanent resident currently working abroad, interested in returning home
This opportunity is designed to support the return of local talent as part of our localization strategy, in line with South Africa’s Employment Equity Act. All qualified candidates are welcome to apply
For more information on this Lead Substation Design Engineer/ Lead HV Electrical Engineer position or other Lead Substation Design Engineer / Lead HV Electrical Engineer opportunities based in South Africa, Ireland the UK or Europe contact the Talent Acquisition Team in Kirby Group confidentially on +353 (0)1 454 0411 or apply in confidence.